Explore Poldark country in Cornwall’s top filming locations

Follow in the footsteps of Ross and Demelza

Inspired by Winston Graham’s much-loved Poldark novels, we’ve rounded up some of Cornwall’s most iconic filming locations from the show. Featuring Ross Poldark’s Nampara farmhouse and the historic Wheal Grace mine, take a tour through the series and discover the picturesque West Country locations that graced our screens.

Charlestown

Perhaps the most iconic Poldark filming location, the rugged coastline and infamous tall ships of Charlestown have provided a picturesque backdrop since the very first season. Featuring in the 1970s series as well as the recent BBC adaptation, the tranquil south coast fishing port has doubled up as Truro and Falmouth for many harbour scenes.

While present day Charlestown is home to a handful of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, its striking granite quays and undeniable Cornish charm make it perfectly fitting for an 18th Century drama. Avid fans will know that Charlestown’s small beach also doubles up as St Mary’s on the Scilly isles, where Ross meets exile Mark Daniel. 

Bodmin Moor

If you’ve not rambled across it or seen it on an atmospheric post card, you’ve probably spotted it in an episode of Poldark. The famous Bodmin Moor, with its craggy stone circles and rolling grassland, is home to Captain Ross’ Nampara farmhouse. Sitting amongst some of Cornwall’s richest mining landscapes, the real life cottage is located just outside the village of St Breward in North Cornwall.

The nearby Minions also feature throughout series one, providing the backdrop to a number of miner’s cottages and plenty of Ross’ signature horseback charges across the moor.

St Agnes Head

The historic engine houses along the cliffs at St Agnes Head are just a stone’s throw from Perranporth, the home of Poldark writer Winston Graham. Chosen to play the part of Poldark’s family estate, they look straight out to sea and provide a picturesque backdrop for many horseback scenes.

The most well-known engine house, Wheal Coates, was used as Wheal Grace in the series, and is just as loved by present day locals as it is by loyal followers of the show. Adding to Ross Poldark’s mining estate, Botallack mine near St Just secured the role of Wheal Leisure, while Levant Mine became the fictional Tressiders Rolling Mill.

Church Cove, Gunwalloe

Perched on the Lizard Peninsula, the small and sandy Church Cove in Gunwalloe is where the dramatic night-time ship wrecking unfurled in series one. With its own history of Cornish shipwrecks, it sits just around the coast from the aptly named Dollar Cove. After a Spanish ship lost its cargo in a wrecking years ago, locals say silver coins often wash up on the beach to this day.

Sharing Church Cove’s limelight are the real life Cornish beaches of Holywell Bay near Newquay, Porthcothan on the north coast, Porthcurno on the west and Kynance Cove at the tip of the county.