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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Brit motorists flocking to hidden road famed for its eerie beauty after appearance in Game of Thrones
Interest in the location has soared in recent years HOT SPOT Brit motorists flocking to hidden road famed for its eerie beauty after appearance in Game of Thrones Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HAUNTINGLY beautiful stretch of road, tucked away "off the beaten track" is quickly becoming a must-see for adventurous travellers seeking something truly unique. This extraordinary destination has been likened to a scene from a fantasy film - yet it is entirely real. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Dark Hedges in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is an eerily stunning avenue of trees famous for its twisted branches Credit: Getty 4 The location is perhaps best known for its appearance in the Game of Thrones series Credit: Getty 4 It's becoming a hot spot for tourists in the area Credit: Google Maps 4 It's known to be hard to find, situated near the small village of Armoy Credit: Getty The Dark Hedges, located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is an eerily stunning avenue of trees famous for its twisted branches and mysterious shadows, as well as its appearance in Game of Thrones as "The Kingsroad." Planted in the 1700s by the Stuart family, the trees were meant to impress visitors to Gracehill House, and they have made the road become one of Ireland's most photographed sights. It's off the beaten path, literally City Tours Belfast Indeed, according to City Tours Belfast, interest in the location has soared in recent years - especially among families, couples and, of course, fans of all things fantasy. For travellers on the hunt for beauty and mystery, the road's gnarled trunks and intertwined limbs form a natural cathedral that changes with every season. Notoriously hard to find, the Dark Hedges is set along Bregagh Road, near the small village of Armoy, but isn't exactly signposted. Indeed, it's roughly 50 miles, or 80km, from Belfast in a relatively remote area that offers little in the way of phone signal. 'It's off the beaten path, literally,' says a spokesperson for City Tours Belfast. 'But that makes the moment you turn the corner and see the trees in person even more rewarding. It's like stepping into another world.' This, according to City Tours Belfast, is all part of the charm INSIDER TIPS If you're longing to see the Dark Hedges for yourself, it's recommended to visit the spot either early in the morning or late in the evening, as these times not only offer the quietest atmosphere - but also provide the most enchanting light for photographs. I found the best staycation in Ireland with private pod, our own hot tub and alpacas and deer on site Additionally, proper footwear is essential here as the road is rural, dotted with uneven surfaces. Sturdy shoes are a must, while even during the summer a light jacket is advised - since the breeze under the trees can pick up quickly. Naturally, visitors are encouraged not to drive down Bregagh Road in an attempt to preserve the natural look and feel of the area. And while it may be tempting, driving through the avenue can damage the trees' roots. Instead, a nearby car park can be used, allowing for a short walk to the site. Drivers are also encouraged to pair their visit to the Dark Hedges with a trip to the iconic Giant's Causeway, a World Heritage site that's just a short drive away. A spokesperson from City Tours Belfast added: 'Many travellers think they need to spend days planning their own road trip to find these places, but the truth is you can see the very best of Northern Ireland in just one day without the stress. 'Our guided tours mean you won't get lost, miss key sights, or waste time hunting for parking. 'Plus, you'll hear the hidden stories behind these iconic places, from local myths to Hollywood secrets.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Brit motorists flocking to hidden road famed for its eerie beauty after appearance in Game of Thrones
A HAUNTINGLY beautiful stretch of road, tucked away "off the beaten track" is quickly becoming a must-see for adventurous travellers seeking something truly unique. This extraordinary destination has been likened to a scene from a fantasy film - yet it is entirely real. Advertisement 4 The Dark Hedges in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is an eerily stunning avenue of trees famous for its twisted branches Credit: Getty 4 The location is perhaps best known for its appearance in the Game of Thrones series Credit: Getty 4 It's becoming a hot spot for tourists in the area Credit: Google Maps 4 It's known to be hard to find, situated near the small village of Armoy Credit: Getty The Dark Hedges, located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland , is an eerily stunning avenue of trees famous for its twisted branches and mysterious shadows, as well as its appearance in Game of Thrones as "The Kingsroad." Planted in the 1700s by the Stuart family, the trees were meant to impress visitors to Gracehill House, and they have made the road become one of Ireland's most photographed sights. It's off the beaten path, literally City Tours Belfast Indeed, according to For travellers on the hunt for beauty and mystery, the road's gnarled trunks and intertwined limbs form a natural cathedral that changes with every season. Advertisement Read more Motors News Notoriously hard to find, the Dark Hedges is set along Bregagh Road, near the small village of Armoy, but isn't exactly signposted. Indeed, it's roughly 50 miles, or 80km, from Belfast in a relatively remote area that offers little in the way of phone signal. 'It's off the beaten path, literally,' says a spokesperson for City Tours Belfast. 'But that makes the moment you turn the corner and see the trees in person even more rewarding. It's like stepping into another world.' Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive This, according to City Tours Belfast, is all part of the charm INSIDER TIPS If you're longing to see the Dark Hedges for yourself, it's recommended to visit the spot either early in the morning or late in the evening, as these times not only offer the quietest atmosphere - but also provide the most enchanting light for photographs. I found the best staycation in Ireland with private pod, our own hot tub and alpacas and deer on site Additionally, proper footwear is essential here as the road is rural, dotted with uneven surfaces. Sturdy shoes are a must, while even during the summer a light jacket is advised - since the breeze under the trees can pick up quickly. Advertisement Naturally, visitors are encouraged not to drive down Bregagh Road in an attempt to preserve the natural look and feel of the area. And while it may be tempting, driving through the avenue can damage the trees' roots. Instead, a nearby car park can be used, allowing for a short walk to the site. Drivers are also encouraged to pair their visit to the Dark Hedges with a trip to the iconic Giant's Causeway, a World Heritage site that's just a short drive away. Advertisement A spokesperson from City Tours Belfast added: 'Many travellers think they need to spend days planning their own road trip to find these places, but the truth is you can see the very best of Northern Ireland in just one day without the stress. 'Our guided tours mean you won't get lost, miss key sights, or waste time hunting for parking. 'Plus, you'll hear the hidden stories behind these iconic places, from local myths to Hollywood secrets.'
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Brit motorists flocking to hidden road famed for its eerie beauty after appearance in Game of Thrones
A HAUNTINGLY beautiful stretch of road, tucked away "off the beaten track" is quickly becoming a must-see for adventurous travellers seeking something truly unique. This extraordinary destination has been likened to a scene from a fantasy film - yet it is entirely real. 4 4 4 4 The Dark Hedges, located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is an eerily stunning avenue of trees famous for its twisted branches and mysterious shadows, as well as its appearance in Game of Thrones as "The Kingsroad." Planted in the 1700s by the Stuart family, the trees were meant to impress visitors to Gracehill House, and they have made the road become one of Ireland's most photographed sights. Indeed, according to City Tours Belfast, interest in the location has soared in recent years - especially among families, couples and, of course, fans of all things fantasy. For travellers on the hunt for beauty and mystery, the road's gnarled trunks and intertwined limbs form a natural cathedral that changes with every season. Notoriously hard to find, the Dark Hedges is set along Bregagh Road, near the small village of Armoy, but isn't exactly signposted. Indeed, it's roughly 50 miles, or 80km, from Belfast in a relatively remote area that offers little in the way of phone signal. 'It's off the beaten path, literally,' says a spokesperson for City Tours Belfast. 'But that makes the moment you turn the corner and see the trees in person even more rewarding. It's like stepping into another world.' This, according to City Tours Belfast, is all part of the charm INSIDER TIPS If you're longing to see the Dark Hedges for yourself, it's recommended to visit the spot either early in the morning or late in the evening, as these times not only offer the quietest atmosphere - but also provide the most enchanting light for photographs. I found the best staycation in Ireland with private pod, our own hot tub and alpacas and deer on site Additionally, proper footwear is essential here as the road is rural, dotted with uneven surfaces. Sturdy shoes are a must, while even during the summer a light jacket is advised - since the breeze under the trees can pick up quickly. Naturally, visitors are encouraged not to drive down Bregagh Road in an attempt to preserve the natural look and feel of the area. And while it may be tempting, driving through the avenue can damage the trees' roots. Instead, a nearby car park can be used, allowing for a short walk to the site. Drivers are also encouraged to pair their visit to the Dark Hedges with a trip to the iconic Giant's Causeway, a World Heritage site that's just a short drive away. A spokesperson from City Tours Belfast added: 'Many travellers think they need to spend days planning their own road trip to find these places, but the truth is you can see the very best of Northern Ireland in just one day without the stress. 'Our guided tours mean you won't get lost, miss key sights, or waste time hunting for parking. 'Plus, you'll hear the hidden stories behind these iconic places, from local myths to Hollywood secrets.'
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I visited the UK's most photographed road - what I found there terrified me'
An avenue which looks eerily haunting also has its own ghostly goings-on according to visitors - thousands of whom have been flocking there to photograph it after it appeared in Game of Thrones This image of a tangled avenue of trees deep in the countryside is drawing thousands of visitors every year and some people are saying it's not just for the views. Known as The Dark Hedges, this creepy pathway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland might be one of the UK's most photographed roads, yet it also holds the title as possibly the spookiest. The twisted beech trees lining Bregagh Road were planted more than 200 years ago by the Stuart family to impress guests approaching their grand estate, Gracehill House. Today, the walkway is an international tourist hotspot, helped in part by its appearance as the 'Kingsroad' in Game of Thrones. Travel experts at City Tours Belfast say the number of visitors to The Dark Hedges continues to climb each year, particularly those travelling from England and Scotland in search of the perfect picture. But while it looks like something from a storybook during the day, The Dark Hedges takes on a completely different feel after sunset. As the light disappears and shadows stretch across the twisted trunks, the mood quickly turns from magical to unsettling. The hedges are haunted by the Grey Lady, a ghostly figure said to drift silently between the trees before vanishing into thin air, according to local legend. Some believe she's the spirit of a maid from the nearby mansion while others think she may be from an abandoned graveyard hidden nearby. Visitors have reported unexplained lights, strange sounds, and a strong feeling of being watched, even when no one else is around. British tourist Hannah Wells said: 'I came during the day for the photos, but we stayed until dusk. As we walked back to the car, I suddenly felt cold, even though it was summer. My friend swears she saw something move across the road, but there was nothing there.' Despite its eerie reputation, The Dark Hedges has become a popular backdrop for Instagram and TikTok, with influencers and content creators flocking to capture moody, gothic-style shots under the crooked branches. At sunrise and sunset, the trees cast long shadows that create a natural tunnel of light and dark, perfect for atmospheric photos. 'People often think we edit our pictures,' said local tour guide Sean Donnelly. 'But that's just how the place looks when the fog rolls in. It's beautiful and haunting at the same time.' The Dark Hedges are located in County Antrim, near the village of Armoy, around 80km from Belfast. They're most easily reached by car, but visitors are warned: mobile signals can be weak in the area, and there are no major shops or cafés nearby. Travel experts at City Tours Belfast recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the tour bus crowds and to enjoy the best chance of seeing the twisting branches in low light.
