Today was one of those days that felt like stepping straight through the screen and into the world Peter Jackson built. We hit Hobbiton, the real film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and the kids absolutely loved it. Even Ali even fell in love with it the moment we saw the old wooden sign swinging under the trees.
The drive in alone sets the tone. Rolling green hills, grazing sheep, and that classic New Zealand landscape that looks too perfect to be real. By the time we reached the entrance, Georgia was already on full excitement mode,.
You hop straight onto a bus that takes you down into the valley where the set sits, hidden away on the Alexander sheep farm. And honestly, it’s incredible how much detail has gone into making Hobbiton feel lived-in. Smoke drifting from chimneys. Fresh flowers everywhere. Laundry on the lines. Tools left out as if someone just stepped away for a cuppa.
We began in the East Farthing, wandering past our first hobbit holes with round doors and climbing vines wrapping around the wooden beams. The gardens are stunning real vegetables, herbs, and fruit growing everywhere. It’s all actual working gardens, cared for by a real team of gardeners, all to keep the Shire alive.
Dotty’s eyes nearly popped out when she found the stall filled with Hobbit style honey jars and preserves. She kept picking things up as if she was in someone’s actual kitchen.
A Peek Inside Hobbit Life
The best part is the brand-new addition the interior Hobbit holes. These opened only recently and the craftsmanship is unreal. Proper wood-burning fires, hand carved furniture, beds tucked into the walls, children’s toys on shelves, and little details like half-written letters and baskets of fresh produce.
Ali sat by the fire like it was her home. Georgia found the little bunk beds and immediately decided she could live here permanently if they let her.
Dotty, meanwhile marched around inspecting every pot and jar like a very tiny chaotic Gordon Ramsay.
The Green Dragon Inn
Every tour ends with a stop at the Green Dragon, the famous pub from the movies. Cosy fire. Wooden beams. Low ceilings. And drinks included. The adults get a choice of ale, cider, or ginger beer brewed exclusively for Hobbiton I had a cup it was ok, if a bit dark for me!
It’s warm, atmospheric, and one of those places you want to sit in for hours even though your tour keeps moving.
Hobbiton isn’t cheap let’s be honest but it’s probably worth it at least once.
The detail, the atmosphere, the storytelling… it all feels real. And doing it with the kids made it even better. Georgia kept pointing out which hobbit she thought lived where, and Dotty treated every door like it was the entrance to Narnia, knock knock.
A magical day. One we’ll all remember.
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