The Dark Hedges
Armoy, United Kingdom
An avenue of twisted beech trees planted in the 18th century. Go at dawn to avoid crowds.
The Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees on Bregagh Road in County Antrim, between Armoy and Stranocum. Around 1775 the Stuart family planted over 150 beeches along the approach to their estate, Gracehill House, named after James Stuart’s wife, Grace Lynd. The trees grew together over the road and form a tunnel. The avenue became famous as the “Kingsroad” in the television series “Game of Thrones”. The stock is dwindling: in 2023 there were still 86 trees, storms have brought down several, and six were due to be felled for safety reasons.
Since October 2017 the road has been closed to vehicles, so you will be on foot (as of October 2026). You can park free of charge at the Hedges Hotel, which is a two-to-four-minute walk from the avenue. Expect plenty of other visitors. The stop combines well with Ballintoy and the Carrick-a-Rede bridge, both about 20 minutes away by car.
- Nearest town
- Armoy, United Kingdom
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 55.1350, -6.3810
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Craig House CampsiteCampsite11 km from The Dark Hedges · 15 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToilets
- Bush Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover13 km from The Dark Hedges · 48 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Ballymacrea Touring Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover16 km from The Dark HedgesMotorhomesShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Tullans Farm Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover16 km from The Dark HedgesMotorhomesElectricityShowersToilets
- Craigahulliar Holiday ParkMotorhome stopover16 km from The Dark HedgesMotorhomesShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Cushendall Caravan Holiday ParkMotorhome stopover22 km from The Dark HedgesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is The Dark Hedges?
The Dark Hedges is in Armoy, United Kingdom, at GPS 55.1350, -6.3810. It is about 11 km from Ballycastle.
Can you camp near The Dark Hedges?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Charlie's Hideaway Camping & Caravanning, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 29 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass The Dark Hedges?
The Dark Hedges is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Causeway Coastal Route.
What is there to see near The Dark Hedges?
Places worth a stop nearby: Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (12 km), Giant's Causeway (14 km), Mussenden Temple (28 km) and Fanad Head lighthouse (81 km).
When is the best time to visit The Dark Hedges?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)