The parts of North Wales that double as Westeros in new House of the Dragon series

North Wales has a starring role in the second series of House of the Dragon, currently airing on TV. The Game of Thrones spin-off is set nearly 200 years before the events of the original series.

Actors and production crews spent five weeks in the region last summer, filming at locations across Gwynedd, Conwy and Anglesey. The show’s executive producer Kevin de la Noy later gave North Wales the thumbs-up. He said: “It was great to be shooting in Wales with its stunning scenery and landscapes, that bring to life our Westeros.

“I had no hesitation in taking House of the Dragon there... and we were blessed with the most glorious weather too. Thank you, Wales!”

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Just one episode of the new series has aired so far and many scenes filmed in the region have yet to be seen. With North Wales doubling as Westeros, the island of Anglesey provided several key filming location.

Last year actor Steve Toussaint, who plays Corlys Velaryon, was spotted in the village of Penmon. With heavily armed cavalry soldiers filming in fields nearby, fans believe Velaryon was leading his men to war.

Eagle-eyed walkers then spotted soldiers wearing the golden-dragon sigil of Aegon II Targaryen filming in Beaumaris, where the beach was used to film a cavalry charge. Also seen in the town was Fabien Frankel, who plays Ser Criston Cole, aka the Kingmaker, and Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

Crowds later gathered to watch actors gather on Llanddwyn Beach near Newborough. The vast beach and its mystical island is believed to be the location used for the “Sowing of the Dragonseeds” storyline, in which Targaryen descendants will try to claim dragons. These events will appear in a later episode of the show. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here’s how to sign up

Meanwhile, Emma D’Arcy, who plays Rhaenyra Targaryen, was on location for an emotional scene at nearby Porth y Cwch. This sees Lucerys Velaryon’s corpse washed up on Shipbreaker Bay following his death at the end of the previous season.

Anglesey’s natural beauty lends itself perfectly as a filming location. Much can be said of the rest of North Wales, with Gwynedd and Conwy standing in for some of the grander – and bloodier – locations.

Yr Eifl Quarry, also known as Trefor Quarry, is thought to have stood in as Dragonstone Castle, ancestral seat of House Targaryen. During filming, locals spotted banners bearing the sigil of Rhaenyra Targaryen draped at the quarry.

Another major location was Dinorwig Quarry, once one of the largest slate quarries in the world, which overlooks Llyn Padarn, Llanberis. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

Photos from the quarry last summer showed carts, tents and two stone pillars, while a large catapult was pictured pulling into a local garage. It prompted speculation the site will play host to a large battle.

Several cavalry riders were spotted in the Ogwen Valley, along with prop corpses. A skirmish of some sorts? Little is known about what was filmed here.

More corpses were spotted at Penmachno’s hauntingly beautiful Roman Bridge in Conwy county. Fans suspect the aftermath of a major battle was filmed at the single-span packhorse bridge.

• House of the Dragon season two airs on Sky Atlantic and is available to stream on NOW.

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