Visited Hobbiton while in New Zealand and it was perfect. The site is everything you want and we were lucky to have sun.
The Green Dragon Inn
The site is literally in the middle of a sheep farm. The starting point is a cafe where you buy tickets and meet up with your group. On the bus for about 10 minutes-with a video by Peter Jackson and the farmer, until you arrive at the Shire.
We took the 1 hour tour plus lunch. The tour is a pleasant meander so that everyone has time to take tons of pictures.
We learned that the original Lord of the Rings set was temporary and they burned it for that one scene. They returned the land to sheep pasture as promised, but then rebuilt it for The Hobbit. At that point everyone realized that tourists wanted to visit, so it was a permanent build.
Most of the doors don't have a room behind them, but they are building one that should be ready in 2024.
There were at least 3 other tours going on, but they are staggered so you don't interfere with each other.
Each home has a theme-this is outside the bee keepers home.
Hobbit size is interesting. I felt only a little large wandering the lanes.
Up close to items and hobbit holes we all feel like giants.
Classic!
The site was scouted by helicopter and I can imagine this image was key to picking this particular sheep farm. The party tree and party tent (and new construction) viewed from a hilltop
and up close. There is a special to do on Bilbo's birthday, Sept 22.
The mill pond
Sketches like you see in the end credits.
The only door that opens just a few feet. Everyone took a turn standing just inside.
Lunch at the Green Dragon-better food than I would expect from a tourist site!
Amazing detail
A final view of the mill from the Green Dragon. Can't wait to return and see the new hobbit house!
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