Visiting the Game of Thrones Studio Tour: A Complete 2026 Guide

If you’re a fan, as I am, of the Game of Thrones TV show, you can actually tour the Northern Ireland studio where many scenes from the show were filmed. We visited in 2024, and given how much has happened in the Westeros universe since (a new spin-off premiered in January 2026, fresh programming has been added to the studio’s calendar, and ticket pricing has shifted), it felt like a good moment to refresh this guide with what’s still true and what’s new.

The Linen Mill Studios is found in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, just outside Belfast. It’s where many iconic scenes from the show were filmed.

The original sets for the Winterfell Great Hall and Castle Black were constructed here and in fact the tour was built around them. As well as the amazing film sets, you’ll find props, costumes, artwork, weapons, prosthetics, exhibits, and a lot of information on the making of the show.

There is also, of course, a large gift shop filled with Game of Thrones merchandise.

I’ve already written about visiting the main Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland as well as in Iceland, but until now I hadn’t put together a guide to the studio tour itself. It’s well worth a visit for fans of the show and for anyone interested in how a TV production of this scale comes together.

If you’re planning on visiting a number of Game of Thrones locations during your trip to Northern Ireland, I’d recommend including the studio, ideally as one of the first locations you visit. Coming here gives you a real appreciation for the amount of work that went into the show, with loads of information on display covering filming locations, set design, props, costumes, and a lot more.

 

Should You Visit the Game of Thrones Studio Tour?

Before getting into the practical detail, it’s worth asking who this tour is actually for, because the answer changes how much value you’ll get out of it.

If you’re a serious Game of Thrones fan, this is an easy yes. The original Winterfell Great Hall set is here. So is the Iron Throne, the Hall of Faces, the Castle Black mess hall, and the Dragonstone map room. You’re walking through the actual sets, not recreations.

If you’re a casual viewer, or watched the show years ago and remember liking it, you’ll still enjoy the experience. The behind-the-scenes content on prosthetics, weapons, costume design, and visual effects is interesting on its own. We saw plenty of people who clearly weren’t deep fans having a good time looking at how it all came together.

If you’re a non-fan in someone else’s group, you can probably get through it happily on the production-design side. Two to three hours is the typical visit, and a good chunk of that is “how was this thing built” content rather than show plot recap. There’s also a couple of cafes if you want a break.

How does it compare to the Harry Potter Studio Tour?

We’ve done both, and they’re more similar than I expected. Both are self-guided walks through actual sets and props from the show, both take two to three hours at a normal pace, and both are aimed primarily at fans without locking out non-fans. The Harry Potter Studio Tour at Warner Bros Leavesden in Watford is bigger, busier, and has more food on site (including the famous Butterbeer). The Game of Thrones Studio Tour is smaller, quieter, and a noticeably less crowded experience, which we appreciated. Tickets are also cheaper here. If you’re in the UK and choosing between the two as a single attraction visit, my read is that the Harry Potter Studio Tour edges it on scale, but the Game of Thrones Studio Tour wins on atmosphere and breathing room. If you can do both, you should. Our full guide to the Harry Potter Studio Tour covers that one in detail.

A practical note worth flagging up front: the studio is in Banbridge, not Belfast. If you don’t have a car, you really do want to book a tour with included transport rather than trying to piece together public transport (more on the why below).

 

Where is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour?

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour is located at the Linen Mill Studios. These are situated just outside the town of Banbridge in County Down, Northern Ireland.

This is about 25 miles (30 minutes drive) southeast of Belfast, or around 80 miles (80 minutes drive) north of Dublin.

Note that there is no public parking at the Linen Mill Studios. If you are making your own way to the studios by public transport or by car (more on getting here soon), you need to head to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour parking lot.

This is found at the Boulevard shopping centre in Banbridge, just off the A1. Here there is free parking and a free shuttle service for ticket holders of the studio tour.

 

Does the Game of Thrones Studio Tour include House of the Dragon & A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?

Game of Thrones is no longer the only TV show set in Westeros. House of the Dragon began airing in 2022, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiered on HBO in January 2026 to a strong reception. Both are based on the work of George R. R. Martin.

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour focuses primarily on the original Game of Thrones TV show, which was filmed between 2009 (pilot episode) and 2018 and aired from 2011 to 2019 on HBO. Much of that filming took place in Northern Ireland, which is what makes this studio its natural home.

Some props from House of the Dragon are on display, but that show isn’t being filmed at this studio or anywhere in Northern Ireland. It’s being made at Warner Bros Leavesden in Watford, England, the same studio where you can take the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a different story. The show was filmed at the Titanic Studios in Belfast, where parts of Game of Thrones were also shot, and the first season aired in early 2026 with a second season already confirmed for 2027. Whether or not the studio tour now includes any A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms props or sets is something we’d recommend checking on the official site at the time of your visit, as the tour’s content does evolve.

The studio also runs a calendar of special events that’s worth checking before you book. Recent and upcoming events have included Night with the Knights (cast meet-and-greets featuring actors from the show), Behind the Bloodlines, Beyond the Wall: AFTER DARK, and seasonal programming around Easter and Halloween. If you’re a serious fan and your dates line up, one of these adds a different layer to the visit. House Passes are also offered as a flexible multi-visit/membership option.

 

Game of Thrones Studio Tour Opening Times

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour is typically open from 10am to 6pm daily, with last admission at 3pm. Hours can vary on public holidays and during seasonal events (the studio runs themed Easter, Halloween, and Christmas programming), so it’s worth checking the official site before booking.

 

How Much Does the Game of Thrones Studio Tour Cost?

The tour, which includes parking and shuttle bus from the parking area, currently costs:

• £29.50 for adults (16-65)
• £24 for students with student ID and seniors (66+)
• £12 for teenagers (13-15)
• £5 for children (5-12)
• Free for children under age 5

There is also a family ticket which costs £67.25, covering two adult admissions and two teen admissions.

You can see the various ticket options and purchase tickets online here.

 

Game of Thrones Studio Audio Guides

There are audio guides available for the Game of Thrones Studio Tour for an additional fee. These contain narration through the tour as well as information and details that aren’t on the in-person displays.

You can either get this through the official app for Android or iOS (you’ll need to bring your own headphones), or you can rent an audio guide handset on site for around £5.

The audio guides (handset and app) are available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Mandarin Chinese.

The audio guide isn’t necessary for enjoying or understanding the experience, as there are plenty of signs and placards to read along the way. But it does add extra information and is likely to be especially helpful for non-English speakers, since the in-person information panels are in English only.

You can book a handset or download the app in advance, or wait until you arrive at the studio. Handsets are available from the Information Desk, so you don’t need to decide before your visit, but you do need to decide before you start the tour itself.

 

Game of Thrones Studio Afternoon Tea

If you’re interested in a Game of Thrones themed afternoon tea, you can pre-book one to have before or after your tour.

The afternoon tea includes themed food such as Kings Rocky Road, Hot Pie’s Sausage Rolls, Chocolate Crunch Dragon Eggs, and High Garden Sandwiches. It currently costs £30 per person.

You’ll need to pre-book the experience in advance of your visit, so it’s best to book it alongside your admission tickets.

You can book a ticket (with optional transport) with afternoon tea here.

 

Is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour Kid Friendly?

Although the show itself wasn’t exactly child-friendly (with quite a lot of violence, gore, sex, nudity, and fairly complicated plots), the studio tour is designed to be a family-friendly experience.

There are no minimum age restrictions, although all children aged 16 and under must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

Buggies, pushchairs, and strollers are allowed.

I haven’t visited with kids, but when we visited there were several families with children of all ages, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the experience.

 

Is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour Accessible?

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour takes place on one level, so there are no elevators or steps to contend with. The tour is fully wheelchair accessible.

For those arriving by car with a wheelchair, the parking situation is the same, and the shuttle bus can take one wheelchair or mobility scooter per trip.

Registered guide dogs are also welcome, although identification for the dog will be required.

For other accessibility needs, you can read more details about accessibility here. That page also has contact information so you can enquire about specific requirements before booking.

 

Photography at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour

A quick word on photography, because if you’re a fan you’ll likely want to take photos here, and the conditions inside the tour are worth thinking about in advance.

The studio is set up like a film set rather than a museum, so most of the spaces are quite dimly lit by design. That’s deliberate, both because it matches the look of the show and because flash photography would damage the costumes, sets, and prop pieces. Flash is not allowed inside the tour, and tripods aren’t practical given how the tour flows. Realistically, you’re shooting handheld in dim indoor light.

For phone users, this is fine for snaps but the noisier shots from the dimmest sections (the Hall of Faces, the Throne Room with its post-Season 8 dressing, the costume gallery) will look better on a recent phone with a decent low-light mode than an older one. If you can hold the phone steady against a railing or rest it on something solid, you’ll get a noticeably cleaner result.

For camera users, the practical kit here is something with a fast lens. Anything in the 24-70mm or 28-85mm zoom range with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) will handle the conditions comfortably. If you only have a slower kit lens, lean on a higher ISO (we were comfortable shooting at ISO 3200-6400 in the dimmest sections) and a steady hand.

There’s exactly one section where photography and video are not allowed at all, and that’s the cinema room at the very start of the tour where the introductory video plays. Once you walk through into the main experience, the cameras can come back out.

If you’d rather concentrate on the experience and not worry about taking your own photos, the audio guide handsets are a good complement, and there’s also a green-screen photo opportunity at the entrance and the Iron Throne replica in the gift shop where the staff will help with the shots.

 

How to Get to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour

There are a number of options for getting to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, which are as follows.

 

By Tour Bus

If you don’t have your own transport, or you’d rather just visit the studio with round-trip transport from where you’re staying, you can book a tour that includes a coach bus transfer.

Tours depart from both Belfast and Dublin. From Belfast it’s around a 30 minute coach ride, and from Dublin it’s around 90 minutes. You then have 3 or more hours (depending on shuttle time) to visit the studio.

The visit itself is self-guided, and most people spend 2 to 3 hours doing the tour.

You can purchase tickets with round-trip transport from Belfast and Dublin here.

 

By Public Transport

There is no direct public transport from Belfast or Dublin to the Studio Tour shuttle bus departure location.

It is possible, if you’re determined, to take a series of 3 buses to get from Belfast to the Boulevard shopping centre, but it will take you between 90 minutes and 2 hours each way.

Dublin is a similar story. It’s theoretically possible, but you’re looking at a 3 hour trip each way.

We’d suggest instead booking a tour with round-trip transport. It’s going to be a lot less hassle, much quicker, and honestly not much more expensive.

 

By Car

If you have your own car you can drive to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Just remember that you can’t drive directly to the Linen Mill Studios where the tour is located.

Instead, drive to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour parking location at the Boulevard Shopping Centre (it’s well sign-posted). From here it’s a 10 minute shuttle ride to the studio.

Car parking and the shuttle ride are included as part of your Game of Thrones Studio ticket price.

 

Where to Buy Game of Thrones Studio Tour Tickets

You need to buy your Game of Thrones Studio Tour tickets online in advance of your visit. Entries are timed, and there’s a limit to the number of people allowed per timeslot so the attraction doesn’t get overcrowded.

When booking, you can choose whether you just want the entry ticket, or whether you want a ticket that includes round-trip transport from Dublin or Belfast.

Tickets are available:

• on GetYourGuide here
• on Viator here
• on the official website here

The official website charges a fee if you need to change the date or time of your ticket. Last time we checked, GetYourGuide offered free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit. The price is normally the same, so I’d recommend booking there if you can.

Last time we visited, we booked on GetYourGuide. It’s the site we usually use for tickets, tours, and attractions when we travel, partly because tickets are often more flexible than booking direct.

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour is also included on the Go City Dublin Pass (see our full review of the Dublin Pass here). Round-trip transport is not included in the pass, so you’ll either need your own vehicle or you can book a round-trip shuttle bus from Dublin here.

 

How Long Does the Game of Thrones Studio Tour take?

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour is self-guided, so you can take as long or as short as you want to complete it. Most visitors come for two to three hours.

I’d make sure to book your timeslot to come at least 3 hours before closing to ensure you have enough time. If you’re planning to eat lunch or do an afternoon tea experience, add an extra hour.

 

Game of Thrones Studio Tour Review and Experience

Now I’m going to talk a bit about our experience actually visiting the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, including a lot of photos so you can see what it’s actually like inside and what to expect from your visit.

First, we drove from Belfast, which would have taken around half an hour except we got a flat tire on the way! That slight mishap aside, we arrived at the car parking area just after midday. The parking area and shuttle bus stop were very easy to find.

The shuttle ride took around 10 minutes. The bus was comfortable and fairly busy, but everyone had a seat. The shuttle is free, you just need to have a studio tour ticket.

On arrival, I dropped off my small backpack and coat at the information desk. We then got a coffee and sausage roll at the cafe before entering the experience. Entrances into the actual tour were every 15 minutes or so, and we were told we didn’t have to go in straight away if we wanted to have a coffee or something to eat first, which was nice.

We then joined the line for the actual entrance where we had the option to have our photo taken against a green screen. Photos were then made available for purchase.

The first part of the actual experience is in a movie theatre, where you take a seat and watch a ten minute video covering the show, its production, and a bit about the tour. This was really well done and definitely got us excited for the experience ahead.

This was the only part of the studio tour where photography and video were not allowed.

After the video was over, the cinema screen moved aside and a fog filled tunnel was revealed. This was really cool, as it felt like we were stepping into the world of Game of Thrones, specifically walking through The Wall to Wildling and White Walker territory.

Walking through the fog-shrouded tunnel led us into the main self-guided tour, where the first sight to greet us were Wildlings and White Walkers, as fog tendrils drifted across the floor.

From here the tour was entirely self-guided, with information panels to read and video screens to watch. A nice touch was that the voice over for the video was done by Nathalie Emmanuel, who played Missandei in the show.

The tour is set up as a journey through the world of Westeros. When we visited the order of exhibits was as follows:

 

Beyond the Wall

The entrance set piece had statues of the Wildlings and White Walkers, as well as the Giant Wun Wun.

Fun fact, Wun Wun was so big they had to present him kneeling down so he would fit!

 

Production Design / Art Department

This part of the tour showed how the production team conceptualised the world of Westeros.

There are incredible artworks, set design concepts, drawing boards, and more, all of which show how much time and effort it takes just to design a world for the screen.

 

Castle Black / Prop Design

The Castle Black part of the tour is home to one of the original sets that was filmed on. This section of the tour includes the Mess Hall, Lord Commanders Quarters, Jail, and Bran’s Chamber.

There’s also information here on how sets were decorated and how the props were made, with lots of props to look at including dragon eggs, books, cookware, and a lot more. This area also has a fun interactive where you can design your own House shield.

 

Studio Cafe

Between Castle Black and the Winterfell Crypts is the Studio Cafe, where you can get food and drinks. We didn’t eat here but the menu looked good.

If you want more of a meal, this is definitely where I’d recommend coming rather than the cafe in the lobby area.

Note that if you do miss this and decide to return after you exit, just let a team member know and they will escort you back here.

 

Winterfell Crypts

After the Studio Cafe you’ll go into the Winterfell Crypts, set up to look just like the crypts in the show.

The actual scenes were filmed not too far away in Shane’s Castle on Lough Neagh. There are also statues here of members of the Stark family.

 

Winterfell Hall

In my opinion, the Winterfell Hall is one of the main attractions in the tour.

This is one of the actual sets from the show (over a hundred sets were built for each season!), which has stayed in the same location since it was built. The tour was, in fact, built around it.

You can walk around the hall itself and see key moments that were filmed here recreated with mannequins, such as the knighting of Brienne of Tarth.

 

Dragonstone

The next area you visit is themed around Dragonstone, the ancestral seat of House Targaryen.

Here you’ll see rooms set up as the impressive Dragonstone Map Room and the Dragonstone Throne. There are also some enormous dragon skull props here to admire.

 

Costume shop / Special Effects / Prosthetics Workshop

From Dragonstone you’ll enter an area dedicated to helping you understand how different parts of the production were put together.

The costumes in the show were spectacular, and there’s a whole area dedicated to some of these amazing items as well as information on how they were created.

Special effects and visual effects were also a big part of the show, and you can learn about how these were created. There’s a fun interactive here where you can animate your own Game of Thrones character by moving around.

This area also has a lot of information on the prosthetics that were used in the show, and how these were made. There’s another interactive experience here where you can virtually apply your own prosthetic.

 

Hall of Faces

In the show, the hall of faces is a large pillared hallway, with the pillars home to the faces of the dead. Which is kind of creepy.

The studio tour version looked pretty much the same, except instead of dead people’s faces, the faces of previous visitors are displayed in the pillars. And yes, I made my own face which was added to the Hall of Faces, before hurrying along to somewhere slightly less creepy.

 

Armory Gallery & Armory Workshop

Game of Thrones was obviously a fairly violent show, and as such it included a lot of weaponry and armour.

These two areas of the tour display the incredible weapons and armour from the show, including the massive dragon-killing Scorpion artillery weapon.

There are also lots of other well-known weapons from the show on display, including Arya’s needle.

This area also goes into detail as to how the weapons were created, the work involved, and the sheer volume of weaponry that was required for the show. Hint, it was a lot.

This area also has a really fun game where you can use your own bow and arrow to take aim at hordes of the undead on screen. I really enjoyed this game, it was definitely my favourite of all the interactive experiences we tried.

 

Kings Landing

Towards the end of the tour you come to the Kings Landing themed area. This is actually home to a lot of different areas, so don’t worry, there’s still plenty to see.

There’s Tommen’s Chamber, the Small Council Chamber, the Map Courtyard, and the Red Keep. I thought the Map Courtyard set piece was particularly impressive.

In this area you’ll also find information on the incredible musical score for the show and how it was put together.

 

Throne Room

The final set piece in the tour is the Throne Room in Kings Landing, where the Iron Throne sits.

This is set up as it was shown towards the end of Season 8, with much of the room in ruins and snow dusting the floor.

It’s an impressive way to end the tour.

 

Shop, Throne & Exit

The Throne Room is the final room of the tour. If you feel you missed something, this is the time to turn back. Once you exit to the shop you can’t go back inside.

We’d already spent a couple of hours inside by this point so were ready to hit the shop. The gift shop is full of items from the show, so if there’s anything you need, from clothing to magnets to coasters, they’ve got you covered.

The shop is also where you can sit on the Iron Throne. Okay, so it’s a replica and not the actual one from the show. But you can sit on it in front of a green screen and live your own fantasy of winning the Game of Thrones.

Once you’re done shopping and taking photos, you return to the lobby where you can collect your belongings, refresh with a drink or snack at the cafe, and wait for your shuttle bus or coach transfer.

There’s a helpful screen here showing all the upcoming departure times. For the return shuttle to the parking lot there’s no specific timeslot, you just get on the next available shuttle when you’re ready to leave.

And that’s it.

 

Where to Stay Near the Game of Thrones Studios

There are a number of hotel options to choose from, both near the studio and in major cities within easy driving distance such as Belfast and Dublin.

I’ll share some of these options below.

 

Hotels in Belfast

If you plan to drive to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour yourself, then you’ll likely want to find accommodation with parking. Many hotels do offer parking but, as this is a city centre, many locations charge for it.

If you’re taking the coach transfer option, you might consider staying near where the coach departs from, which is the Visit Belfast visitor information centre. This is at 9 Donegall Square N in the city centre.

• Belfast International Youth Hostel – If you’re looking for a hostel in Belfast this is a good, well located option, around 14 minutes’ walk from the coach departure point. It has both shared and private dormitory rooms, an on-site cafe, linens, a communal kitchen, a breakfast menu, and self-service laundry. It also has free parking.
• Leonardo Hotel – 4-star hotel offering good sized rooms, a breakfast buffet, bar, and restaurant. In our experience this hotel chain offers good value for money. 5 minute walk from the coach departure point. Paid parking is available nearby.
• Ramada – A well-rated 3-star hotel, with an informal restaurant and bar, 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi. 14 minutes’ walk from the coach departure point. Paid parking is available nearby.
• Bullitt Hotel – Centrally-located 4-star hotel offering a range of room options to suit most budgets. There’s also a bar, a cafe, a restaurant, a rooftop bar area, and 24-hour desk service. It’s a 7 minute walk to the coach departure point for the tour. Parking is also available. We spent 4 nights here and can definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a central hotel.
• The Merchant Hotel – A 5-star historical luxury hotel in a beautiful 1860 building. This hotel offers all the luxury amenities you’d expect, including a restaurant, bar and lounge, spa, hot tub, and a rooftop gymnasium. 11 minutes’ walk from the coach station. Paid parking is available nearby.

For more ideas of where to stay in Belfast, see our guide to things to do in Belfast, which has everything you need to plan your visit.

 

Hotels in Dublin

Dublin is only around an 80-minute drive from the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, so you can easily visit as a half-day trip. If you have your own car, you could even add in some Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland on the way back.

If you’re planning on taking advantage of the transport coach service from Dublin, this departs from the Busáras bus station in central Dublin. Here are some hotel options to consider.

• Jacob’s Inn Hostel – a good option for those looking for a hostel experience. This hostel is a 2 minute walk from the coach departure point and five minutes from the lively Temple Bar area of town. Private and shared accommodation is available, and there’s also a bar, restaurant, roof terrace, and on-site laundry. There’s no on-site parking but paid public parking is available within a 5 minute walk.
• Moxy Dublin City – a well located mid-range hotel just 7 minutes’ walk from the coach station. We’ve stayed at a number of Moxy hotels around the world and always appreciated the fun decor and comfortable rooms. Paid parking is available nearby.
• Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street – well rated, excellent value mid-range central hotel, a 14-minute walk from the coach departure point. Parking is available nearby for a fee.
• Maldron Hotel Parnell Square – a good value mid-range hotel 20 minutes’ walk from the coach departure point. We’ve stayed here and enjoyed it. Parking is available nearby for a fee.
• Merrion Hotel – a five star luxury property which has everything you could want for a luxury stay in Dublin, including a 2 Michelin star restaurant, Italian marble bathrooms, and a spa. On-site parking is available for a fee, and it’s a 20-minute walk to the coach station.

For more suggestions in Dublin, see our guide to spending three days in Dublin, which has hotel recommendations as well as sightseeing suggestions.

 

Hotels near the Game of Thrones Studios

If you’d rather stay near the studio itself, there are a couple of options to choose from:

• Belmont House Hotel – just 5 minutes’ drive from the shuttle departure location for the studio tour. This 4-star hotel has an on-site restaurant and free parking. It’s the closest option we’re aware of for the Studio Tour, and the hotel the studio themselves recommend if you want to stay nearby.
• Mourne Country Hotel – 15 minutes’ drive south of the studio tour parking near the city of Newry, this quiet 3 star hotel offers free on-site parking, en-suite rooms, a bar, and a restaurant.

 

Is Food Available at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour?

Yes, you can purchase food and drinks at the Studio Tour. There are two options.

First, in the foyer of the tour building before you enter the main tour area there is the Lobby Cafe, which serves hot and cold drinks as well as snacks like sausage rolls and cakes.

If you’d prefer a larger meal, or want to take a break part way through your tour, then the Studio Cafe is a good option.

Found just before the halfway point of the experience, this has a menu which includes things like burgers, breakfast items, soups, and sandwiches, as well as dessert and drink options. It also has a kids menu.

There’s also the Game of Thrones afternoon tea experience, but that must be pre-booked before your visit. You can do that here.

 

Is there a Cloakroom at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour?

Yes, there is a cloakroom at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. It’s next to the information desk, right where you first enter the tour building. You can leave coats and bags here for free, which will save you carrying them through the tour.

I left my coat and small backpack here when we visited, which was very convenient.

 

Tips for Visiting the Game of Thrones Studio

If you’re planning to visit, here are some tips to help you prepare and make the visit itself go as smoothly as possible.

 

Decide how you are going to get there

The first thing you’ll need to do when planning your visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour is decide how you’re going to get there. Your choices are to drive and take the short shuttle from the parking lot, or to book a ticket with round-trip transport from Dublin or Belfast.

The advantage of driving is that it lets you be more flexible in your timing in terms of how long you stay at the attraction. The round-trip transport coaches obviously have to operate to a timetable, and you don’t want to miss your return coach.

That said, the coach options do allow enough time for people to have a great time at the studio.

 

Book your tickets in advance

You need to book your tickets in advance when visiting the studio, as you can’t buy tickets at the studio. Tickets have a timed entry slot and you need to show up at the time on your ticket.

If you’re driving, make sure you arrive in plenty of time to take the shuttle.

Also note that if you’re interested in the afternoon tea experience, you’ll need to book that in advance as well.

 

Combine the studio with filming locations if you can

A question we get asked a lot is whether it’s possible to do the studio tour and the Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland in the same day. It’s tight but doable, and only really if you have your own car.

The studio takes 2 to 3 hours, and the closest filming locations (Tollymore Forest, Inch Abbey, Castle Ward) are all within an hour’s drive of Banbridge. If you start with the studio at opening and pace yourself, you can get to one or two filming locations the same afternoon. We’ve put together a full guide to Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland with detailed routes if you want to plan that out properly.

If you’re relying on coach transfers, the schedule won’t give you enough flexibility to combine the two well. In that case, I’d suggest doing them on separate days, or focusing on filming locations from a Belfast base on a separate day with a Belfast-based GoT tour.

 

Decide if you want the audio guide

You should decide if you want the audio guide before you visit. You can either rent it in person and use their handset or use your own smartphone and headphones with the app.

Both options incur a fee, but you’ll get more out of your visit if you opt for the audio guide. You can hire this on site.

If English is not your first language, then an audio guide will probably really help you make the most of your visit, assuming it’s available in your native language.

We didn’t hire the audio guide and we still had a great time. But if you have plenty of time and really want to get into the detail, it’s a good thing to have.

 

Don’t Rush

The average visitor spends between 2 and 3 hours on the studio tour. So I’d allow yourself at least 3 hours here to fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. There’s a lot to see, read, and do.

You may also want extra time to explore the gift shop or have a meal. If driving, you need to allow for the 10-minute shuttle rides at the beginning and end.

 

Take Part!

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour has a lot of interactive games and experiences you can take part in as you go around. From adding your face to the Hall of Faces to taking aim at the undead with a bow and flaming arrow to taking photos on the Iron Throne, these are a lot of fun.

They really add to the experience in my opinion, and as most are included in your ticket (with the exception of the photos) you should definitely take advantage of them.

 

Further Reading

We’ve been lucky enough to explore a lot of Game of Thrones locations around the world, as well as a lot of Ireland. Based on our experiences, we have a number of other posts we think you’ll enjoy and find useful for your trip planning.

• If you want to visit the real-world filming locations for the show while you’re in Northern Ireland, see our guide to the Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland.
• Many of the GoT locations in Northern Ireland can be found along the Causeway Coastal Route. Check out our guide to the highlights of the Causeway Coastal Route for more inspiration on what to see along the way.
• We have a detailed 2 day itinerary for Belfast, to help you make the most of the city. We also have a guide to things to do in Belfast.
• We have a detailed guide to visiting the Dark Hedges, one of the more popular GoT locations in Northern Ireland.
• If you’re basing yourself in Belfast for a few days, we have a complete guide to the best day trips from Belfast.
• If you plan to spend time in Dublin, check out our guides to spending 2 days in Dublin and 3 days in Dublin, as well as our tips for taking a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin.
• You can save money in Ireland with a Dublin Pass, a Belfast Visitor pass, or a National Trust Explorer Pass, depending on what you plan to do and see.
• We have an overview of how much it costs to travel in the UK to help you with budget planning.
• Our guide to spending 2 weeks in the UK includes time in Belfast and Dublin.
• A guide to driving in the UK, in case you choose to hire a car and do a road trip.
• If you enjoy a road trip, take a look at our guide to some of the best road trips in the world, as well our guide to Scotland’s North Coast 500.
• If you’re looking for a guidebook, we recommend the Lonely Planet guide to Ireland, the Rick Steves Northern Ireland guide, or the DK Eyewitness Ireland Travel Guide.
• Game of Thrones fans heading to Iceland will want to check out our guide to Game of Thrones in Iceland. The show was also filmed in Girona, and you can see our guide to Girona here.

And that’s it for our guide to visiting the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Northern Ireland. As always, we’re happy to hear your comments and feedback below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.