Explore Britain’s King Arthur Filming Locations
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TDM, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
May 2017 sees the release of the major new film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Director Guy Ritchie and a Hollywood cast including Charlie Hunman and Jude Law retell the classic story of the legendary British leader made famous by medieval mythology. Take your own Arthurian pilgrimage around these dramatic British filming locations used in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, from Isle of Skye’s rugged landscapes to majestic Windsor Great Park.
Snowdonia National Park, north-west Wales
Wales lays claim to many places associated with the legend of King Arthur, his mighty sword Excalibur and the fabled magician Merlin. One such haunt is Snowdonia National Park and Mount Snowdon, where Arthur reputedly killed a fearsome giant, Rhitta. Llyn Llydaw is supposedly the final resting place of Excalibur, Arthur’s sword, after it was thrown in the lake’s waters after Arthur’s death.
Snowdonia National Park was suitably a key shooting location for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Filming took place in several areas, including Tryfan mountain in the Ogwen Valley – one of the most famous and recognisable peaks in Britain. Cast and crew were also spotted around the village of Capel Curig on the River Llugwy, and the lake-side valley of Nant Gwynant – once the site of a Roman fort and marching camp and now home to the popular Llyn Gwynant campsite used by walkers bound for Snowdon. The film joins many others that feature Snowdonia locations – Angelina Jolie filmed parts of Tomb Raider here in 2001 and Sean Connery shot scenes for First Knight here 20 years ago.
King Arthur’s Cave, Wye Valley, England and Wales border
One of the film’s council scenes was shot at a real-life prehistoric cave called ‘King Arthur’s Cave’, located in The Doward area of the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Welsh border. The cave is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and rises about 25 feet high, with an entrance large enough for a man on horseback to ride in and out of. The beautiful Wye Valley and Vale of Usk have the most castles per square mile in Britain, acres of ancient woodland and a host of adventure sports on offer, making it a great holiday spot – and just one hour’s drive from Cardiff or three hour’s drive from London.
The Quiraing, Isle of Skye, Scotland
The largest of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides islands, the Isle of Skye is home to some of Britain’s most iconic landscapes – and film backdrops. Bring your energy and sense of adventure to create your own legend in this magical place! The island has magnificent mountain ranges, captivating history, and miles of dramatic coastline. Lace up your walking boots and explore the island’s most majestic geological features, such as the Old Man of Storr, the Cuillin rocky mountain range, and the Quiraing – a massive landslip on the Trotternish ridge where filming took place for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. After a day of hiking, the island’s town, Portree, and small villages are welcoming places to try tasty local fare or relax in cosy pubs.
Windsor Great Park, south-east England
You’ll have to wait and see how Windsor Great Park features in the film, but if you’ve ever dreamed of riding a horse through ancient oak forests and wide open deer parks under the distant gaze of a beautiful English castle, this is your chance! Whether you’re a seasoned rider or have never even sat on a horse, Tally Ho Stables provide horses and riding hats, a huge choice of beautiful routes through the park and all the training you need. There’s no road riding, just thousands of acres of woodland and meadows to enjoy with our experienced guides. All with the Queen’s private Windsor Castle residence as a backdrop.
