Where is Poldark Filmed?
One of the most captivating aspects of the romantic period drama “Poldark” is its stunning scenery, primarily filmed in Cornwall, which boasts breathtaking coastal views. Based on Winston Graham’s best-selling novels, “Poldark” tells the story of Captain Ross Poldark in late 18th century Cornwall, encompassing themes of romance, tragedy, triumph, and more. The series aired for five seasons on the BBC and PBS Masterpiece.
If you haven’t seen the series, you can watch it on PBS Passport, Prime Video, and PBS Masterpiece on Amazon Video. It’s also available for purchase on Digital and DVD.
Now that “Poldark” has concluded, there’s an enriched sense of nostalgia for the BBC drama. With travel restrictions easing and opportunities to travel increasing, exploring some of the notable filming locations can be a great way to experience the magic of the show in real life.
Cornwall, with its mesmerising rocky beaches, moody moors, and old-fashioned locations, should definitely be on your travel bucket list. Here are fifteen spectacular “Poldark” filming locations to visit on your next trip to England, arranged in alphabetical order.
Poldark Filming Locations
1. Bodmin Moor
In the St. Breward area of Bodmin Moor, you’ll find the stone farmhouse used as the Poldark family home exterior. Dwight’s cottage, miners’ cottages, and jail scenes at Bodmin Jail were also filmed here. The area’s rugged beauty and wild moors make it a stunning spot to visit.
2. Botallack Mine, St Just
Botallack Mines stand in for Wheal Leisure and Grambler. Many of the main exterior mining scenes (with CGI help) were filmed here. It’s a gorgeous place to walk and have moments of reflection, looking out over the cliffs and ocean.
3. Charlestown, Cornwall
Charlestown represents the towns of Truro and Falmouth. If you spot a backdrop of sailing ships, it was likely filmed here. This old-fashioned village, with its historic tall ships, feels like stepping back in time.
4. Chavenage House
The historic Elizabethan home in Gloucestershire served as Trenwith House. Although currently closed to visits, they hope to reopen soon. The house is also a popular filming site for other period dramas.
5. Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach
Known for its shipwrecks, Gunwalloe Beach (Church Cove) was where the dramatic series one shipwreck scene was filmed. It’s a stunning beach with plenty of parking, managed by the National Trust.
6. Gwennap Head
Featured in many shots looking out to sea, Gwennap Head is known for its dramatic, beautiful scenery. It’s where characters like Drake and Morwenna meet. Be aware there’s no vehicular access, so you’ll need to walk in.
7. Holywell Bay
Famous for its golden sands, Holywell Bay represents the Warleggans’ “best beach in Cornwall.” Memorable scenes here include Ross asking Demelza to join him in London and more. It’s a prime romantic filming location.
8. Levant Mine
Standing in for Tressiders Rolling Mill, Levant Mine is the only place in the world with a Cornish beam engine still in steam on its original site. Visiting allows you to experience the unique sounds of “whooshing steam.”
9. Kynance Cove
A perfect spot for romantics, used for numerous scenes, including Ross rescuing Demelza. The location features gorgeous white sand, turquoise sea, rock stacks, islands, and sea caves. It’s busy in the summer, though
10. Park Head/The Bedruthan Steps
Ideal for dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery, Park Head filmed scenes like Ross on horseback and Demelza walking along the cliffs. Summer brings beautiful wildflowers to the area.
11. Penberth Cove
The picturesque fishing hamlet represented the Sawle village. It’s an ideal place to visit if you wish to avoid the tourist crowds.
12. Porthcothan Beach
This beach represents Nampara Cove, where many horseback riding and swimming scenes were filmed. It’s an idyllic spot.
13. Porthcurno
Another beautiful beach, doubling as Nampara Cove and Hendrawna Beach. It features high craggy cliffs, turquoise water, and white sand. Memorable scenes include Ross dreaming of walking hand in hand with Demelza.
14. Porthgwarra Beach
Known for Ross’s skinny-dipping scene, this secluded beach boasts wildflowers, birds, and unspoiled beauty. It’s quieter than many other beaches.
15. St Agnes Head, Cornwall
Representing part of Nampara Valley, this location features numerous cliff-side horseback riding scenes. It’s perfect for stargazing, scenic walks, and understanding Cornwall’s mining history. Winston Graham wrote his first “Poldark” novel near here.
Have you visited any of these “Poldark” filming locations? Which places would you recommend? If you haven’t been, are any of these now on your travel list?
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Feel free to explore these beautiful spots and experience the enchanting world of “Poldark.”
