Niche Retreats’ Guide to Poldark Filming Locations

The Poldark literary stories took inspiration from our very own Truro, so it was fitting that Cornwall was chosen to host the filming locations for the televised series. Below is a list of the destinations which are all accessible from our Porthleven Cottages and Caerhay’s Castle properties. Enjoy your holiday spotting and reliving Poldark moments… 

Church Cove, Gunwalloe

Gunwalloe is situated on the Lizard Peninsula, lying within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and hence was the location for many of the dramatic scenes in the Poldark series. Take the opportunity to walk from Porthleven across the coast, it is only a 3.4 mile stroll on the South West Coastal Path allowing you to take in the breathtaking ruggedness of the coastline.

Charlestown

Charlestown near St Austell represents Truro in the Poldark series. It is a popular setting for location managers as it has retained a traditional aesthetic due to the collection of ships docked at the Grade II listed harbour. Whether staying in our Porthleven Cottages or within the Caerhays Castle grounds, Charlestown is accessible as either a 1 hour or 25 minute car journey, respectively.

Porthgwarra

Porthgwarra. Source: Visit Cornwall

Porthgwarra in Cornish is Porth Gorwedhow which translates to ‘very wooded cove,’ explaining the natural scenery of wild flowers and the active birdlife. The cove itself offers safe swimming, providing that you don’t venture past the headland, whilst the foot of the cove reveals two tunnels: the first dug by miners to provide access to horse-and-cart drivers whilst the second provided access of the ‘hulleys’ to fishermen. This small coastal village is the perfect getaway destination as the south west coastal path offers unrivalled views across the sea- it is just a 45 minute car journey from Porthleven!

Bodmin Moor

Bodmin Moor is a granite moorland in northeastern Cornwall and was frequented by the cast and crew of Poldark as the setting reflected the passion and drama entwined in plot. Recognisable images include the horse riding scenes and the exterior of Ross Poldark’s cottage, Namapara.

Botallack to Levant

Botallack was a former tin mining area and therefore steeped in mining histry; the Bottalack Mine can be found in the cliffs north of the village. It’s this legacy that inspired the location managers of Poldark, notably the walk that links Bottalack to Levant. The rolling shots of the Levant Mine are used to represent the fictional Tressiders Rolling Mill whilst Botallack homes Poldark’s Wheal Leisure.

Padstow

Padstow is a very popular holiday destination due to the plethora of beaches, rugged coastlines and quiet coves. In the Poldark series, Padstow features during some of the cliff action shots whilst the Porthcothan beach was the destination of Poldark’s Nampara Cove. You may also spot the the impressive views across the Camel Estuary and Tregirls beach.

St Agnes

St Agnes is also immersed in mining history; view the engine house proudly located on the cliff edge at St Agnes Head to be reminded of its tin and copper industrial past. For Poldark, St Agnes provided the location of Nampara Valley, the Poldark family’s estate.

Truro

Whilst it was actually Corsham in Wiltshire that was used for the filming of Truro, it’s worth noting that Winston Graham sought inspiration from the city itself for the Poldark stories.

Are you ready to start exploring? View our Porthleven and Caerhay’s Castle Cottages to start your Poldark adventure.