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WHERE IS POLDARK FILMED?
One of the highlights of the romantic period drama Poldark is its stunning scenery, much of which was filmed in Cornwall with its breathtaking coastal views.
Based on the bestselling novels by Winston Graham, Poldark tells the story of Captain Ross Poldark in late 18th century Cornwall, alongside his friends, family, and enemies. The series, filled with romance, tragedy, and triumphs, aired for five seasons on BBC and PBS Masterpiece.
If you haven’t watched the series yet, it’s available on PBS Passport, Prime Video, and PBS Masterpiece on Amazon Video. You can also purchase it digitally or on DVD.
With Poldark ending nearly two years ago, fans are feeling nostalgic for the BBC drama. Now that travel is opening up again, it’s the perfect time to explore some of the spectacular filming locations from the series.
With its dramatic rocky beaches, romantic moors, and old-fashioned settings that transport you back to the 18th century, Cornwall and other parts of England should definitely be on your travel list. Here are fifteen of the most beautiful Poldark filming locations to consider for your next trip to England:
POLDARK FILMING LOCATIONS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
1. Bodmin Moor
In the St. Breward area of Bodmin Moor, you’ll find the stone farmhouse that served as the exterior of the Poldark family’s house. This area also includes Dwight’s cottage, miners’ cottages, and jail scenes at Bodmin Jail, as well as numerous scenes involving Ross and Demelza. The rugged beauty of the wild moors makes it a beautiful spot to visit.
2. Botallack Mine, St Just
Botallack Mine, which stands in for Wheal Leisure and Grambler in the series, is a great place for a reflective walk by the sea. It’s where many of the main exterior mining scenes were filmed with the help of CGI.
3. Charlestown, Cornwall
Charlestown represents the towns of Truro and Falmouth, such as when Verity and Captain Andrew elope. This old-fashioned village, known for its historic tall ships, will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
4. Chavenage House
Chavenage House in Gloucestershire served as Trenwith House. This historic Elizabethan home is often used in period dramas like Tess of the D’Urbervilles and Lark Rise to Candleford. It hopes to reopen to visitors in late June 2021.
5. Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach
Known for its history of shipwrecks, Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach served as the shipwreck site in the first series. It has beautiful beaches and a sizeable parking area managed by the National Trust.
6. Gwennap Head
A favorite spot of Jack Farthing, Gwennap Head in Cornwall is featured in many shots looking out to sea and often serves as a coastal route. It’s where Drake and Morwenna meet. Be cautious, though, as there’s no vehicular access, and you’ll need to walk in.
7. Holywell Bay
This sandy beach along the Cornish coast is used in the series to represent the “best beach in Cornwall” owned by the Warleggans. Memorable scenes here include Ross asking Demelza to join him in London, and Dwight and Caroline riding horses together.
8. Levant Mine
Levant Mine and Beam Engine in St Just stood in for Tressiders Rolling Mill in the show. It’s a fascinating place to visit, with the only Cornish beam engine still in steam on its original site.
9. Kynance Cove
Kynance Cove is known for its romantic setting, with memorable scenes such as Ross rescuing Demelza when she goes into labor. The spot features white sand, turquoise sea, and rock stacks, along with islands and sea caves.
10. Park Head/The Bedruthan Steps
If you’re into dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery, you’ll love this filming location. Several scenes, including Ross on horseback and Demelza walking along the cliffs, were filmed here. The cliffs are especially beautiful in summer when covered with wildflowers.
11. Penberth Cove
This picturesque fishing hamlet stands in for Sawle village where Sam and Drake Carne live. It’s a popular filming spot and a quieter place to visit away from the tourist crowds.
12. Porthcothan Beach
Porthcothan Beach represents Nampara Cove in the series. Many horseback riding and swimming scenes were filmed in this idyllic setting.
13. Porthcurno
Another beach that stood in for Nampara Cove and Hendrawna Beach, Porthcurno is known for its high craggy cliffs, turquoise water, and white sand. It’s also the setting for Ross’ dream of walking hand-in-hand with Demelza while he’s in jail.
14. Porthgwarra Beach
Famous for Ross’s skinny-dipping scene in season one, Porthgwarra Beach is ideal for swimming. This secluded cove/fishing hamlet is full of wildflowers and birds and known for its unspoiled beauty.
15. St Agnes Head, Cornwall
St Agnes Head and Chapel Porth represented Nampara Valley in Poldark, featuring numerous cliff-side horseback riding scenes. While visiting, you can stargaze, enjoy beautiful walks, and explore the engine houses. The Wheal Coates Tin Mining Walk provides insight into the once-thriving mining industry in Cornwall. Interestingly, Winston Graham lived nearby for thirty years and wrote his first Poldark novel here.
Have you visited any of these Poldark filming locations? Which places do you recommend? If you haven’t, is this now on your travel bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
