Top 10 Poldark Filming Locations to Visit

Everyone’s favourite brooding, scythe-wielding Cornishman, Ross Poldark returned to our screens in 2015, 40 years after the BBC’s original series with Robin Ellis as the lead. This time starring Aidan Turner, Poldark hit the headlines for its gripping story lines, jaw-dropping cinematography and one particular picture of Mr Turner who, one can only assume, had had an altercation with his shirt moments before the photo was taken.

With the sixth and final season looming, now is a chance to re-immerse yourself once more in Ross and Demelza’s world. To retrace their footsteps and discover the utterly enchanting beauty of Cornwall, here are the top 10 Poldark filming locations to visit:

Charlestown

The picture-postcard 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.

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…

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.

Gunwalloe

Tucked around the corner from Poldhu Cove, Gunwalloe beach is pretty as a picture. With softy 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. 

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.

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 for the list of locations to visit. Nearby, the beaches of Porthcothan and Hendrawna were 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.

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. The 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.

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