Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Overview

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge is the world’s only official visitor experience dedicated to HBO’s epic saga. Housed inside the historic Linen Mill Studios, the attraction spans over 100,000 sq ft of fully climate-controlled indoor space. It offers a self-guided walk through six meticulously preserved production sets, alongside original costumes, weapons, and props used throughout the series. Because the entire experience takes place indoors, it remains a reliable day out regardless of Northern Ireland’s famously changeable weather.

History & Background

The site began as a working linen mill in the early 20th century, operating on land that had supported linen production since 1832. When the industry declined, the building fell vacant until 2008, when the owners partnered with the Game of Thrones production team. The mill’s vast, high-ceilinged floors proved ideal for building large-scale sets, and from 2011 onward, it became a central hub for filming. Approximately 33% of the series was shot on these floors. Following the show’s conclusion, a €48 million investment converted the working studios into a permanent visitor attraction, which opened on 4 February 2022 under licence with Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

Walking Through Westeros

The tour route moves chronologically through the show’s most iconic locations, allowing you to step directly into scenes you recognise from the screen. Key sets include:

• The Great Hall of Winterfell – the sprawling, timber-beamed heart of the Stark stronghold, complete with the original high table and banners.
• Castle Black’s Mess Hall – the gritty, candlelit dining area where the Night’s Watch gathered, featuring the original script pages and prop weapons.
• Dragonstone’s Throne Room – a dark, volcanic-chamber set that served as Daenerys Targaryen’s command centre.
• The Iron Throne Room – the original throne from the season-eight finale sits in a dedicated chamber, backed by a digital dragon animation that plays on a loop.

Each set is left exactly as it was during filming, with visible scaffolding, lighting rigs, and director’s notes still in place. This deliberate preservation gives visitors a clear sense of how television magic is constructed.

Interactive Features & Production Secrets

Beyond the static sets, the tour integrates several hands-on displays that break down the practical effects and craftsmanship behind the show:

• Hall of Faces – a towering column of wax masks from the Many-Faced God’s temple. Visitors can take a digital mugshot that is instantly projected onto the display.
• Wun Wun – a life-size White Walker giant that rises above the ceiling, offering a striking photo opportunity and insight into the animatronics and puppetry used for the White Walkers.
• Bow & Arrow Test – interactive stations let guests try their aim with a lightweight bow, mirroring the training sequences filmed at Castle Black.
• Design Your Own Sigil – touchscreen kiosks allow visitors to create a custom house sigil, which is printed on a reusable shield plaque to take home.
• Prosthetics & Make-up – glass cabinets display the original creature moulds, contact lenses, and ageing makeup used to transform actors into White Walkers and Dothraki warriors.
• Scorpion Crossbow – a massive, Leonardo da Vinci-inspired siege weapon stands on display alongside a full-length replica bolt.

Practical Information

Opening Hours & Admission

Ticket prices (general admission)

Tickets are purchased in advance via the official site: Buy tickets now. A digital ticket is scanned on entry; you can display it on your phone or print it ahead of time.

Getting There & Parking

The studios are located at The Boulevard, Banbridge, BT32 4LF. There is no on-site parking at the building itself. Free parking is provided at the dedicated Game of Thrones Studio Car Park on The Boulevard, with a complimentary shuttle bus running continuously to the entrance. Blue-badge spaces are available on request.

Scheduled shuttle services also depart from the Boulevard shopping centre, Store Street Bus Station (Dublin), and Europa Bus Centre (Belfast). Travel times average 30–35 minutes from Belfast and approximately 90 minutes from Dublin, depending on traffic. Operators are currently seeking planning permission for a new 150-space car park on the outskirts of Banbridge to supplement the current shuttle system.

Accessibility

The venue is fully accessible to visitors with mobility or sensory requirements:

• Level access and ramps throughout all exhibition areas
• Designated disabled parking and step-free shuttle access
• Wheelchairs available for hire on-site
• Audio guides available in French, German, Italian, and Spanish
• Tactile signage, induction loops, and facilities for hearing- and visually-impaired visitors
• Guide dogs welcome

Food & Drink

Two dining spaces operate inside the complex: the Lobby Café and the Studio Restaurant. Both serve hot and cold drinks, light snacks, and full lunch menus. For a themed experience, the Seven Kingdoms Afternoon Tea features pastries and beverages inspired by the show’s regions, while the Milk of the Dragon cocktail is available for an additional charge. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Events & Seasonal Experiences

The tour runs a rotating calendar of ticketed special events that add exclusive programming to the standard visit. Upcoming highlights include:

• Dance of the Dragons (1–12 April 2026)
• A Night with the Knights (26 June 2026) – featuring appearances by cast members Ian McElhinney, Ian Beattie, and Dominic Carter.
• Behind The Bloodlines (11 September 2026)
• Beyond the Wall: After Dark (Halloween 2026)

These events require separate booking through the main ticketing portal and often include extended hours, exclusive set access, or Q&A sessions with production staff.

Nearby Attractions

Banbridge sits centrally in County Down, making it a convenient base for combining the studio tour with other regional highlights:

• Tollymore Forest Park – the ancient woodland used for the series’ “Haunted Forest” sequences, featuring the famous Doon’s Cairn burial site.
• Castle Ward – the historic estate that doubled as Winterfell for the show’s opening sequence and early episodes.
• Banbridge Art Trail – a self-guided walking route through the town centre, showcasing public sculptures and murals that reflect local heritage.
• Titanic Belfast – a world-class maritime museum located a short drive away, exploring the city’s shipbuilding legacy.

Plan your shuttle return carefully, as the last bus typically departs shortly after the venue closes at 6:00 pm. Booking your entry slot for late afternoon allows extra time to explore Banbridge’s town centre or grab a meal at a local pub before heading back to the car park.