Set Jetting - Game of Thrones

 If you’re hooked on TV series Game of Thrones you’ll know that the show’s dramatic locations are almost as enthralling as the sensational storylines.

And while Westeros and Essos aren’t real (sorry), you can visit many of the fantasy series’ striking sets, scattered throughout Europe and beyond.

So pack a t-shirt bearing your favourite sigil and explore our guide to the best Games of Thrones locations to jet off to.

Northern Ireland

With Northern Ireland featuring more than any other location in Game of Thrones, it is the ideal excuse to take advantage of those cheap flight offers and head to the Celtic land.

You’ll instantly recognise 18th-century Castle Ward, just south of Belfast, as the real Winterfell, home of the Stark family.

As well as the spectacular house, featured heavily in the first series, the grounds, which are open to the public, were used as the campsite for the Lannister army, so just close your eyes and imagine the sea of tents…

Meanwhile, situated on one of the most picturesque parts of Northern Ireland’s coast, the tiny village of Ballintoy was chosen to represent the port of Pyke, on the Iron Islands.

Be prepared for a visit here to conjure up visions of Theon Greyjoy’s return and his memorable first meeting with his sister Yara.

Elsewhere on the Country Antrim coast, you’ll find several locations used for The Stomlands and Storm’s End and The Dark Hedges, the spectacular trees that line the King’s Road as Ayra Stark makes her escape from King’s Landing.

Head south-east to find the beautiful Mourne Mountains, used to portray parts of Vaes Dothrak, home of the Dothraki. At the foot of the mountains you’ll find Tollymore Forest Park, aka The Haunted Forest, which is real life is actually quite romantic.

Malta

Journey to Malta to see the original location for King’s Landing, which can be found at Mdina, the country’s old capital.

Exploring the medieval walled town’s Norman fortifications and moats it’s easy to see why it was picked to inspire the royal capital of Westeros and the Seven Kingdoms.

Nearby you’ll find Fort Manoel, which serves as the Sept of Baelor, the holiest spot in Westeros, and site of the first series’ most dramatic moment.

And it may not have been a fairytale wedding, but the location of Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo's season one union, The Azure Window, is certainly a romantic spot.

Found on the on the Maltese island of Gozo, the natural limestone arch was created thousands of years ago by collapsing sea caves.

Croatia

While Mdina was the first King’s Landing, you’ll mostly likely recognise Dubrovnik, with its distinctive orange roofs, as the iconic spot.

As well as the city’s use in the establishing shots of King’s Landing, the old streets have regularly popped up on screen and the almost 2km of defensive walls were used film the Battle of Blackwater.

Dubrovnik has embraced its Game of Thrones appeal, so you can even do a themed walking tour of the city, taking in these and some other locations used for the show.

Just outside the city, you can visit Fort Lovrijenac, an imposing fortress perched on rocky coastline. Its exterior inspired The Red Keep, residence of the King of the Andals and the First Men.

Morocco

Thanks to Daenerys Targaryen’s time spent in Slaver’s Bay’s ports there’s even an exotic Game of Thrones location to visit in Morocco.

The coastal town of Essaouira provides the backdrop for Astapor, where Daenerys acquires her Unsullied soldiers.

Morocco’s Atlas Studios could also be worth a visit. You can tour the facility used by the Game of Thrones crew as well as several other films and TV shows.

Iceland

To visit the wild landscapes of Behind the Wall, you’ll have to travel to Iceland.

Scenes set in The Frostfangs and at the Fist of the First Men were shot on and around the beautiful Svínafellsjökull glacier in Vatnajökull National Park.

And if you’re a fan of Jon Snow (who isn’t?) you can visit Grjótagjá, in the Lake Mývatn area, the location of his famously saucy cave scene with Ygritte. Unlike them, you should probably keep your clothes on…