Cath Coad
24 February 2023
Based on the popular novels by Winston Graham, the latest BBC screen version features Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark – a retired sea captain. Ross returns home to Cornwall from the American War of Independence to find his fiancée preparing to marry his cousin, and his personal affairs in disarray.
What follows is Ross’ rocky road to restoring his fortunes, with the help of his new love interest, the fiery-haired Demelza, played by Eleanor Tomlinson.
To retrace their footsteps and discover the utterly enchanting beauty of Cornwall for yourself, here are the top 10 Poldark filming locations to visit. You could also check out our guide to the top movies and TV series filmed in Cornwall for even more inspiration.
Charlestown
The picture-postcard village of Charlestown is often in the spotlight for its resident fleet of tall ships. The natural location for many period dramas, the village understandably attracted the attention of Poldark’s location scouts. Throughout the series, Charlestown has been used to represent both Truro and Falmouth, acting in the latter as the home of Captain Andrew Blamey, with whom Verity Poldark shockingly elopes.
Where to stay nearby:
- For couples: Stones Throw - sleeps 2 + 1 dog
- For families: Harbour Breeze - sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
- For groups: Galleons Rest - sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Kynance Cove
Another name that needs little introduction, Kynance Cove is regularly featured in films and television series. In Poldark, Kynance is often the centrepiece for mesmerising aerial footage, and was also used for some of the clifftop riding scenes too. It is also, somewhat confusingly for locals, where Ross is marched towards Truro jail, following his arrest at St Agnes Head.
Where to stay nearby:
- For couples: Chy Tarow - sleeps 2 + 1 dog
- For families: Kennack Heights - sleeps 4
- For groups: Nanplough - sleeps 12
St Agnes Head
Striking reminders of Cornwall’s mining heritage, St Agnes Head and the iconic Wheal Coates are a familiar sight for both Cornwall-ophiles and Poldark fans. Appearing in many episodes, St Agnes Head was used to portray Nampara Valley and has also been the site of many a dramatic horse-riding scene.
Where to stay nearby:
- For couples: Carriage Barn - sleeps 2
- For families: Manor Meadows - sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
- For groups: Tonga - sleeps 8 + 1 dog
Gunwalloe
Tucked around the corner from Poldhu Cove, Gunwalloe Beach is as pretty as a picture. With soft, sandy swathes running towards a sapphire sea, the cove is hugged by rocky cliffs and is also home to a stunning church. The perfect Poldark filming location, Gunwalloe was the setting for Dr Dwight’s cottage and was also used to shoot a night-time scene depicting the wrecking of a ship.
Where to stay nearby:
- For couples: Squirrels Drey - sleeps 2
- For families: The Smithy - sleeps 6
- For groups: Pendour - sleeps 6
Porthcurno
If you would like to re-enact your very own smouldering, nonchalantly-emerging-from-the-sea type scene, Porthcurno is the ideal place to do it. A real paradise, its Mediterranean-esque aesthetics have been used to represent the fictional Nampara Cove, and is where Ross and Demelza enjoyed a sandy stroll in episode two of series two.
Penberth Cove
Every photographer’s dream, the impossibly picturesque Penberth Cove is worth seeing for its beauty alone. Coupled with its connection with Poldark, it is an absolute must-visit. In the series, Penberth Cove doubles as Sawle village, the home of Demelza's brothers Sam and Drake Carne.
Where to stay nearby:
- For couples: Munnings Studio - sleeps 2 + 1 dog
- For groups: Knights Cottage - sleeps 7 + 1 dog
Park Head
Atop the soaring clifftops of Park Head were filmed many more horse-riding scenes. Providing Ross with a handy way to get from A to B as well as a stunning backdrop with which to wow audiences at home, Park Head is another one on the list of locations to visit. Nearby, Porthcothan Beach was also used as part of Nampara Cove.
Botallack Mine
A former mine and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Botallack (near St Just) is yet another familiar Cornish setting to appear in Poldark. In the series, the real-life Wheal Owles is used to depict Wheal Leisure, while Wheal Crowns portrays the fictional Grambler.
Where to stay nearby:
- For couples: Bluebell Cottage - sleeps 2
- For families: The Old Sunday School - sleeps 4 + 1 dog
- For groups: The Old Chapel - sleeps 6
Levant Mine
Perched high on unsheathed cliffs, Levant Mine was once one of over 100 engine houses in the St Just district. Repurposing both Levant Mine and Beam Engine as the show’s Tressiders Rolling Mill, Poldark was able to offer viewers another fascinating insight into the county’s mining past.
Bodmin Moor
It’s hard to imagine a place more untamed in its wild and rugged beauty. A fitting location for atmospheric scenes, Bodmin found itself as the setting for many exterior shots of Nampara, as well as scenes of a horse-mounted Ross theatrically galloping off into the distance.
Stay with us in Cornwall
Why not book one of our cottages in Cornwall and visit these stunning locations yourself? Truth is, they are even more beautiful in real life! Click the button below to browse our full collection of self-catering accommodation. For more information about the growing UK film industry, read our 'behind the screen' guide here.
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.