Poldark filming locations
Much of the filming of the popular Poldark series took place against Cornwall’s stunning backdrop, with many scenes featuring the dramatic Cornish coastline, Bodmin Moor and other spectacular locationsThe series is based on Winston Graham’s famous Poldark novels, which were set in 18th Century Cornwall. Following the story of Ross Poldark after his return to England from the American War of Independence, we journey with him through his emotional return to a fiancé who is no longer his and watch as he struggles to regain his family’s fortune.
As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the next instalment of the Poldark series, why not find out more about the filming locations used in our stunning county of Cornwall.
nampara
Poldark’s home Nampara plays centre stage in many of the scenes throughout the Poldark series. The location used for this was St Breward on Bodmin Moor
St Breward stands as one of the highest points in Cornwall at 700ft above sea level and boasts a long history that goes back centuries. Offering a ruggedly beautiful landscape, the area has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Nampara Valley
Much of Nampara Valley was filmed at St Agnes Head, whilst Nampara Cove was shot at the wide sandy beach of Porthcothan
Both locations remain, for the most part, undeveloped and therefore offered the perfect backdrops for the Poldark scenes shot here. As a Cornish landmark, St Agnes Head still has iconic mine buildings standing as poignant reminders of our mining past.
Wheal Leisure
Tressiders Rolling Mill is really Levant Mine in West Cornwall and Wheal Leisure, the mine owned by the Poldark family, is in reality Wheal Owles
In an event that could just as easily be imagined within the Poldark novels themselves, tragedy struck at Wheal Owles in 1893 when the mine became flooded, trapping 19 men and 1 boy – the mine has remained closed since that time. When visiting, take a look at the plaque recalling their names on the wall of the engine house.
The Camel Estuary, Tregirls beach, Pedn Vounder beach, Constantine Bay and Lellizzick cliffs also feature within the series.
Charlestown
Poldark’s Truro has changed substantially since the 18th Century so the charming Grade II listed harbour of Charlestown stood in as the more authentic eighteenth century setting
Had you visited the port during the 1800s you would have found a bustling harbour with ships coming and going as well as many boatbuilding and rope making businesses. Today, Charlestown’s appearance remains virtually unchanged, offering a real chance to step back in history.
Scenes of smuggling
Smuggling and wrecking are part and parcel of Cornwall’s past and are therefore a strong storyline in Poldark
Gunwalloe beach, with its wrecking past, presented the perfect location for the smuggling scenes to be filmed.
Fancy exploring more of Cornwall? Why not take a look at some of the other beaches, landmarks and other beautiful places to see around this historic county.