Latest news with #HoTD
North Wales Live
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Fans go to extremes lengths to glimpse House of the Dragon stars in North Wales
Film set photos show how familiar places in Gwynedd and Anglesey are being transformed Hundreds of people have been turned away from locations being used to film House of The Dragon (HoTD) in northwest Wales. Most were innocent tourists but a few went to extreme lengths to gain access to sites. Season three filming has now ended in Dinorwig Quarry and at Llyn Padarn near Llanberis, Gwynedd. The focus will now switch to Anglesey, with location prep well underway at Penmon and Newborough Forest. The sheer scale of the sets built so far have amazed the few people who've been able to see them. So too have been the steps taken to deter unwelcome visitors, some of whom travelled long distances in the hope of grabbing exclusive photos of actors and film sets. Among them was a man from Romford, London, who was given his marching orders after he tried to access the three sets at Dinorwig Quarry. Having arrived from filming HoTD locations in Northern Ireland, he wasn't deterred and began flying a drone from higher up the quarry. 'It was pointless,' said local resident John Horrigan, who lives next to the quarry. 'The main set is in a huge cleft and they'd rigged up a covered gantry above it to prevent anyone looking in. They'd thought of everything!' Last weekend, security guards at Dinorwig were disturbed to find a breach in one of their defences. To prevent visitors reaching the quarry's off-limits 'hidden waterfall', a major draw on social media, a 5ft metal barrier had been placed across a hole cut in fencing by trespassers. Between midnight and 5am on Sunday morning, the barrier was destroyed. 'Someone had bent the whole thing in half,' said John. 'I mean, the strength to do that..... it's incredible. It was clear they were trying to get to waterfall, rather than the film sets, but it was a strange time to go. With filming starting on Tuesday, first thing on Monday the security team made sure that way-in was monitored - it was something they'd planned to do anyway.' By and large, most people being turned away were visitors wanting to explore the quarry without realising it had been closed for season three filming. 'Every day 100-200 people were leaving disappointed,' said John, who was given privileged access to photograph some of the sets. 'These people were coming from all over the place. Some were holidaymakers looking for a day-out, others had driven all the way from places like Manchester, even London just to see the quarry. 'As most of the security teams were from North Wales, some of them living nearby, they were able to advise on alternative places to visit, like the waterfall by Llanberis. By explaining the situation, and giving advice, there were no arguments.' Sets are also under construction at Porth Penmon, known locally as Jeff's Beach, which was also used for HoTD season two filming near Penmon Priory. This time cranes have been lifting pre-constructed sets into position at Flagstaff Quarry Buildings a little further along the bay. Photos show vehicle tracks laid across fields towards the former quarry's crusher house and dock. Week-long filming here is due to start around June 23. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox HoTD set build at Penmon Preparation works have also taken place in Newborough Forest, another season two location. A week of filming is due to start on Monday, June 16, and may include nearby Traeth Llanddwyn, now nicknamed the "Dragon beach" after scenes were shot there in 2023. In fact, the beach's island does have a permanent dragon feature - there's more on this here. Eyebrows were raised at the planned felling of trees and the removal of rough vegetation and tree stumps at the nature reserve. It is understood only unsafe trees and branches were taken down. Site manager Natural Resources Wales said ecologists oversaw the work, which has provided a logistics site for the production company. One filming is finished, the area will be restored to dune grassland and native scrub. In 2023, horses were brought to Penmon for cavalry scenes and on Thursday eight more horses were in evidence at Dinorwig Quarry. During the week, some 300 actors and film crews were on site, ferried up from a filming base beneath Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Nant Peris. 'They brought in 38,000 litres of water, weighing 38 tonnes, to film a rain scene because the weather was dry,' said John. 'The next day, it rained!' More House of The Dragon updates can be found here. By Friday, the focus had shifted to Union Rock at the west end of Llyn Padarn, Llanberis. Last year the shoreline neaby was used to film scenes from Netflix fantasy The Witcher: this time, Union Rock itself took centre stage. Here, several giant boulders, rocks and steps were constructed. 'The biggest was at least 20ft high,' said John. 'Steps were built into Union Rock and more leading up two enormous artifical boulders. 'Even if you got right up to them, it was hard to tell they were fake. Watching them built the rocks was fascinating. Once they'd finished with the polystyrene and expanding foal, they painted them using garden sprays filled with different tones of paint. 'First they'd start with light tones, then they added darker tones. Then they got out buckets and paint brushes and began flicking paint on the rocks to buld up a speckled texture. It sounds basic but by the time they'd finished, the rocks looked so real!'
Wales Online
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The six locations in North Wales rumoured for House of the Dragon filming
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Six film location sites in northwest Wales are said to have been earmarked for season three of HBO's House of The Dragon (HoTD). Some were used in summer 2023, others are new. Three large sets are already taking shape at Dinorwig Quarry near Llanberis, which in season two served as an HoTD backdrop for Harrenhal Castle, the largest fortification in Westeros. Props assembled so far suggest the aftermath of a visit by a fire-breathing dragon to the Harrenhal battle camp in the Riverlands. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has hinted of more filming at Traeth Llanddwyn and Newborough Forest in southwest Anglesey, where some trees are being felled. According to a source close to the production team, film crews will also be returning to Penmon in south west Anglesey. Other locations are in Eryri (Snowdonia), including Cwm Idwal and its iconic lake in the Ogwen Valley, Gwynedd. Two sites near Capel Curig, Conwy, have also been scouted. A seventh site, in Nant Peris at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), will reportedly be used as the production team's base. Northwest Wales was one of the main stars of season two, when eight locations were used. Half of these were on Anglesey, including Beaumaris and Porth-y-Cŵch. Llanddwyn Beach, near Newborough village, saw a good deal of filming and is said to have provided the backdrop for parts of Dragonstone. In a social media post NRW said an un-named TV production company was back on site this week. They were undertaking 'small scale preparation works' at the Twyni Penrhos area of Newborough Forest. This involved removing a 'small number of unsafe trees', along with rough vegetation and tree stumps. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone (Image: Paula Hanks-Jones) NRW said: 'All work will be undertaken under close supervision of ecologists. The area will be restored to dune grassland and native scrub which will benefit wildlife and the local environment and provide accommodation space for filming equipment. "There will be no disruption to visitors.' At present it's unclear if HoTD will be returning to Trefor Quarry on the Gwynedd coast, which was transformed into Dragonstone Castle for season two. Other sites featured in the second series included the Ogwen Valley and around Penmachno Roman Bridge, near Betws-y-Coed. (Image: HBO) A source claimed the Nant Peris site above Llanberis will be the gathering point for actors and extras. 'A large marquee is to be erected and the actors will be ferried to the various sites in minibuses and 4x4s,' they added. Production, location and safety crews are to be staying in Caernarfon and Bangor. Locals have reported seeing HoTD teams picking up visitor litter from Dinorwic Quarry and placing bins to ensure it's spotless when vacated. Season three is expected to be released in late 2026. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox See what's on in your area
North Wales Live
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
The six locations in North Wales rumoured for House of the Dragon filming
Six film location sites in northwest Wales are said to have been earmarked for season three of HBO's House of The Dragon (HoTD). Some were used in summer 2023, others are new. Three large sets are already taking shape at Dinorwig Quarry near Llanberis, which in season two served as an HoTD backdrop for Harrenhal Castle, the largest fortification in Westeros. Props assembled so far suggest the aftermath of a visit by a fire-breathing dragon to the Harrenhal battle camp in the Riverlands. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has hinted of more filming at Traeth Llanddwyn and Newborough Forest in southwest Anglesey, where some trees are being felled. According to a source close to the production team, film crews will also be returning to Penmon in south west Anglesey. Other locations are in Eryri (Snowdonia), including Cwm Idwal and its iconic lake in the Ogwen Valley, Gwynedd. Two sites near Capel Curig, Conwy, have also been scouted. A seventh site, in Nant Peris at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), will reportedly be used as the production team's base. Northwest Wales was one of the main stars of season two, when eight locations were used. Half of these were on Anglesey, including Beaumaris and Porth-y-Cŵch. Llanddwyn Beach, near Newborough village, saw a good deal of filming and is said to have provided the backdrop for parts of Dragonstone. In a social media post NRW said an un-named TV production company was back on site this week. They were undertaking 'small scale preparation works' at the Twyni Penrhos area of Newborough Forest. This involved removing a 'small number of unsafe trees', along with rough vegetation and tree stumps. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone NRW said: 'All work will be undertaken under close supervision of ecologists. The area will be restored to dune grassland and native scrub which will benefit wildlife and the local environment and provide accommodation space for filming equipment. "There will be no disruption to visitors.' At present it's unclear if HoTD will be returning to Trefor Quarry on the Gwynedd coast, which was transformed into Dragonstone Castle for season two. Other sites featured in the second series included the Ogwen Valley and around Penmachno Roman Bridge, near Betws-y-Coed. A source claimed the Nant Peris site above Llanberis will be the gathering point for actors and extras. 'A large marquee is to be erected and the actors will be ferried to the various sites in minibuses and 4x4s,' they added. Production, location and safety crews are to be staying in Caernarfon and Bangor. Locals have reported seeing HoTD teams picking up visitor litter from Dinorwic Quarry and placing bins to ensure it's spotless when vacated. See what's on in your area
Wales Online
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'Ruined' village on slate hillside hints at brutal House of the Dragon scenes
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An iron ring has been thrown around a slate mine on the edge of Eryri for season three of HBO's House of the Dragon (HoTD). As set construction picks up pace, the whole of Dinorwig Quarry has been placed off limits with security guards posted around the massive complex. Sneak pictures of the work undertaken so far suggests a ruined village is being built. A series of fire-damaged carts and boxes have been brought to the site along with piles of charred timber. It's speculated the latter will be used to recreate buildings that were used in series two - showing the devastation wrought by a fire-breathing dragon. It's widely assumed the quarry, near Llanberis, is again standing in as a HoTD backdrop as Harrenhal Castle, the largest fortification in the fictional country of Westeros. included a military encampment and a modified slate incline where a dragon was shown perching. Three other sites in the area are also rumoured to be filming locations for the Game of Thrones prequel series. Two are thought to be in the Nant Peris pass at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), with a third by Llyn Padarn, Llanberis. As the rest of George RR Martin's 'Fire & Blood' storyline contains some spectacularly brutal battles, signs point to all-out war in HoTD season three. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up A letter to local residents warned that scenes planned for Dinorwig include 'extras in armour, horses, special effects and various props'. A casting call has also been issued for 'rugged men' with 'good facial hair'. (Image: John Horrigan) The main quarry footpath was closed on Monday morning (June 2) and this will now stay shut until Monday, June 17. Security guards have been posted at both quarry entrances – from the Nant Peris side and from the Dinorwig Bus Terminus. 'But there are more all around the quarry to prevent unauthorised access,' said local resident John Horrigan, whose land borders the quarry. 'They are seriously enclosing the site and not just at the main entrances. 'The producers have been quite clever this time. For season two, they didn't close off the quarry completely until filming began, making it easier for some people to see the sets being built. This year they want to ensure no interruptions, so have closed off the quarry earlier.' (Image: John Horrigan) Before the quarry was declared completely off-limits, Mr Horrigan snuck inside to get an idea of what's been done so far. Set construction appears to be taking place at three locations within the quarry, including what he understands will be a 'destroyed village'. 'This is in the same place where they had the battle encampment in the last series, with buildings, tents and catapults. Already some props have been brought on site - and they're all burnt. Even though the props are made off-site, you get a strong burning smell as soon as you reach the area. 'Lots of burnt timber are also piled up on wooden pallets ready for set construction. This morning, two 18-tonne trucks and an articulated lorry brought in more crates, ready to be hoisted into position and unpacked by construction crews. 'It looks like they are recreating the village from the last series, only this time after it's been ruined and burnt to the ground by a dragon.' (Image: Carwyn Vaughan) Another set involves a tunnel leading to a separate pit that can't be viewed from elsewhere in the quarry. A new flight of steps has been built to an upper level, on which scaffolding is being erected. 'It's massive,' said Mr Horrigan. 'They've spend weeks building it, with erecting safety rails, steps and towers. I don't know if that's where some of the actors will be filmed, or whether it's they're putting cameras to film the canyon below, but a battle scene is predicted.' Another set involves one of the site's former quarry mills: a huge wooden facade has been erected as if to mimic a medieval hall. 'It's amazing to think they're only filming for four days and yet have to spend a month building the sets,' said Mr Horrigan. 'It's definitely bigger than last time and the whole process is taking longer.' 'I came across four rocks that looked so real you wouldn't know they were fake even if you stood by them. I wonder how many people thought they were part of a new rockfall. Those in the know will point to the sandbags on top to stop them rolling away!' (Image: John Horrigan) In Nant Peris, beneath Yr Wyddfa, no sites have been formally identified yet. However the Union Rock area at the western end of Llyn Padarn has been closed off. Last year the same area was used as a storage area when filming took place on Llyn Padarn for Netflix's The Witcher fantasy series. Could the lake again be used as a backdrop, this time for HoTD? In season two, multiple sites in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy doubled for Westeros. At Dinorwig, site preparation continues until Monday, June 9. Filming starts the following day and continues until Friday, June 13. During this four-day period, the road to the Allt Ddu bus terminus will be closed. Site reinstatement then takes place until Friday, June 20. Another filming day is set for Thursday, June 26. This will also involve a 'few days' either side for preparation and site reinstatement. Location and security crews are reported to be staying in Caernarfon, while safety staff are said to be overnighting in Bangor. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'The production is bringing a lot of money into local hotels, pubs and restaurants,' added Mr Horrigan. 'The crews are also being very respectful to the quarry. They've placed bins everywhere and there's no littering at all, which makes a nice change.' See what's on in your area
North Wales Live
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
'Ruined' village on slate hillside hints at brutal House of the Dragon scenes
An iron ring has been thrown around a slate mine on the edge of Eryri for season three of HBO's House of the Dragon (HoTD). As set construction picks up pace, the whole of Dinorwig Quarry has been placed off limits with security guards posted around the massive complex. Sneak pictures of the work undertaken so far suggests a ruined village is being built. A series of fire-damaged carts and boxes have been brought to the site along with piles of charred timber. It's speculated the latter will be used to recreate buildings that were used in series two - showing the devastation wrought by a fire-breathing dragon. It's widely assumed the quarry, near Llanberis, is again standing in as a HoTD backdrop as Harrenhal Castle, the largest fortification in the fictional country of Westeros. Season two scenes filmed at Dinorwig included a military encampment and a modified slate incline where a dragon was shown perching. Three other sites in the area are also rumoured to be filming locations for the Game of Thrones prequel series. Two are thought to be in the Nant Peris pass at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), with a third by Llyn Padarn, Llanberis. As the rest of George RR Martin's 'Fire & Blood' storyline contains some spectacularly brutal battles, signs point to all-out war in HoTD season three. A letter to local residents warned that scenes planned for Dinorwig include 'extras in armour, horses, special effects and various props'. A casting call has also been issued for 'rugged men' with 'good facial hair'. The main quarry footpath was closed on Monday morning (June 2) and this will now stay shut until Monday, June 17. Security guards have been posted at both quarry entrances – from the Nant Peris side and from the Dinorwig Bus Terminus. 'But there are more all around the quarry to prevent unauthorised access,' said local resident John Horrigan, whose land borders the quarry. 'They are seriously enclosing the site and not just at the main entrances. 'The producers have been quite clever this time. For season two, they didn't close off the quarry completely until filming began, making it easier for some people to see the sets being built. This year they want to ensure no interruptions, so have closed off the quarry earlier.' Before the quarry was declared completely off-limits, Mr Horrigan snuck inside to get an idea of what's been done so far. Set construction appears to be taking place at three locations within the quarry, including what he understands will be a 'destroyed village'. 'This is in the same place where they had the battle encampment in the last series, with buildings, tents and catapults. Already some props have been brought on site - and they're all burnt. Even though the props are made off-site, you get a strong burning smell as soon as you reach the area. 'Lots of burnt timber are also piled up on wooden pallets ready for set construction. This morning, two 18-tonne trucks and an articulated lorry brought in more crates, ready to be hoisted into position and unpacked by construction crews. 'It looks like they are recreating the village from the last series, only this time after it's been ruined and burnt to the ground by a dragon.' Another set involves a tunnel leading to a separate pit that can't be viewed from elsewhere in the quarry. A new flight of steps has been built to an upper level, on which scaffolding is being erected. 'It's massive,' said Mr Horrigan. 'They've spend weeks building it, with erecting safety rails, steps and towers. I don't know if that's where some of the actors will be filmed, or whether it's they're putting cameras to film the canyon below, but a battle scene is predicted.' Another set involves one of the site's former quarry mills: a huge wooden facade has been erected as if to mimic a medieval hall. 'It's amazing to think they're only filming for four days and yet have to spend a month building the sets,' said Mr Horrigan. 'It's definitely bigger than last time and the whole process is taking longer.' 'I came across four rocks that looked so real you wouldn't know they were fake even if you stood by them. I wonder how many people thought they were part of a new rockfall. Those in the know will point to the sandbags on top to stop them rolling away!' In Nant Peris, beneath Yr Wyddfa, no sites have been formally identified yet. However the Union Rock area at the western end of Llyn Padarn has been closed off. Last year the same area was used as a storage area when filming took place on Llyn Padarn for Netflix's The Witcher fantasy series. Could the lake again be used as a backdrop, this time for HoTD? In season two, multiple sites in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy doubled for Westeros. At Dinorwig, site preparation continues until Monday, June 9. Filming starts the following day and continues until Friday, June 13. During this four-day period, the road to the Allt Ddu bus terminus will be closed. Site reinstatement then takes place until Friday, June 20. Another filming day is set for Thursday, June 26. This will also involve a 'few days' either side for preparation and site reinstatement. Location and security crews are reported to be staying in Caernarfon, while safety staff are said to be overnighting in Bangor. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'The production is bringing a lot of money into local hotels, pubs and restaurants,' added Mr Horrigan. 'The crews are also being very respectful to the quarry. They've placed bins everywhere and there's no littering at all, which makes a nice change.'
