If you’re a fan of the BBC’s Poldark series, why not head down to Cornwall this summer to explore the filming locations and discover some of the history behind the story?
The Poldark Story
Poldark is the story of Ross Poldark who returns home after fighting in the American Civil War to learn that his father is dead, the woman he had planned to marry now engaged to his cousin and his family mine shut down. This story of challenges in business, love and of fates hanging in the balance is set in Cornwall, amongst the breathtaking landscapes which inspired Winston Graham’s Poldark novels. The BBC’s latest adaptation is a huge hit – and not just for smouldering Aiden Turner who plays Ross Poldark. Cornwall’s landscape is one of the stars of the show.
Poldark Cornwall locations
The recent BBC hit was filmed in a number of locations across Cornwall.
Church Cove, Gunwalloe
The location for the story’s gripping shipwreck scene, Gunwalloe faces south-west and is overlooked by the tiny church St Wynwallow. Explore the surrounding Penrose Estate which is home to Loe Pool, Cornwall’s largest natural freshwater lake.
Charlestown
An area of Cornwall which has always been popular with location managers, Charlestown is a historic port – built between 1770 and 1810 for the export of copper and clay. Charlestown is still a working port and remains one of the finest examples of a historic port on the Cornish coast.
An ideal day out for families, Charlestown is also home to the Shipwreck and Heritage Centre. The historical artefacts on display at this centre are the largest private collection of this type on public display in Europe. Children under 10 go free. Visit the Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre website for more info.
Porthgwarra
A beautiful cove, Porthgwarra is situated within the St Aubyn Estates, this peaceful hamlet has a small beach with clear waters. A tunnel cut through the rock makes it perfect for exploring, swimming and rockpooling.
Bodmin Moor
Many of the scenes from the series were filmed on Bodmin Moor including those featuring Ross Poldark’s cottage at Nampara. Most of the horseback riding scenes were shot on the beautiful moors and riding fans can relive the experience for themselves with some riding schools such as Hallagenna Riding offering Poldark themed treks or days out.
Botallack to Levant
This stretch of coastline was the location for many of the mine scenes. Levant Mine, perched on the cliffs of Pendeed, plays Tressders Rolling Mill from the story.
The National Trust recommend a one-mile Botallack Mining Walk to take in this interesting stretch of coastline.
Padstow
The Padstow area in North Cornwall played host to some of the most spectacular cliff-top scenes we see in the series. Views across the Camel Estuary and Tregirls Beach feature and are not to be missed on a visit to Cornwall. Even those who are not such great fans of the programme or Poldark books would find it hard not to be fans of these views.
Porthcothan Beach is the setting for the fictional Nampara Cove while Crown Mines and Wheal Owles near Botallack star as Wheal Leisure.
St Agnes Head
Another stretch of coastline cared for by our wonderful National Trust, the engine houses you see perched on the cliff edge in the series can be found at St Agnes Head. This stretch of coast was used to represent the Nampara Valley.
For a different perspective on the Poldark filming locations take a kayaking tour around St Agnes Head, exploring colourful caves with exposed iron and copper oxidised and taking the unique views from the water.
Truro
The city of Truro was Winston Graham’s inspiration for the story of Poldark and although no filming for the series took place in Truro, the world premiere of the series was held here.
Trerice House, near Newquay
An Elizabethan manor built in 1573. Reported to be Graham’s inspiration for Poldark’s house. Trerice House is not featured in the current remake but this house was a filming location for the 1970’s series.
Poldark Mine
Poldark Mine is a World heritage site, making it one of Cornwall’s most important attractions. Originally named Wheal Roots, the mine underwent a re-naming in the 1970’s following the huge success of the original TV series.
The BBC used original tools and artefacts from the museum during filming.
Located in the Wendron Valley near Helston, Poldark Tin Mine and Gardens gives visitors of all ages a unique insight into the working conditions in 18th and 19th Century tin mines.
Poldark Mine is the only complete underground mine open to the public in Cornwall and Devon.
Attractions at Poldark Mine include a glass workshop giving demonstrations and where stained glass pieces can be made to order. Visitors can also try their hand at wood turning and locally hand-made jewellery, beads and gifts can be purchased in the gift shop.
Where to stay in Poldark’s Cornwall
If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Cornwall to explore the Poldark locations, Cornwall Plus is the perfect base. Accommodation for individuals, couples, and self-catering Flats for groups. Contact us on 01326 370428 or booking@jennie-hosken
For a final dose of inspiration, take a look at Visit Cornwall’s video of Poldark film locations.
