Top Historical Sites to Visit in Crete
May 1, 2025
If you love stories etched in stone, Crete is your kind of island. From ancient palaces to centuries-old fortresses, here are the must-see historical landmarks
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into Middle-earth, Hobbiton in Matamata, New Zealand, is the ultimate destination! This enchanting movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films feels like a real-life Shire. It is complete with rolling green hills, cozy hobbit holes, and the warm, inviting atmosphere of a land where a second breakfast is a must.
Whether you’re a die-hard Tolkien fan or love a good adventure, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Hobbiton!
To thoroughly soak in the magic of Hobbiton, timing is everything! Early morning tours offer a quiet, misty atmosphere, making it feel like you’re wandering through the pages of The Lord of the Rings.
If you prefer a warmer, golden glow, late afternoon tours provide stunning photo opportunities as the sun sets over the Shire. For the ultimate experience, the Evening Banquet Tour lets you explore the set with lantern lights and feast like a true hobbit at The Green Dragon Inn!
Honestly, I could spend all day in this magical place!
✔️ Bag End – The iconic home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, perched at the top of the hill with a breathtaking view of the Shire.
✔️ The Green Dragon Inn – A cozy, fully functioning pub where you can sip on exclusive Hobbiton ales and ciders. The drinks are delicious, and the views from the window are stunning.
✔️ The Party Tree – The legendary site of Bilbo’s 111th birthday party, standing tall in the heart of the Shire.
✔️ Samwise Gamgee’s Hobbit Hole – A must-see for Sam fans, complete with a perfectly picturesque front garden.
✔️ The Mill and Double-arched Bridge – A postcard-perfect spot for photos that captures the rustic charm of Hobbiton.
🌱 The grass and gardens are real! A team of gardeners maintains the site to keep it as lush and vibrant as it appears in the films. Every season brings an array of seasonal produce from the gardens, along with various flowers and foliage.
🎥 The original Hobbiton set was made of temporary materials, but after filming The Hobbit, it was rebuilt permanently for visitors to enjoy.
🍺 The drinks served at The Green Dragon Inn are brewed exclusively for Hobbiton and can’t be found anywhere else in the world!
🕰️ Peter Jackson’s attention to detail was so extreme that workers scattered laundry on the clotheslines weeks before filming to make them look “lived in.”
📅 Book in Advance – Tours sell out quickly, so reserving a spot ahead of time is essential! Click here for tickets.
📷 Bring Your Camera – Every corner of Hobbiton is a picture-perfect moment waiting to happen.
👞 Wear Comfy Shoes – The tour involves some walking, so comfy footwear is necessary.
🎭 Embrace the Magic – Whether you’re quoting lines from the movies or pretending to be a hobbit, let yourself get lost in the wonder of it all!
No matter when you visit, Hobbiton is guaranteed to transport you straight into the world of Tolkien’s imagination. So, grab your fellowship (or just your camera), and prepare for an adventure that makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into the Shire. Happy adventuring and may your second breakfast be plentiful!
If you love stories etched in stone, Crete is your kind of island. From ancient palaces to centuries-old fortresses, here are the must-see historical landmarks
*FYI – this post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from
*FYI – this post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from
*FYI – this post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from
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