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Even if you haven't watched it, there's a good chance you've heard about it. New for 2025, ITV's four-part baby-swapping drama Playing Nice was filmed on the Cornish coast last year. Based on the book by JP Delaney, it shines a light on the beaches, restaurants and high-end homes that it brought to our screens.
Through our team of local concierge experts and good old-fashioned research, we've uncovered the filming locations that appear on the show. Think surf lessons with James Norton, fine dining in Watergate Bay, and sea-view homes that look oh-so-familiar...
Lucy and Miles' house
Let's start with the thing everyone's talking about: that house. We won't disclose the exact property used as Lucy and Miles' ultra-luxe home, but we can point you in the direction of some fabulous lookalikes nearby.
As Times Luxx points out, Red Cove is one of the most magical places to holiday in the UK: "It's big yet intimate and homely; low-profile, yet spacious enough to host large groups." Like a lot of the series, it's set in Mawgan Porth and affords sparkling views over the coastline. It sleeps 12 guests and our team are on hand from the moment you book for all your surf lesson, restaurant reservation, and taxi booking needs. Our concierge hub will have the ideas flowing in no time.
If you're looking for similarities with the on-screen home, Red Cove shares the beachfront location, sweeping ocean views, glass-fronted facade, private hot tub, and ample social space to cook and dine. Plus, with a clifftop sauna and heated outdoor pool, it promises the perfect escape for wellbeing retreats.
Access-wise, Red Cove has four bedrooms on the ground floor, and the main social spaces like the kitchen, dining and living areas are all on this level too. There are a handful of small steps near the entryway and onto the terrace, but generally speaking, it's a suitable option for elderly guests or those with limited mobility who can manage a few stairs.
Take a closer look around Red Cove with our concierge case studies, or discover our sea-view properties in Mawgan Porth: Panorama, Trevenek, Owls, Prennek House, Gabriel's View, The Lookout, Headlands and The Hideout.
Pete and Miles go surfing
We'd recognise the Mawgan Porth coastline anywhere - it's one of the most striking in the county. The rugged cliffs and tumbling swell provide the backdrop for an overjoyed Pete (James Norton) and seemingly supportive Miles (James McArdle) as they take to the waves for a surf in episode one.
One of the main locations used in the series, you'll find Mawgan Porth between Porthcothan and Newquay. As well as some of our favourite wild sauna experiences, it's home to first-class restaurants like Ogo, and beach-view pubs like The Merrymoor.
Between filming, our local concierge contacts at Kingsurf welcomed actor James Norton for some off-camera coaching. For those holidaying in Mawgan Porth, tailored surf lessons are the perfect way to immerse yourself in Cornish life. Ask our Concierge team for more of their favourite local schools.
Maddie's restaurant
We've been recommending this sea-view restaurant to our guests since the beginning, so we were thrilled to see Zacry's make an appearance in the series. With rattan pendants overhead, and golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see, the view from here is just as special in real life as it is on-screen. That's why we recommended it as one of our must-visit restaurants in 2024.
Having been home to some equally incredible eateries like Emily Scott and Watchful Mary in the past, Zacry's is now headed up by Chris Eden. Niamh Algar plays owner and head chef, Maddie, who was often seen on the restaurant's terrace against a dark and stormy Cornwall sky in episode one.
Aside from the restaurant, Watergate Bay is a popular surfing beach that's not far from Newquay, and dog-friendly all year round. It's also a breath-taking venue for the annual Boardmasters Festival. We love it for winter walks just as much as summertime picnics, and picking up a coffee from No.1 Cubs on your walk down to the beach is a must.
© Zacry's on the Sea Wall
Maddie and Lucy's confrontation
Penzance's geothermal Jubilee Pool provides the backdrop for the start of episode two, where Maddie and Lucy (Jessica Brown Findlay) take their boys for a swim. It's not long before a fractious scene unfolds, which sees David ushered away when Lucy makes a hasty exit.
The saltwater lido's triangular shape and distinct outlook of the Penzance War Memorial will have been instantly recogniseable to Mount's Bay locals. The pool closes in winter but is due to reopen for Easter 2025. You'll find a sauna for "Cold Water Club" on Wednesday and Friday mornings, plus a café with live music happening most weekends. There's also a calendar of events to look forward to, from the monthly "Full Moon Swim" to poolside pizza nights.
© Benjamin Elliott (left) and Nathan Staz (right) via Unsplash
The charity gala
It's the Tate gallery in St Ives where Lucy and Miles host a charity gala for their son, David. As they take to the stage with stories of their journey into parenthood, we see the rolling waves of Porthmeor Beach in the background, coupled with an early evening sky.
One of the most iconic venues in the county, the West Cornwall gallery overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is home to modernist works by St Ives locals Barbara Hepworth and Wilhelmina Barns-Graham.
Tempted by your own St Ives adventure? Don't miss our restaurant guide, our sea-view holiday home Shun Lee, and our cocktail bar recommendations.
© Ian Kingsnorth via Visit Cornwall (left)
Theo's disappearance
With some of the bigger named towns like Newquay, Rock and Padstow featuring on our screens more often, it was lovely to see some South Cornwall representation in Playing Nice. While the scenes filmed in Mevagissey took a turn as Pete (James Norton) frantically searched for his son during episode three, the real life harbourside village offers tranquility in spades. You'll find quaint cobbled streets lined with seafood restaurants, a miniature aquarium on the harbour wall, and boat trips that set off every few hours for Fowey.
If you're visiting South Cornwall this year, we'd also recommend day trips to Falmouth and St Mawes, where you'll find brilliant restaurants, must-try bakeries and stunning coastal walks. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are just around the corner from Mevagissey and promise a brilliant family day out. With wheelchairs and mobility scooters available to hire, plus a farm park that the children will love, it's a must-visit for this summer.
If you love what you see and feel inspired to visit Cornwall yourself, start planning your trip to one of our luxury holiday homes. As well as oceanfront escapes like Red Cove, you'll find architectural triumphs like Noordhoek, historic homes like Shun Lee, and cosy cottages like Laflouder Thatch. Whichever's your favourite, our Concierge team are right there with you to take the stress out of holiday planning.
Left: Noordhoek in Porthcothan | Middle: Shun Lee in St Ives | Right: Laflouder Thatch in MullionImage credits: © Zacry's on the Sea Wall | © Ian Kingsnorth via Visit Cornwall | © Benjamin Elliott via Unsplash | © Nathan Staz via Unsplash | All other images are our own.
When she's not out for a roast by the coast, Sophie loves exploring with her husband and their golden retriever pup, Obi. She writes about all things Cornwall and is a strong believer that there’s no such thing as too many house plants.
This contemporary north coast gem is ideal for group holidays with family and friends. Featuring an ocean-view hot tub and toasty wood burner, it affords breath-taking vistas over Mawgan Porth Beach below. Children will love the playful bunk room while the adults enjoy a drink on the sweeping terrace.
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Showcasing a love of reclaimed and repurposed materials, this sea-view beach house was designed with an eco-inspired twist. Its open plan layout, striking colour scheme and designer touches celebrate the best creators in the South West. Complete with a ground floor bedroom and a large wraparound garden, it’s ideal for multi-generational stays.
Boasting unparalleled views over Mawgan Porth Beach, Trevenek is an architecturally stunning amalgamation of Cornish stone, cool grey slate and sleek glass. Imagine days spent wandering the coast path or hitting the waves, followed by evenings on the balcony watching the sunset.
Loved by Women's Health and featured in The Telegraph as the ultimate party house, Shun Lee is a magnificent property with unparalleled views across St Ives Bay. Nestled within beautiful landscaped gardens and a short walk from several sandy beaches, it boasts bespoke interiors and prestigious entertaining spaces, including a private cinema. The house is a breath-taking setting for holidays and celebrations.
Distinctive, bold and playful, The Hideout is a completely unique family home with views over Mawgan Porth. Guaranteed to surprise and delight, there’s an underground games room, cinema, ‘hidden’ bath and indoor climbing wall and slide. Sleeping up to nine guests, explore North Cornwall by day and retreat to the luxurious hot tub by night.
A few minutes’ stroll from the beach, Headlands enjoys sprawling sea views and a large wraparound deck. Featuring four characterful bedrooms, peel open the bi-fold doors and let the light pour in on sunny days, or soak up the views from the hot tub. With Mawgan Porth Beach within easy reach, it becomes a haven for dog-friendly breaks and family adventures.
Fronted in glass and Cornish stone, Noordhoek is a commanding eco-friendly home on the edge of Porthcothan Beach. With six ground floor bedrooms, a separate yoga studio, an outdoor kitchen and fire pit, it makes a sociable setting for organised retreats and large family get-togethers. Have your feet on the sand within seconds of leaving the house - beach-lovers and dogs will cherish every moment.
Ideal for exploring North Cornwall, this dog-friendly home warmly welcomes up to 10 guests. Wake to sea views and countryside scenes before stepping onto sandy shores just moments away. With ample social space, including a dedicated TV room, everyone can enjoy time together. Outside, discover a spacious enclosed garden and a shaded pergola, perfect for post-surf suppers.
Panorama encapsulates the true luxury of holidaying in Cornwall: morning dips in the heated infinity pool, lunches served al fresco on the terrace, and evenings spent in the sunken spa pool. Dog-friendly and blending far-reaching ocean views with modern coastal interiors, find yourself within a 20 minute walk of Mawgan Porth Beach.
Perched above Mawgan Porth’s ever-changing tides, Owls is a contemporary coastal haven with a stunning ocean backdrop. Designed by Sprout Architects, this dog-friendly retreat features a soothing hot tub, sea-view living and minimalist interiors. There are four ground floor bedrooms, with three opening directly onto the terrace. The gate at the bottom of the garden leads to a scenic 20 minute walk to the beach and with surf schools, shoreline restaurants and endless coast paths within walking distance, you can easily hang up the car keys.
Exceptional in design and concept, Red Cove delivers when it comes to luxury living. From its majestic views sweeping over the Atlantic coast to its outdoor spa and natural garden, this is where you’ll discover what it means to truly switch off. Brainchild of Rundell Associates, this clifftop property blends into its surroundings and offers accommodation for up to 12 guests.
Discover a thatched chocolate box cottage with sea views and a heated outdoor swimming pool. Sleeping up to eight guests on Cornwall’s south-west coast, Laflouder Thatch lends itself to family-friendly holidays and special celebrations with friends. Featuring an annexe, games room and pool house, this destination home sits a five-minute drive from Poldhu Cove and Polurrian Beach.
