Poldark filming locations you can visit in stunning Cornwall

Coastal, Days out

Posted by Clare on 4th June 2021

Poldark filming locations you can visit in stunning Cornwall

Missing your favourite Cornishman? If you want to relive some of your favourite scenes from the TV show or simply explore the natural beauty of Poldark's Cornwall, take a look through these stunning Poldark filming locations you can visit. 

The long-awaited remake of the popular Poldark series went down a storm after a break of almost 40 years since the final show of the previous series and quickly gained a cult following of fans who fell in love with the unforgettable characters and the extraordinary setting. 

Explore the rugged cliffs, wild moors and secret beaches where filming took place during the Pordark series. Stay in a holiday cottage in Cornwall and experience this beautiful destination for yourself. 

Cornwall cottages


Poldark filming locations you can visit in stunning CornwallYou could dress up in full costume to recreate your favourite TV scenes like in the photo above, or just enjoy a fantastic holiday by the Cornwall coast!

Based on the 12 best-selling Poldark novels by Winston Graham, the period drama tells the story of Ross Poldark as he returns from the American Revolutionary War where he was serving as a British Officer. He discovers life has changed dramatically while he has been away, resulting in a series with hardship, intrigue and romance in equal measure.

Playing the lead role of Ross Poldark is Aidan Turner, best known for his roles in TV’s Being Human and cinema’s The Hobbit trilogy. But the love for the series is as much down to the Cornish locations it showcases as to the allure of the leading heartthrob.

Filming took place in a number of locations across the South West of England, primarily Cornwall. We’ve put together a list of the Cornish towns, villages and beaches which took the limelight as filming locations so you can follow in the footsteps of the Poldark cast...


Main Poldark filming locations

St Agnes’ Head

St Agnes’ Head, Saint Agnes

With many well-preserved engine houses sat on the cliffs and surrounding hillside, St Agnes Head was a great area for filming and was used to showcase the mining era, represented the Nampara Valley and part of Poldark's family estate. It's one of the most iconic Poldark filming locations. 

Walking route to follow: For a true Poldark moment looking out over the cliffs and wild sea, follow this National Trust circular walk along the South West Coast Path. 

Where to eat nearby: The Peterville Inn is a contemporary yet traditional pub that sits in the centre of Saint Agnes village.

St Agnes cottages


West Wheal Owles Engine House and Botallack Mine

West Wheal Owles Engine House, St Just

For the purpose of filming, several additions were made to the engine house, but you can visit West Wheal Owles Engine House in its natural state by walking along the section of coast path between Levant and Botallack.

Exploring the area, you'll soon pass by other vestiges of mining history, including the Crown Engine Houses and Botallack Mine where the cast have regularly returned to film scenes, so you can see this instantly recognisable Poldark location for yourself.

Walking route to follow: Stride out along the Levant, Botallack and the Crowns route the way Captain Ross Poldark himself would and take in a landscape of old mining works bursting with magnificent Cornish heritage. 

Where to eat nearby: Tuck into a feast of classic fish and chips at The Queens Arms, a characterful stone-walled tavern perfect for dining in after a wind-swept walk. 

Botallack cottages


St Breward, Bodmin Moor

St Breward, Bodmin Moor

St Breward was one of the first locations descended upon by Poldark crew, little pink signs bearing the initials PDK were to be found to alert people to their presence. The little village is nestled into the dramatic Bodmin Moor and boasts the highest church in Cornwall at 700ft!

St Breward is the location of the Poldark family home, and Dwight Enys's Cottage filmed in series two and Poldark Way can both also be found on Bodmin Moor.

Walking route to follow: To see the ancient Stannon stone circle, burial chambers and soak in far-reaching views across the moorland, follow this Stannon Moor Prehistoric Relics walking route to take in a region that would have looked much the same in prehistoric times as it would have during the 18th century and does today. 

Where to eat nearby: Simply and aptly named the Old Inn and Resturant, this pub dates all the way back to the 11th century and at around 720 feet above sea level it is also the highest public house in Cornwall - the food's great too! 

Bodmin Moor cottages


Poldark Charlestown

Charlestown Harbour, Charlestown

Charlestown is somewhat of an old hat when it comes to filming locations. It featured in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and an episode of Dr Who, to name but a few. Parts of Poldark have been filmed here due to its historical architecture and collection of old ships at Truro harbour. It is still a working port and is a fascinating place to visit.

Walking route to follow: Why not follow the full 7.6-mile walk from Charlestown to Mevagissey? Both are beautiful coastal settlements that are great places to visit, although if you'd rather a shorter stroll just follow your feet along the South West Coast Path as far as you like. 

Where to eat nearby: Dine beneath original beams or outside in the beer garden at this stylish pub, The Boathouse, after taking in the impressive ships that sit in the harbour and would have brought all kinds of goods to Cornwall's shores back in Ross and Eleanor Poldark's day. 

Charlestown cottages


Poldark Mine, Helston

Image credits: @lian_houy (left), @stphoto3 (right)

Poldark Mine, Helston

Take an underground tour of this disused mine to discover more about the conditions the miners worked in during the 18th and early 19th centuries, the time in which the Poldark novels are set.

The Poldark Mine was used for all the underground sequences and a number of the museum's artefacts were used as props for filming including the unique 1844 Ting Tang Tin Mine Bell and traditional, old tools.

Walking route to follow: There's no shortage of wonderful mining heritage and scenic nature reserves in Cornwall, why not combine the two with this National Trust walk through Looe Marsh? 

Where to eat nearby: Head into Helston to Henley's Bar & Restaurant for stylish surroundings, local produce and a speciality cocktail from the bar. 

Helston cottages


Other locations

Gunwalloe, Lizard Peninsula

Gunwalloe, Lizard Peninsula

This secluded beach near Helston is the backdrop for a shipwreck scene in the first series, filmed during the early hours of the morning. Filming depicts fires being lit to lure unsuspecting vessels in an attempt to pillage their cargo. Gunwalloe is no stranger to coastal crimes, in fact, nearby Dollar Cove is said to be the location of lost Spanish treasure.

Walking route to follow: Seek out hidden beaches and coves on this Gunwalloe Coves Circular Walk through an area that was once the haunt of smugglers and you'll pass the old cellars that were featured in the TV series. 

Where to eat nearby: In keeping with the local history, The Halzephron Inn was original built in 1468 from the timbers of ships that had been sunk along this coastline - 'Halzephron' means Hells Headland reflecting this sinister heritage. 

Lizard Peninsula cottages


Porthcurno Beach

Porthcurno Beach, Porthcurno

In series two, Ross and Demelza take a stroll along Nampara Cove during a dream sequence. This scene was filmed on the incredible Porthcurno beach. It’s no surprise this location was chosen for its glorious sandy beach and clear ocean.

Walking route to follow: If you're in the area and decide to visit this beach, we'd highly recommend this short and sweet National Trust Porthcurno Walk. At just 1 mile it's a great way to take in the local area with a short leg stretch before spending the day at this sweeping Cornwall beach that's now an icon of the screen. 

Where to eat nearby: A family-friendly cafe serving everything from warming wines and spirits to summer tapas dishes, Porthcurno Cafe is the perfect place to refuel after a day on the beach. There's a beach shop next door too! 

Porthcurno cottages


Porthgwarra, St Levan

Porthgwarra, St Levan

Before it found itself in front of the cameras, Porthgwarra was a relatively unknown cove. A tiny beach is revealed at low tide and a cave runs through part of the cliff, which can be accessed but it is extremely slippery. The steep hidden cove was flooded with camera crews and production assistants for the filming of some Poldark scenes during the first series.

Walking route to follow: Take in both the tiny fishing cove of Porthgwarra and the spectacular sandy shores of one of the best beaches in Cornwall on this walk from Porthgwarra to Porthcurno

Where to eat nearby: Porthgwarra Cove Cafe is a well regarded quaint eatery where you can enjoy a sugary cake and coffee beside the sea.  

Sennen cottages


Levant Mine

Levant Mine, Pendeen

Tressiders Rolling Mine, where the copper from the Poldark mine is processed, is portrayed by the old Levant Mine. Incredible building took place to transform this derelict property into a seemingly working mine for TV.

Walking route to follow: This National Trust Botallack to Higher Bal Walk is similar to our Wheal Coates walk mentioned above, yet you'll get to see a lot more coast on this North Cornwall trail.

Where to eat nearby: The Trewellard Arms is a family-run, dog-friendly pub serving up classic, hearty pub food that will be well-deserved after you've explored this remarkable coastline. 

Pendeen cottages


Turnaware Point

Turnaware Point, Falmouth

This wooden spot on the River Fal, just across from Trelissick House, stood in for France in Series 3. You’ll recognise it as the landing spot for Ross’ rowing boat, when he tries to rescue Dr Dwight Enys from a French prison. It's a fitting location, as it was the embarkation point for American soldiers departing for D-Day. 

Walking route to follow: This Messack to Turnaware walking route will take you along the shores of beautiful Falmouth, while giving you a little insight into the area's past. 

Where to eat nearby: There are lots of excellent pubs, restaurants and other eateries throughout bustling Falmouth but we'd recommend trying out Four Restaurant whose menu includes sustainable scallops, sea bream and for pudding, homemade ice cream. 

Falmouth cottages


Bodmin Jail

Bodmin Jail, Bodmin

One of Cornwall’s most haunted locations was used in Series 1, when Poldark’s farmhand, Jim Carter was imprisoned. You can visit this spooky building for yourself, as it’s open to the public – take a look at the execution pit where prisoners were hung, or maybe you’ll come face to face with a ghost!

Walking route to follow: The Blisland to Lavethan Wood walk is just north of Bodmin town but an easy and magical choice passing through a churchyard, across a stream and through enchanting woodland. 

Where to eat nearby: If you decide to follow the Blisland walk you might like to pop in at the Blisland Inn afterwards, otherwise the award-winning Viraj offers up delicious curries and is just around the corner from the jail.

Bodmin cottages


Holywell Bay

Holywell Bay, Holywell

This stunning stretch of sand became Warleggan’s beach in the second series – you’ll recognise it from scenes where Dwight Enys and Caroline Penvenen galloped across the sands, where Poldark took a romantic walk with Demelza and, most iconically, when Poldark emerged topless from the sea.

Walking route to follow: Pull on your walking boots and walk out along Holywell Bay Beach to Polly Joke Beach, taking in Gull Rocks, Kelsey Head and Pollyjoke Beach on this 3.2-mile circular walking route.

Where to eat nearby: Serving up delicious classic dishes including homemade pie to steak and chips, The Anvil is a cosy place for a hearty meal after a day on the beach.

Holywell Bay cottages


Penberth Cove

Penberth Cove, St Levan

Snuggled between Lamorna and Porthcurno, this tiny fishing village became Sawle village – home to Demelza’s brothers. You’d recognise it from lots of scenes featuring Demelza and Doctor Enys throughout the show’s five series.

Walking route to follow: Enjoy a soul-stirring coastal walk past Logan Rock and Rospletha Cliff from the quaint rural village of Treen on this Perbeth Walking Route

Where to eat nearby: The Logan Rock Inn is just the place for a Cornish cream tea, and they also have a selection of surf or turf options for you to choose from. This curious inn was once precariously balanced on the cliffs but when it became too unstable, the entire pub was moved inland and is now built as solidly as a rock.

Porthcurno cottages


Other places of interest

The Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro

Image credit: @_olivia_barratt_

The Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro

This museum held an exhibition in 2008 to celebrate the life and works of Winston Graham and today it is the place to head if you’re looking for a comprehensive history of Cornwall.

Walking route to follow: The Truro City Walk allows explorers the chance to marvel at the beautiful architecture, leading you down Lemon Street Market and past the towering cathedral that's a true gem in the city's crown.

Where to eat nearby: This is another destination that's absolutely brimming with fantastic eateries! Stop by family-friendly Sams in the City, try the Mediterranean-infused menu at Mediterraneo,or tuck into fresh seafood at Hooked! Bar and Restaurant.

Truro cottages


The Perranzabuloe Folk Museum, Perranporth

Images credit: @perranzabuloemuseum

The Perranzabuloe Folk Museum, Perranporth

Winston Graham was a patron of The Perranzabuloe Folk Museum for many years and it houses a memorial exhibition for the author. It is close to the chalet where Graham penned his novels.

Walking route to follow: Don your tricorn (the three-cornered captain's hat that Ross Poldark is rarely seen without) and set off on a tour of this World Heritage section of coastline following the Perranporth and Cligga Head Walk.

Where to eat nearby: Check out this exquisite Italian eatery in the heart of Perranporth - Del Mar Ristorante Pizzeria Italiano's menu includes risotto, antipasto, and seafood dishes too.

Perranporth cottages


Fancy visiting these incredible landmarks and landscapes? Browse our cottages to find your perfect Cornish retreat.

All Cornwall cottages

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.