Film Locations In Cornwall To Visit
Here are a list of films or TV dramas with iconic film locations in Cornwall:
- Bait
- Poldark
- Doc Martin
- Beyond Paradise
- About Time
- Ladies in Lavender
- Blue Juice
- Fraggle Rock
With incredible estate homes, waterside venues and dramatic scenery, is there any surprise film makers chose Cornwall as their beautiful backdrops? We share where you can relive your favourite screen scenes in and around Cornwall.
Bait
What’s it about?
Bait is an atmospheric British drama film released in 2019. It explores the tensions between a struggling fishing community and tourism in a Cornish village.
The film follows the story of a fisherman (Martin) who faces challenges as his brother (Steven) transforms their family boat into a tourist attraction. The arrival of wealthy holidaymakers complicates the situation even more, which leads to increasing friction between the locals and newcomers.
Bait won a BAFTA award in 2020 for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Producer or Director.
Film Locations in Cornwall
Bait was primarily filmed in Charlestown and West Penwith in Cornwall.
Charlestown, has a historic harbour and provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s story. West Penwith, with its rugged coastline, added to the authentic Cornish atmosphere. West Penwith stretches from St Ives to Land’s End and from Land’s End to Penzance.
Unfortunately, specific locations within West Penwith used for the film aren’t widely publicised. Having watched it when it was released at Newlyn Filmhouse, I recognise Mousehole, Newlyn and Chapel Porth!
Mousehole in West Penwith
Poldark
What’s it about?
Poldark is a historical drama (filmed between 2015 and 2019) set in 18th-century Cornwall. The story revolves around Ross Poldark, a British Army officer who returns home from the American War of Independence to find his world turned upside down.
Ross discovers that his father has passed away, his estate is in ruins, and his beloved Elizabeth Chynoweth is engaged to his cousin after she believed Ross to be dead. Faced with this adversity, Ross is determined to rebuild his fortunes and reclaim his life.
But, he struggles to revive his family’s copper mine and navigate the complexities of Cornish society. Ross meets Demelza Carne, and their relationship ignites into a passionate love affair, and they eventually marry.
The TV series delves into themes of love, loss and social inequality. It shows the challenges faced by the Cornish people during a time of economic and social change. It’s a tale of passion, ambition, and survival against the backdrop of Cornwall’s stunning landscapes.
Photo Credit: Hello Magazine
Photo Credit: Matt Jessop. Porthgwarra in Cornwall
Poldark’s Film Locations in Cornwall
Lanhydrock House
Scenes of Nampara and the surrounding area is filmed at this magnificent house. Even though Lanhydrock House served as the inspiration for Nampara, the interiors were recreated in studios.
Bodmin Moor
The wild and rugged moorland is a constant presence in the TV series. It provides the backdrop for many dramatic scenes, including those involving Ross and his horse, Seaweed.
Redruth
Scenes of Wheal Grace and the mining community are filmed in this Cornish town. It provided the setting for many of the mining scenes, capturing the industrial heart of the era.
Botallack and Rinsey
Botallack in St Just feature as Wheal Leisure (West Wheal Owles), Grambler (Wheal Crowns) and Wheal Grace. It also provides the backdrop to some coastal clifftop encounters. Wheal Prosper at Rinsey was used in the 1970’s adaptation of Poldark.
Charlestown
This historic harbour town doubles as the bustling port of Nampara, and many of the ship-related scenes were filmed here.
Kynance Cove
The iconic scene where Ross is marched off to prison by the authorities takes place on the clifftops of Kynance Cove.
Demelza’s Fishing Mishap
The dramatic rescue of Demelza from a perilous fishing expedition unfolds against the stunning backdrop of the cove.
Porthgwarra
Porthgwarra is most famous for its role in the iconic skinny-dipping scene from the first series of Poldark. This is where Ross takes a refreshing swim while Demelza watches from the clifftops.
Polbetho
This picturesque fishing village often stands in for the fictional village of Demelza’s childhood home, capturing her humble beginnings.
Gunwalloe
Shipwreck Scene
The iconic shipwreck scene, a dramatic highlight of the series, was filmed at Gunwalloe.
Dr. Dwight’s Cottage
The exterior shots of Dr. Dwight’s cottage, Ross’ close friend and confidante, are situated near Gunwalloe.
Church Cove, Gunwalloe. Photo Credit: Adam Gibbard
Doc Martin
What’s it about?
Doc Martin is set in the fictional Cornish village of Portwenn. It is depicted as a charming seaside community providing the perfect backdrop for the TV show’s blend of humour and heartwarming moments. The villagers are a colourful lot, with eccentric personalities and strong community bonds. As a stark contrast, the protagonist of the TV show, outsider Doc Martin, is gruff and socially awkward.
There are 10 series of Doc Martin on ITV where you follow the ups and downs of Portwenn lives including love, tragedy and comedy.
Where is it filmed in Cornwall?
Doc Martin was filmed in Port Isaac on the north coast of Cornwall. It’s a fishing town with a small harbour and beach. As you can imagine, it’s extremely picturesque.
The most famous and iconic film locations of Doc Martin are:
Fern Cottage
This is undoubtedly the most famous location and one most visited by Doc Martin fans travelling to Port Isaac. Fern Cottage served as Doc Martin’s surgery and home. It’s a self-catering cottage so you can actually book it and experience it first hand!
Fern Cottage, Port Issac. Photo credit: docmartinhouse.co.uk
Port Isaac Harbour
So many scenes were filmed in or around the harbour so if you visit after watching the series, you will find yourself unmistakably in places where actors stood.
Port Isaac Harbour. Photo Credit: Adam Gibbard
The Golden Lion pub
In the TV series the pub is renamed as The Crab and Lobster. The Golden Lion overlooks the harbour and has outdoor seating where the sea laps at the harbour wall at high tide.
Beyond Paradise
What’s it about?
Beyond Paradise is a British crime drama that is a spin-off from the popular series Death In Paradise which is set in Guadeloupe. Beyond Paradise has so far been on our screens for 2 series but it’s popular, so we expect more.
The TV show follows Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman and his fiancée, Martha, as they leave the sunny Caribbean island of Saint Marie to start a new life in the idyllic English countryside. Humphrey takes on the role of Detective Inspector at the local police station in the fictional town of Shipton Abbot in Devon, while Martha pursues her dream of opening a café.
The series combines the charm of rural English life with the intrigue of murder mysteries. Humphrey and his team investigate crimes in his usual haphazard and goofy sort of way.
Where in Cornwall is it filmed?
Even though the TV series claims it’s in Devon. It’s actually filmed over the border in Cornwall. The majority of the filming of Beyond Paradise was done in Looe. A harbour and beachside town on the south coast of Cornwall. It’s a popular holiday destination for many holiday-makers so it is a bustling harbour town with lots of waterside restaurants and shops. The Shipton Abbot Police Station is filmed at Looe’s Guildhall. Other film locations were at Werrington Park, Calstock and Fowey all providing perfect background locations to the story-line, along with Pentillie Estate in Saltash being home to Humphrey.
Port Eliot Estate
The incredibly beautiful Port Eliot estate near St Germans in Cornwall provides the impressive backdrop for the elegant Shipton Abbot Manor House. Martha’s cafe is also at Port Eliot Estate and in real life is called The Stables Shop.
Pentille Castle Estate
Built in 1698, Pentillie Castle is an impressive country house with woodland gardens on the Cornish bank of the River Tamar. In Beyond Paradise, their riverside cottage and quay became D.I. Humphrey’s house.
D.I. Humphrey's house in Beyond Paradise at Pentille Castle. Photo Credit: pentillie.co.uk (wedding photographer - Lahu)
About Time
What’s About Time about?
A Richard Curtis film, About Time was partly filmed in Cornwall and released in 2012. It is a charming romantic comedy-drama that explores the concept of time travel. The film follows Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson), a young man who discovers he can travel through time. He navigates life’s challenges and uses his time-travelling ability to changes events to facilitate finding love and happiness. The story is a heartwarming exploration of relationships, family (Bill Nighy plays Tim’s father), and the importance of cherishing every moment. It is a real tear-jerker of a film but very thought-provoking!
Where was About Time filmed in Cornwall?
Photo Credit: thebigbeautifulbeachhouse.com
Porthpean House
Porthpean House is a beautiful Georgian mansion located in the Cornish village of Porthpean on the south coast of Cornwall. It’s renowned for its stunning coastal views and elegant architecture. It has been a private residence and a hotel over the years. It is most famous for its role as the Lake family home in the film About Time.
The film’s producers chose Porthpean House for its picturesque location and its ability to capture the spirit of a traditional English family home. The mansion’s elegant interiors and stunning coastal views provided the perfect backdrop for the heartwarming scenes of the Lake family’s life together.
Portloe
Portloe is a charming fishing village on the south coast of Cornwall. It served as a picturesque backdrop for several scenes in About Time. Portloe’s beautiful beaches, quaint harbour, and coastal paths were featured in romantic moments, family outings, or simply as a scenic setting for the film’s overall atmosphere. The village’s idyllic charm and stunning natural beauty made it an ideal location to capture the film’s heartwarming and romantic tone.
St Michael Penkivel Church
The Church is situated on the Tregothnan estate and is the historic church of the Boscawen family. The Tregothnan Estate is in a wonderful wooded area on the River Fal near Truro.
The church’s beautiful interior and peaceful atmosphere make it a popular choice for wedding ceremony scenes. Its serene setting perfect for scenes involving contemplation, reflection, or significant life events. The use of St Michael Penkivel Church suggests it played a very meaningful role in the film’s narrative.
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
Ladies In Lavender
What is Ladies in Lavender about?
Ladies in Lavender was filmed in Cornwall in 2003. It is a heartwarming British romantic drama film released in 2004. It tells the story of two elderly sisters, Ursula and Dot, who live a quiet life in a small, coastal village. Their world is turned upside down when a young Spanish man, Andrea, washes ashore after a shipwreck. As they take him in and nurse him back to health, Andrea’s presence brings joy, love, and a touch of adventure into their lives.
Big Film icons descended on Cornwall for filming
Judi Dench as Ursula
Maggie Smith as Dot
Daniel Brühl as Andrea
Brendan Coyle as Chris
Film locations of Ladies in Lavender
The film was primarily shot on the coast of West Cornwall. Judi Dench actually owns a home near Zennor in Cornwall – perhaps she fell in love with the West Cornwall coastline while filming Ladies in Lavender?
Porthcurno Beach
This iconic beach, known for its dramatic cliffs, was the setting for many of the film’s most memorable scenes.
Minack Theatre
This open-air theatre, built into the cliffside, provided a stunning backdrop for several scenes.
Mousehole
This charming fishing village was used to represent the sisters’ hometown.
Porthcurno Beach. Photo Credit: Adam Gibbard
Blue Juice
What is Blue Juice about?
Blue Juice is a 1993 British coming-of-age comedy-drama film set in the surfing community of Newquay, Cornwall. It follows the lives of a group of young surfers as they navigate love, friendship, and the challenges of growing up. The film explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the pursuit of dreams. It was filmed in 1992 and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Simon Shepherd and Stephen Baldwin starred.
Where was it filmed and where were specific scenes filmed?
The film was entirely shot in Cornwall, England.
Newquay
The town of Newquay served as the primary setting for the film, with many scenes shot on its beaches and in its local surf shops.
Fistral Beach
This iconic beach, known for its world-class surfing conditions, was a major filming location.
Crantock Beach
Another popular surfing spot, Crantock Beach was also featured in the film.
Photo Credit: Matt Jessop
The filmmakers chose Cornwall for its authentic surf culture and its ability to capture the spirit of the film’s coming-of-age story.
And finally, who remembers Fraggle Rock?
So, it wasn't all filmed in Cornwall (obvs!) but the location shot is definitely a Cornish landmark.What is Fraggle Rock about?
Fraggle Rock is a beloved children’s television series created by Jim Henson that first aired from 1983 to 1987. It takes place in a magical underground world inhabited by colorful, furry creatures called Fraggles. The series follows the adventures of the Fraggles as they explore their world, interact with their neighbours, and learn important life lessons about friendship, cooperation, and the value of diversity.
Where was it filmed and where were specific scenes filmed?
St Anthony Lighthouse in Cornwall was the setting and the opening scene shot for the TV series Fraggle Rock.
Fraggle Rock was actually filmed in Toronto, Canada. The show’s imaginative storytelling and colourful characters made it a beloved classic for generations of children and adults alike. Me included!
Penhallow | sleeps 6