VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at the Game of Thrones studio in Banbridge, county Down

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour, located at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Co. Down, (BT32 4LF), is the world’s only official Game of Thrones attraction, offering an immersive journey into the making of the iconic HBO series. Situated 30 minutes from Belfast and 90 minutes from Dublin, this 100,000-square-foot self-guided experience, developed in partnership with HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery, opened in February 2022 at the original filming location where over a third of the series was shot.

Authentic Sets and Exhibits: Visitors walk through iconic sets preserved from the show, including the Great Hall of Winterfell (where Jon Snow was proclaimed “King in the North”), Daenerys Targaryen’s Dragonstone throne room, the Crypts of Winterfell, King’s Landing, Castle Black’s Mess Hall, and the eerie Hall of Faces. The tour showcases intricate props like dragon eggs, Valyrian steel weapons, and the 30-foot Balerion dragon skull, which took six weeks to craft and was shipped across Europe for filming. Over 300 authentic costumes, from Daenerys’ furs to Cersei’s gowns, highlight the show’s detailed artistry. Interactive exhibits reveal production secrets, including 52,000 bags of fake snow and 163 tons of propane used for pyrotechnic effects, with storyboards, behind-the-scenes footage, and insights into makeup, prosthetics, and visual effects.
Interactive Experiences: Guests can test their acting skills on a green-screen interactive set, posing as characters in iconic scenes. A photo opportunity at the Iron Throne (in the gift shop, set against a green-screen Red Keep backdrop) is a highlight, though the Throne Room exhibit depicts its destroyed state from the series finale. The tour also includes hands-on effects stations, such as creating dragon fire or exploring set design processes, making it engaging for fans and filmmaking enthusiasts.
Dining and Shopping: The Studio Café, located halfway through the tour, surprises with quality hot dishes like ham hock sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips, and beef kebabs, alongside cocktails, beers, and desserts, offering good value despite initial expectations of basic fare. The Lobby Café at the entrance provides coffee and light bites. The gift shop, the world’s largest Game of Thrones merchandise store, stocks licensed items like apparel, mugs, and replicas, but some visitors note limited variety or stock shortages. A Seven Kingdoms Afternoon Tea is available in the Studio Restaurant, bookable online.
Atmosphere and Accessibility: The tour begins with a theatrical screening and theme music, creating an infectious atmosphere. Staff are friendly, often assisting with photos, especially for solo travelers, and are stationed throughout to answer questions. The self-guided format allows 2–3 hours to explore at your own pace, though some wish for more time due to the immersive detail.

NO on-site parking

There is no on-site parking. A complimentary shuttle brings visitors from from The Boulevard, Banbridge, a shopping outlet 2 miles away, where visitors check in 15 minutes before their ticketed slot. Coach transfers from Belfast or Dublin can be included with tickets.
The site is accessible for visitors with disabilities, with Blue Badge parking at the studio.
Practicalities: Open daily (hours vary; typically 10:00 AM–6:00 PM), tickets cost £29.50 (adults), £24 (students/seniors), £12 (teens 13–15), £5 (children 5–12), free (under 5), or £67.25 (family of two adults and two teens). A digital audio guide, available in six languages, enhances the experience. The tour is a 30-minute drive from Belfast (A1) or 90 minutes from Dublin, with no direct public transport; coach transfers are recommended. Combine with nearby Game of Thrones filming locations like Tollymore Forest, Castle Ward, or the Dark Hedges for a full experience. Advance booking at gameofthronesstudiotour.com is required, with a 24-hour cancellation policy for full refunds.

What’s New:

Despite financial challenges (a £33m loss over 2022–2023 due to lower-than-expected visitor numbers), the tour has seen a 35% increase in visitors in 2024 and aims for 400,000 annually, down from an initial 600,000 target.
Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Tie-In: With the Game of Thrones prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms filmed at Belfast’s Titanic Studios and set for a late 2025 release, the Studio Tour is likely to introduce new exhibits or interactive elements tied to the series, such as props or costumes from Ser Duncan the Tall’s adventures, capitalizing on renewed franchise interest.
Enhanced Marketing and Visitor: Following a 2023 board and management restructuring, the tour has a refreshed marketing plan to boost its global appeal., expect improved signage, updated digital content (e.g., audio guides with new anecdotes), or promotional events to draw crowds, especially after positive reviews calling it a “world-class attraction.”
Potential Gift Shop Improvements: Addressing 2024 feedback about underwhelming merchandise variety, the gift shop may stock new exclusive items, such as replicas tied to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms or fan-favourite characters, to enhance the shopping experience.
Belfast ‘Late Bird’ Offer Continuation: The popular £25 deal for a 2:00 PM return coach from Belfast’s Visit Belfast Centre offers a budget-friendly way to visit. New coach schedules, such as additional Dublin transfers, will be introduced to accommodate demand.
Seasonal Events: Building on the tour’s family-friendly appeal, 2025 will see new themed events, such as Halloween or winter activities inspired by Westeros, featuring character reenactments or special screenings to align with the House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms buzz.
Practical Information Linen Mill Studios, Banbridge, Co. Down, BT32 4LF (park at The Boulevard, Cascum Rd).
Contact: gameofthronesstudiotour.com (no direct phone; use website contact form).
Tips: Book tickets online in advance. Arrive 15 minutes early at The Boulevard for the shuttle. Allow 2–3 hours, more if lingering at exhibits or dining. Dress for variable weather, as some areas are open. Combine with Game of Thrones filming location tours (e.g., Dark Hedges, 40 minutes away) or Belfast attractions like Titanic Belfast. Check the website for seasonal hours and new exhibits tied to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour delivers an unforgettable dive into Westeros with authentic sets, interactive exhibits, and passionate staff, enhanced by new tie-ins to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and improved visitor amenities. For the latest details, visit www.gameofthronesstudiotour.com