The Game Of Thrones Studio Tour: Is It Worth Visiting?
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ve probably dreamed about stepping foot in Westeros. Being able to cross the Wall, or walk through the halls of Winterfell. Although the show may have ended in 2019, its cultural impact remains. Fans around the world continue to re watch the series, discuss theories, and debate its controversial ending. One way to keep the experience alive is by visiting the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. A fully immersive attraction that offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the making of the iconic series.
But the question remains: is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour worth visiting? In this blog, we will take a deep dive into the tour itself. Exploring what it offers and what sets it apart from other fan experiences. So whether it’s worth adding to your travel itinerary or not.
Overview of the Game of Thrones Studio Tour…
The Game of Thrones Studio Tour is located in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. At the original filming location of the show’s most iconic sets. Located in the Linen Mill Studios, the tour brings you into the world of Westeros, Essos, and beyond. The experience opened in early 2022, giving fans a chance to explore authentic sets, costumes, and props from the series. Northern Ireland was one of the main filming locations throughout the show’s eight seasons. The tour focuses on that legacy by offering an in depth look at the production process.
The tour is not just a museum It’s designed to be an immersive and interactive experience. Taking visitors through actual sets used in the show, like Winterfell’s Great Hall, Daenerys Targaryen’s Dragonstone throne, and the King’s Landing Throne Room. Beyond the sets, there are exhibits on how the series was made. Showcasing everything from costume design to visual effects, makeup, and weapon crafting.
Immersive Features of the Studio Tour
One of the highlights of the tour is just how immersive they have made it. The Game of Thrones Studio Tour isn’t just about walking through static displays. It’s designed to engage visitors and bring them into the world of the show. Here’s a closer look at some of the key features of the tour:
1. Set Exploration
Fans can walk through recreated sets and locations. These aren’t replicas but the actual sets used during filming, preserved after the series concluded. Take a step into Winterfell or stand in the Red Keep Throne Room as you get a close up look at what it feels to actually be in the place the show was filmed for all those years. It is definitely a surreal experience for anyone who spent eight years watching the battle for the Iron Throne unfold!
Some of the key sets include:
Winterfell’s Great Hall: The heart of House Stark’s ancestral home. Featuring the grand feast hall where much of the Stark family’s story unfolds.
Dragonstone Throne Room: The stark, imposing seat of House Targaryen’s power.
The Hall of Faces: One of the most memorable and eerie locations from Arya Stark’s storyline.
2. Authentic Props and Costumes
One of the most exciting parts of the experience for fans is seeing the actual costumes and props used in the show. These are the authentic items worn by the characters on screen. From Jon Snow’s fur-lined cape to Arya Stark’s Needle, the range of props they have on show here is just increidble. Fans can also get up close with the weaponry, from Valyrian steel swords to dragon glass daggers.
Costumes play a huge part in bringing the world of Game of Thrones to life. Visitors will be able to see exactly how much effort and time went into creating the various styles for characters across Westeros and Essos. The elaborate gowns worn by Cersei Lannister, Daenerys’s iconic dragon queen outfits, and the armour of the Unsullied all showcase the immense effort that went into costume design.
3. Interactive Displays and Multimedia Exhibits
The Studio Tour takes the experience beyond just looking at sets and costumes. Various interactive and multimedia exhibits allow visitors to engage with the world of Game of Thrones in new ways. For example, there are visual effects that demonstrations how some of the show’s most iconic scenes were created, blending practical sets with CGI. There are also green screen opportunities where you can actually put yourself into a key scene or step into the shoes of a white walker or knight.
4. Weaponry and Armor Crafting
One of the most fascinating parts of the tour is the focus on the weapons and armour. Game of Thrones is known for its intense battle scenes, and much of the weaponry was handcrafted specifically for the show. Visitors can see close up how intricate armour designs were created, how Valyrian steel swords were forged, and how battle sequences were choreographed.
The detailed craftsmanship that went into the creation of these pieces is just incredible. You’ll get a close look at famous swords like Longclaw and Oathkeeper. As well as the armour of iconic characters like Jaime Lannister, Brienne of Tarth, and the Hound.
5. Photo Opportunities
Throughout the tour, there are plenty of chances to take photos. Visitors can sit on a replica of the Iron Throne, pose with life-sized dragon skulls, or stand alongside the Night’s Watch on the Wall. These photo opportunities are actually a really fun and interactive experience throughout the tour and you will be able to leave with nice memento of the your time there.
The Studio Café on Site…
After exploring the world of Westeros, you may want to take a break and refuel. The Game of Thrones Studio Tour offers an on-site café which is more than just a regular dining spot, the café immerses you further into the Game of Thrones world with themed décor. Don’t make the mistake like me though, the cafe is located in the middle of the actual tour itself and once you exit the experience through the gift shop you can’t actually go back to it without the help of staff.
The menu features a range of options, from light snacks and sandwiches to burgers. Many dishes are inspired by the show’s diverse world, and you might even find a few themed items that recall the feasts of Winterfell or King’s Landing.
For those seeking something more casual, the café offers a selection of hot drinks, pastries, and treats, perfect for grabbing a quick bite before heading back to explore more of the exhibits.
Pricing and Location
Price:
Visiting the Game of Thrones Studio Tour isn’t the cheapest experience out there, but it’s also not unreasonably expensive considering the experience. As of 2024, tickets cost around £40 for adults and £27.50 for children, with various family packages available.
How long does it take:
Given the tour’s size and scope most visitors spend between three and four hours exploring the exhibits, though there is a lot to see and explore so I would always advise giving it a day just taking into consideration transport to and from the museum and if you want to grab a bite to eat in the cafe.
Location:
The studio is located in Banbridge, about 40 minutes from Belfast and an hour and a half from Dublin. Whether your driving or taking public transport you will need to meet the specified location on the website as you can’t actually get to the studio itself, you will be transported to the studio via a shuttle bus which takes about 10-15 minutes and they leave every 30 minutes or so.
Conclusion…
If you’re a fan of Game Of Thrones or just interested in seeing what a working set is like then I would highly advise a visit to The Game Of Thrones Studio Tour. With incredible interactive experiences, set displays and an insight into one of the most famous series ever filmed, this tour is sure to keep you busy for hours. Do remember to bring along some comfortable walking shoes though as this is a big tour and you will be doing a fair amount of walking. So if its up to me I think the Game Of Thrones Studio Tour is definitely worth a visit.
For more information and booking click the link below or visit The Game Of Thrones Studio Tour website.