To explore the set of BBC’s popular show Poldark – or to up your chances of spotting the handsome lead Aidan Turner – visit one of these 14 Cornish coastal scenes.
Words: Madeleine Barber
The fictional life of rugged Ross Poldark has transfixed the nation since early 2015, but here at coast we’ve been drawn in by more than Aidan Turner’s good looks and the show’s addictive storylines. The Poldark series is set in Cornwall and is well known for cliff-top scenes and sweeping sea vistas. In fact, the dramatic coastline is as much a feature in the show as Ross and Demelza’s epic love story…
Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson as Ross and Demelza Poldark. Photo: BBC/Mike Alsford
With season two having ended (much to our dismay), we’ve lined up some of the show’s most iconic filming locations for you to explore (map below) along with some great places to stay nearby – why not turn your Poldark adventure into a holiday?
CHARLESTOWN serves as the main town in Poldark, understandably as it’s famed for its Grade II-listed harbour and collection of Tall Ships. It’s here that characters Verity Poldark and Captain Blamey have secret rendezvous and eventually elope to. The Rashleigh Arms is a characterful place to stay in the heart of this historical fishing village.
Photo: Matthew Jessop/Visit Cornwall
GUNWALLOE is a sandy cove that Aidan and other cast members use to film night-time ship wrecking scenes, like the one where the Warleggan’s ship and all its cargo runs ashore ready to be plundered. Choose from 19 cottages at the Trelowarren site, which is just 10 minutes from Gunwalloe’s Church Cove.
Photo: Adam Gibbard/Visit Cornwall
Travel inspiration: Cornwall hotels
BODMIN MOOR & ST BREWARD’s rugged character is the ideal setting for Ross’ cottage, Nampara, and numerous horseback scenes throughout the series. Try staying at Cornwall’s most famous smuggling inn, the Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor, for a culture-fuelled stay.
Photo: Adam Gibbard/Visit Cornwall
BOTALLACK TO LEVANT has a mining heritage perfect for Poldark plots – on screen its Levant Mine becomes Tressiders Rolling Mill and its Owles and Crowns becomes Wheal Leisure. Bos Arvorek, meaning ‘coastal home’, is a traditional former hay barn just a stone’s throw from the sea and in the ideal location for cliff-top walks from Levant Mine to Botallack.
Photo: Matthew Jessop/Visit Cornwall
ST AGNES HEAD doubles as Nampara Valley, where you’ll find iconic engine houses that feature heavily in the show. In the heart of St Agnes you’ll find Bosun’s Cottage, a stylish stay with a garden brimming with lush evergreens and wild flowers.
Photo: Adam Gibbard/Visit Cornwall
THE PADSTOW AREA is used for cliff-top scenes – you might spot Levlizzick and Tregirls beach on screen. This Padstow property is situated to the north of the town and offers commanding views over the Camel Estuary along with a large lawn and sunny patio area.
Photo: Matt Jessop/Visit Cornwall
PORTHCOTHAN is a northwest-facing cove backed by grassy dunes that serves as Nampara land in Poldark. Stay at The Roundhouse, which is a secluded detached house just a few minutes’ walk from the sandy beach.
Photo: Adam Gibbard/Visit Cornwall
PORTHGWARRA is famous for being the setting for the scene where Ross takes a swim in the crystal-clear sea with Demelza watching from the cliff-top – the Porthgwarra Cove Café is where cast and crew refuel. Try bedding down in either Cove Cottage or Corner Cottage, both of which are nestled into the cove at Porthgwarra.
Photo: St Aubyn Estates Holidays
Travel inspiration: Dog-Friendly Cornwall hotels
PORTHCURNO appears as fictional Nampara Cove, where Aidan and Eleanor have filmed a dreamy sunny sequence. Visitors can stay just above the beach at Beachcomber or Tresillion in the heart of Porthcurno town.
Photo: Ian Woolcock/Shutterstock
HOLYWELL for golden sand and grass tufted dunes, plus the iconic Bass Rock, which will feature in a number of series two episodes. Try one of the Pennasville beachside apartments at Holywell Bay for a seaside escape – they have fantastic views.
Photo: Ian Woolcock/Shutterstock
KYNANCE COVE is one of Cornwall’s most famous beaches with its pure white sand, turquoise waters and serpentine rock-towers – perfect for Poldark. The cafe in the cove also offers accommodation, so that you can spend nights listening to the sound of the sea.
Photo: Ian Woolcock/Shutterstock
Travel inspiration: Cornwall spa hotels
PARK HEAD, NEAR PORTHCOTHAN offers views across to the sea stacks at Bedruthan Steps and is where Aidan has galloped on horseback for dramatic scenes. Just inland from this filming location you’ll find Porth Mear Cottage, a savvy National Trust stay.
Photo: Matt Jessop/Visit Cornwall
And here’s one more Poldark photo, just because…
Photo: BBC/Mammoth Screen
When running, the show airs on BBC One on Sundays at 9pm. Check out our Weekend In Poldark Country for more information on the area’s attractions. For further coastal guides, pick up a copy of the magazine.
