Must-see Welsh beauty spots: Popular North Wales filming locations revealed as House of the Dragon returns
- Creative Wales reveals the ancient and mystical landscapes and towns attracting HBO, BBC and Sky productions
- New series of global TV show House of the Dragon features North Wales beauty spots
- TV producer Ed Talfan shares why North Wales is becoming popular for filmmakers
Following the release of the second season of the hit HBO series House of the Dragon on 17th June, Creative Wales is celebrating the ancient and stunning North Wales locations that are attracting major film and television productions to the region.
The second season of Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon features scenes from a host of North Wales beauty spots across the region including Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy and is set to put a spotlight on the coastlines, beaches, islands and landscapes that make North Wales a must-visit destination.
Various locations across the region doubled for The Vale, the Riverlands and Dragonstone in the latest series, following Creative Wales’s support, including two old Welsh quarries being used as exteriors for Dragonstone and Harrenhal castles.
Creative Wales has also revealed other filming locations used by productions across North Wales, including Hidden, The Almond and the Seahorse, Six Minutes to Midnight, and Requiem.
The growing film industry in North Wales is not only putting a spotlight on the incredible locations across the region but is creating new opportunities and jobs for local people.
With Creative Wales’ support, House of the Dragon alone created 250 jobs for people in the region, all facilitated through CrewHQ, a Warner Bros. Discovery training initiative.
Creative Wales is a Welsh Government agency, established in 2020, to support the creative industries in Wales across screen, animation, and games sectors. The organisation harnesses the power and talent within Welsh creative sectors, driving growth in the Welsh economy and recognition for the talent coming out of Wales.
Joedi Langley, Head of Sector Development at Creative Wales, said:
“The second season of HBO’s House of the Dragon includes stunning scenes that were filmed in different locations across the North Wales region, including on Anglesey, Conwy and in Barmouth, Gwynedd.
“HBO is in good company. North Wales has been the chosen location for several high-profile productions, including feature film The Almond and the Seahorse starring Rebel Wilson, TV series The Watchmen for Sky Atlantic, Severn Screen’s Hidden | Craith for BBC Cymru Wales and BBC iPlayer, and factual programme Welcome to Wrexham for FX.
“I’m confident that these productions chose North Wales because of the region’s choice of diverse, stunning landscapes, from Snowdonia National Park to the coastline and ancient castles, not to mention world-class studio space and talented crew.
“We’ve attracted some major players in recent years, including Sky, HBO and Netflix, which are all helping to grow Wales’ reputation as a first-class filming location and tourist destination. Creative Wales is committed to driving the development of the Film and TV industry in Wales, by offering funding support to production companies looking to locate in Wales, and funding skills and talent opportunities that both nurture young talent and upskill working professionals.”
To find out more about Production Funding visit: www.creative.wales/funding-and-support/production-funding
Now, Creative Wales has revealed some of the stunning locations chosen to feature in the upcoming HBO series, showcasing Wales’ beautiful backdrops, rich culture and heritage.
Ed Talfan, Creative Director of Severn Screen says:
“North Wales is a dream location for film and television projects. Dramatic landscapes abound – from the rugged beauty of Eryri to the sweeping coastlines, the region has everything. We spent three years making the series HIDDEN/CRAITH – and shot in locations across the north. The landscape played such an integral part in creating a real sense of place throughout the series. It really is a very special place.”
Image credit: HBO
