With most of The Witcher season two filmed in the UK, it’s no wonder the crew chose the Lake District as a top location. 🌄
The national park, with its rugged, stunning landscapes, truly feels like it was lifted straight from The Continent, the magical world of Netflix’s hit medieval fantasy.
Andrew Laws, The Witcher’s production designer, says, “The Lakes offered so many different settings without being too far apart.”
Nestled in South Cumbria’s scenic countryside, the three main filming spots are Rydal Caves, Blea Tarn, and Hodge Close Quarry. 🏞️
Fans will be happy to know that since these sites are all close together, you can easily explore all three in a single trip.
Rydal Caves
Address: White Moss Carpark, Ambleside, LA22 9SE
Rydal Caves, a historic slate mine from the nineteenth century, has become a favorite spot for hikers who venture inside the quarry, soak in the rugged scenery, and maybe even take a refreshing swim in its clear blue waters! 🏞️
Tucked on the steep slopes of Loughrigg Fell, it’s amazing that the cave’s pool is full of fish, even though no streams seem to feed it—it’s a real mystery! 🐟
Starting from White Moss Carpark in Ambleside, the walk to Rydal Caves is an easy, scenic 1-mile stroll through magical woodlands and open fell, with stunning views of the sparkling Rydal Water lake.
At a steady pace, most hikers can reach the cave in about thirty minutes, with roughly the same time needed for the return trip.
Keep in mind, the carpark fills up fast, just like all the spots on our list, so plan your visit carefully. 🚗
Alternatively, you can start the walk from Rydal Village, which offers a trail of similar length.
Blea Tarn
Address: Blea Tarn Parking, Ambleside, LA22 9PG
Perched high above Great Langdale Valley, Blea Tarn offers visitors some of the most breathtaking and secluded views in the Lake District. 🌄
Marked as part of an ancient trade route by the National Trust, this scenic tarn provides plenty of walking options and is even called “the jewel in the crown” for wild swimming in the Langdales.
The moment you see the mountain lake and its stunning surroundings, it’s easy to understand why Blea Tarn was picked as a filming location.
Although the carpark sits conveniently across from the tarn, the drive involves narrow, winding single-track roads that might not suit everyone.
Also, the carpark only takes coins—no cards or notes—so make sure to bring some change! 💰
The classic circular trail around Blea Tarn is about three kilometres and can be done in an hour, but if you prefer, you can skip the walk and head straight to the lake from the carpark.
Hodge Close Quarry
Address: Hodge Close, Coniston LA21 8DJ
The final stop on our list, Hodge Close Quarry, was featured in what Netflix calls “a pivotal scene” in The Witcher season two.
Located a few miles north of Coniston, this abandoned slate mine is famous for its striking skull-shaped rock formation, reflected dramatically in the water. 🪨
Offering breathtaking views from above, many visitors don’t realize there’s a hidden path nearby that lets hikers climb down and explore the eerie caverns up close. 🌄
The trail is less than a mile long and totally worth the trip, as long as you don’t mind a bit of light scrambling! 🧗
Parking is free, but spaces are limited, so it’s wise to avoid busy times.
The road to Hodge Close Quarry is narrow with only a few passing spots, so drive carefully. 🚗
Which episodes of the Witcher are these filming from?
Rydal Caves appears in episode seven, “Voleth Meir,” when Jaskier takes a dip in the cavern’s waters. 💦
Blea Tarn is featured at the start of episode four, “Redanian Intelligence,” where Geralt and Ciri train in the snowy, rugged landscape.
Hodge Close Quarry shows up in episode three, “What Is Lost,” as Geralt and Vesemir bring Eskel’s body to the cave, where wolves await.
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