Poldark filming locations in Cornwall

Poldark filming locations in Cornwall

Posted by Clare Willcocks on April 3rd 2015

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 last series.

Based on The 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 Being Human and The Hobbit trilogy. But the love for the series is as much down to the Cornish locations it showcases as the allure of the 30 year-old heartthrob.

Filming took place last summer in a number of locations across the South West of England, primarily Cornwall. So for those who’d like to follow in the footsteps of the Poldark cast, we’ve put together a list of the Cornish towns, villages and beaches which took the limelight as filming locations. Enjoy a stay in one of our beautiful Cornish cottages and make sure these locations feature on your itinerary.

Gunwalloe, Lizard Peninsula

This secluded beach near Helston is the backdrop for a shipwreck scene in the series, filmed during the early hours of the morning. Filming depicts fires being lit to lure in 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.

Charlestown Harbour, near St Austell

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 the new Poldark have been filmed here due to its collection of old ships and historical appearance. It is still a working port and is a fascinating place to visit.

West Wheal Owles Engine House, near Botallack
For the purpose of filming, several additions were made to the engine house but you can visit Wheal Owles in its natural state by walking along the section of coast path between Levant and Botallack. This scenic 3.7 mile cliff top route also takes you past other vestiges of mining history, including Botallack Mine and the Crown Engine Houses.

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 slippy. The steep hidden cove was flooded with camera crews and production assistants over the summer for the filming of some Poldark scenes.

St Breward, Bodmin Moor

St Breward was among 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!

Poldark Mine, near 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 were set. Filming at the mine has been taking place this summer for the 2015 series, so keep an eye out for recognisable scenes! The mine was used for all the underground sequences and a number of the museum’s artefacts were used as props and off site filming including the unique 1844 Ting Tang Tin Mine bell that weighs in at three hundredweight and some tools.

Botallack Mine

The vulnerably-looking Botallack Mine, perilously perched on the cliffs near St Just, became Ross Poldark’s Wheal Leisure for the historical drama, the family mine Poldark tries to restore back to prosperity.