The Winterfell Locations Trek takes Game of Thrones fans south of Belfast, to the County Down countryside that stood in for the Starks’ homeland in the show’s early seasons, rather than the north coast sights of the more familiar Antrim tours. The day lasts about nine and a half hours and starts at 8am from the Leonardo Hotel on Great Victoria Street. A driver and local guide provide live commentary, and the price covers cloaks, swords and Stark banners for photographs, admission to Castle Ward Estate and Tollymore Forest Park, and lunch. The route takes in Inch Abbey, a ruined abbey with free entry, then Castle Ward, the Winterfell location from the first season, then Tollymore Forest Park, and finally Hilltown. The overview also mentions a scenic ferry ride across Strangford Lough. The trek holds a 4.9 rating from 506 reviews, with 99 percent of travellers recommending it, and the group is limited to 37 people. Castle Ward itself is a National Trust estate overlooking Strangford Lough, built in the early 1760s for Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor, and famous for having a Palladian front and a Georgian Gothic rear, a split that reflects the tastes of Lord and Lady Bangor. It is a very different day from the Giant’s Causeway tour, so serious fans may want to do both. The tour is for adults only, with a minimum age of 18.
How to visit
Book online for a date, and arrive at the Leonardo Hotel meeting point on Great Victoria Street by 8am. The tour ends back at the same place, and the whole day takes about nine and a half hours, with free cancellation up to twenty-four hours before the start. The price includes admission to Castle Ward Estate and Tollymore Forest Park and lunch, so there are few extras to pay for. The group size is capped at 37 travellers, so it is smaller than a typical coach tour.
What to expect
You will do a fair amount of walking, including woodland paths at Castle Ward and Tollymore, so a moderate level of fitness is needed and the tour is not wheelchair accessible. It runs in all weather, and reviews mention rain, so dress for wet conditions and bring good shoes and a waterproof. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travellers or anyone with back problems or serious heart conditions. Mention dietary needs when booking so lunch can be arranged. Minimum age is 18.
Making the most of it
Bring a camera and be prepared to pose with the swords and banners, which is part of the fun. If you have also booked the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones tour, this makes a complementary second day, covering different sets and a different part of the island. Fans who want the full production story can add the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, and families with teenagers will find this a good option, though children under 18 cannot join.
Planning around it
The day is long, so get a good night’s sleep, eat breakfast before the 8am start and pack snacks, a water bottle and a rain jacket. Charge your phone for photographs, wear boots or sturdy trainers for the woodland paths and dress in layers, as the weather can change between stops. If you are choosing between this and the Antrim coast tour, think about whether you would rather see the Winterfell and Stark locations or the Causeway and Dark Hedges, and book both if you have the time.
What to expect
The experience
A guided small-group day trip south of Belfast to Game of Thrones locations at Castle Ward and Tollymore Forest Park, with props, lunch and entry fees included.
Best time
Any day with decent weather, though the tour runs in all conditions and rain is common.
How long
About nine and a half hours from an 8am start.
Tips
Wear waterproofs and good shoes, mention dietary needs when booking and expect plenty of walking on woodland paths.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Game of Thrones fans who want Winterfell and the Stark filming locations.
- Families
- Not suitable for younger children, as the minimum age is eighteen.
- Couples
- A fun, theatrical day out for fans, with props for photographs.
- Pair with
- The Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones tour for the north coast locations.
- Time needed
- A full day of about nine and a half hours.
Good questions
Where does the Winterfell tour go?+
It visits Inch Abbey, Castle Ward, which was Winterfell in the first season, Tollymore Forest Park and Hilltown, with lunch included.
How long is the Winterfell trek?+
The day lasts about nine and a half hours, starting at 8am from the Leonardo Hotel on Great Victoria Street.
What is included in the Winterfell tour?+
It includes cloaks, swords and Stark banners, live commentary, a driver and guide, admission to Castle Ward Estate and Tollymore Forest Park, and lunch.
Is the Winterfell tour suitable for children?+
No, the minimum age is eighteen, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Is this different from the Giant’s Causeway Game of Thrones tour?+
Yes, this tour covers County Down locations south of Belfast, while the Causeway tour covers the Antrim coast. Many fans do both.
