Poldark: Filming locations in Cornwall

Arts and Culture Tuesday 28th October 2025

If (unlike us) you can divert your gaze beyond the rugged beauty of Ross Poldark himself, viewers of the BBC hit programme may notice an even more striking star of the show: Cornwall.

Aiden Turner as Ross Poldark standing on a Cornish cliff at Botallack

From ancient myths and legends to Winston Graham’s mining-novels-turned-TV-phenomenon, Cornwall has a long-held literary and big screen tradition.

An array of directors from Alfred Hitchcock (Jamaica Inn) to Charles Dance (Ladies in Lavender) have been drawn to the diverse landscapes and awe-inspiring backdrops for a host of hit productions that have graced the silver screen and helped mark the far western fringes firmly on the map.

And it doesn’t take a genius to figure out why. Craggy cliff lines, exquisite oceanic expanses, sprawling wild moorlands and a rich cultural heritage have provided a soul-stirring setting for everything from Rosamunde Pilcher and Daphne du Maurier adaptations to Doc Martin and James Bond.

Poldark is the latest series to have set the swoon factor to an all-time high, not only due to its easy-on-the-eye hero, but also for its jaw-dropping locations.

Showcasing the county’s stunning natural surrounds and World Heritage Site mining history, the production was filmed at a series of locations that visitors can discover as they follow in the footsteps of Ross and company in a Poldark-themed tour du jour of Cornwall…

Porthgwarra

Actors in small fishing boats while filming at Porthgwarra in Cornwall for Poldark

It may not get more quintessentially Cornish picturesque than Porthgwarra.

The former fishing cove in the far western corner of Cornwall near Land's End epitomises both quaint village and subtropical seclusion, boasting a small sandy beach surrounded by scenic South West Coast Path walks, fields of wildflowers, and far-reaching sea views.

From the iconic Minack Theatre in Porthcurno and Logan’s Rock near Treen to Sennen’s surfing beaches and Lamorna and Mousehole’s uber-pretty harbour villages, the area is awash with things to see and do.

Meanwhile, the nearby towns of Newlyn and Penzance provide the perfect bolthole to discover the area and its offerings, presenting a plethora of art galleries, restaurants, shops and landmarks like St Michael’s Mount to explore.

Church Cove, Gunwalloe

The beautiful sandy beach at Church Cove where a tiny church sits above the sands

The Lizard is located at the country’s most southern tip and is replete with rolling countryside and farmland, crystalline coves and gorgeous silken sands.

The beach at Church Cove was the setting for Poldark’s shipwreck scenes, especially apt considering the shipwreck history of both it and neighbouring Dollar Cove – so named for the silver coins spilt and washed up from ships that met their fate on the rocks.

A stay in nearby Mullion or Porthallow will allow you to experience this designated National Character Area, from ice cream and nature trails at Roskilly’s Farm to some sublime escapism at Kynance Cove.

St Agnes

Wheal Coates engine house above the cliffs and golden sands of Chapel Porth in Cornwall

Home to some of Cornwall’s most renowned mining buildings, including Wheal Charlotte, Wheal Coates, and Trevellas, St Agnes Head offers unrivalled mining landscape along with an abundance of wildlife.

Filmed to depict Poldark’s fictional Nampara Valley, the area incorporating St Agnes, Trevaunance Cove, and Chapel Porth provides a wealth of relaxing seaside spoils, while nearby Newquay presents a host of family attractions, famous surfing beaches, and an eclectic range of entertainment.

Botallack to Levant

The famous mines at Botallack where Poldark was filmed

The stretch of coastline and mining landscape near St Just in West Cornwall is packed with remnants of the county’s industrial past.

Wheal Owles and Wheal Crowns near Botallack were used to depict Ross Poldark’s mine, Wheal Leisure; while the restored engine houses of Levant Mine near St Just were perfectly placed to portray the Tressiders Rolling Mill.

Networks of walks along the coast will not only take you to these historic locations but will lead you toward some seriously scenic chocolate-box villages and hamlets that invite a very spoil-worthy stay.

Charlestown, St Austell

Two tall ships in the historic harbour of Charlestown in South Cornwall

With its historic harbour that's often frequented by impressive tall ships, Charlestown is a popular choice when it comes to filming locations in Cornwall. The harbour itself is Grade II listed, meaning it's as close to stepping back in time as you can get without crafting your very own time machine.

A firm favourite filming backdrop for Poldark, you can spot the beautiful harbour playing the role of both Falmouth and Truro during the show, while the beach stands in for the Isles of Scilly. If you want to tour some of your favourite scenes, Charlestown is the way to do it, as it covers a good number of them!

Charming cafes and gift shops pepper the fishing village's cobbled streets, while a number of superb seafood restaurants invite you to dine in style while watching the peaceful harbour go about its business.

Holywell Bay, Newquay

The golden sands and iconic Gull Rocks at Holywell Bay in North Cornwall

One of Cornwall's most famous beaches, thanks to many on-screen appearances and the iconic silhouette of the Gull Rocks, Holywell Bay is a must for any screen junkies visiting Cornwall. Not only has the sandy haven featured in several episodes of Poldark, but it has also appeared in the likes of House of the Dragon and James Bond's very own Die Another Day.

Backed by sand dunes and boasting curious caves carved into the cliffs, it's easy to see why this rough-hewn sanctuary has caught the eye of location scouts the world over. It's also a pretty spectacular beach in its own right, with dog-friendly sands and oodles of walks nearby.

With so many Poldark filming locations peppered across Cornwall, book a cosy Cornish cottage and embark upon your search for Captain Ross across granite cairns and gorse-strewn Cornish hedgerows.