House of the Dragon filming locations and where to find them

The second series of the hit fantasy series House of the Dragon debuted in the UK on Monday, with the Welsh landscape taking centre stage.

The Game of Thrones spin-off filmed in eight locations across north Wales last year.

The five-week shoot included valleys and quarries as a suitably ominous backdrop for the HBO show's fictional kingdom of Westeros.

“It was great to be shooting in Wales with its stunning scenery and landscapes, that bring to life our Westeros,” said the show's executive producer Kevin de la Noy.

“I had no hesitation in taking House of the Dragon there... and we were blessed with the most glorious weather too. Thank you, Wales!”

So where in Wales was House of the Dragon series two filmed?

Yr Eifl Quarry, also known as Trefor Quarry, in Gwynedd, originally closed in 1963.

The site later reopened in 1984.

Fans say the architecture is perfect for transporting viewers to Westeros - specifically, Dragonstone Castle.

The iconic Game of Thrones location already appeared throughout the original series, with much of the exterior filmed in Spain.

This time around, fans believe that Yr Eifl Granite Quarry hosts the legendary castle with the quarry standing in for exterior scenes.

During filming, locals spotted that the quarry was draped with banners bearing the sigil of Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Emma D’Arcy, who plays Rhaenyra, is rumoured to have filmed at this location as well as Harry Collett, who plays Rhaenyra’s heir, Jacaerys.

Once one of the largest slate quarries in the world, Dinorwig Quarry in Gwynedd overlooks Llyn Padarn and features some pretty unique landscapes.

Fan photographs from the scene showed carts, tents, a large catapult and two stone pillars, leading to speculation that the site will play host to a large battle.

The Ogwen Valley is part of Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia, and offers some breathtaking views across the Carneddau and Glyderau mountain ranges.

It’s also home to Cwm Idwal, a glacial valley famed for its otherworldly atmosphere that has attracted scientists and geologists for hundreds of years – including Charles Darwin.

House of the Dragon series two is set to feature the valley, but little is known about what was filmed here.

Several cavalry riders were spotted by fans on horseback riding through the valley itself, but other than that little else is known about how the location will feature.

House of the Dragons also took advantage of some of Wales’ older locations, with Penmachno Roman Bridge in Conwy county also featuring in the new season.

Despite its name, the bridge isn’t actually Roman – instead dating from the 17th Century. It is a single-span packhorse bridge south of Betws-y-Coed, used to traverse the River Machno.

It's believed that the aftermath of a major battle was filmed here for the new series, after fans reported seeing multiple prop corpses.

One of the most popular beaches on Anglesey, Penmon Point is home to the striking Trwyn Du Lighthouse.

Coastal scenes were filmed near Penmon Priory, with eagle-eyed House of the Dragons fans spotting Corlys Velaryon, played by Steve Toussaint, on a boat at this location.

It’s unclear what Velaryon was up to, but with heavily-armed cavalry soldiers filmed in the surrounding area, fans suggested he was leading his men to war.

A small, sandy beach on the east side of Anglesey, Beaumaris is perhaps best known for its pier.

Unfortunately, that’s a little too modern for House of the Dragon, but eagle-eyed fans spotted that the beach itself being used to film a cavalry charge featuring soldiers adorned with the golden dragon sigil of Aegon II Targaryen.

Locals said they also spotted Fabien Frankel on set, who plays Ser Criston Cole, aka the Kingmaker, and Lord Commander of the Kingsguard under Aegon II Targaryen.

Although Llanddwyn isn’t quite an island, the precarious rocky outcrop does separate from the mainland at high tide.

Found at the far end of the beach near Newborough Warren, Llanddwyn Beach offers excellent views of Eryri and the Llyn Peninsula.

It’s also now believed to be the filming location for the Sowing of the Dragonseeds – a fictional ritual that is likely to feature heavily in the new series of House of the Dragon.

A brief scene filmed at Porth y Cwch on Anglesey is said to feature Emma D’Arcy in an emotional scene.

Porth y Cwch itself is part of the Llanddwyn beaches, and is a secluded cove on the south side of Anglesey, near the mouth of Afon Cefni.

Episode one of House of the Dragon series two will air at 21:00 BST on Sky Atlantic and is available to stream on NOW.