While the dramatic storylines and handsome cast are reason enough to tune into Poldark, the real star of the show is undoubtedly the breathtaking Cornish coastline and landscapes.
As the fifth and final season came to an end, many fans were left wondering how to fill the void. The good news? With our collection of holiday cottages in Cornwall, you can visit many of the iconic Poldark filming locations and relive your favourite scenes in person.
Discover the most famous Poldark locations in Cornwall below and start planning your cinematic coastal escape with our beautiful collection of holiday cottages in Cornwall.
The historic harbour at Charlestown stood in for Truro throughout the series.
With its Grade II listed harbour, granite quays and traditional tall ships, Charlestown perfectly recreates an 18th-century Cornish setting. Despite becoming part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, it remains a working harbour exporting china clay.
The inner harbour’s controlled film tank has featured in over 100 productions, including:
-
Doctor Who
-
Alice in Wonderland
-
Treasure Island
Gwennap Head, Penwith Peninsula
Located on the dramatic Penwith Peninsula, Gwennap Head provided some of the series’ most striking horseback and clifftop scenes.
As one of the south-westernmost points in England, this rugged headland boasts panoramic Atlantic views and the infamous Runnel Stone reef offshore — the site of numerous historic shipwrecks.
Walkers can enjoy the same cinematic scenery along the South West Coast Path, one of the UK’s most spectacular coastal walking routes.
Chapel Porth & St Agnes Head
Stretching between Chapel Porth and St Agnes Head, this stretch of coastline became synonymous with Nampara Valley in Poldark.
The iconic engine house at Wheal Coates — managed by the National Trust — is one of Cornwall’s most photographed mining landmarks. Its cliff-edge setting provided the perfect backdrop for dramatic riding scenes and secret encounters.
Today, it remains a must-visit for Poldark fans and coastal walkers alike.
Poldark Mine (Wendron Forge)
For underground mining scenes, the crew filmed at Poldark Mine, originally known as Wendron Forge.
The site was renamed during the popularity of the original 1970s adaptation of Poldark and later featured in the modern series.
Visitors can:
-
Take guided underground mine tours
-
Explore the open-air museum
-
Wander landscaped gardens
It’s one of the most immersive ways to understand Cornwall’s rich mining heritage.
Gunwalloe & Church Cove
The unforgettable shipwreck scenes from season one were filmed at Church Cove in Gunwalloe.
Nearby Dollar Cove has a dramatic smuggling history and was also used during filming. The area’s shifting sands were once responsible for wrecking the 17th-century Dutch ship Schiedam, adding historical authenticity to the scenes.
Today, the dunes and coastline — much of which is cared for by the National Trust — offer peaceful coastal walks and wildlife spotting. Nearby Porthleven and Helston are ideal for seaside dining.
Botallack & Levant Mines
The cliff-clinging engine houses at Botallack Mine and Levant Mine and Beam Engine were transformed into Wheal Leisure — Ross Poldark’s family mine.
Perched dramatically above the Atlantic, these ruins remain some of the most photographed mining landmarks in Britain. Film crews enhanced the structures with temporary builds and digital effects, but the raw beauty of the location speaks for itself.
You can walk between the sites along the coastal trail or tour Levant’s restored 1840s beam engine.
Bodmin Moor
The wild, windswept landscapes of Bodmin Moor were used for numerous horseback and carriage scenes.
The granite village of St Breward doubled as exterior shots of Nampara, while Minions featured as miners’ cottages in season one.
For panoramic views, hike Cornwall’s highest peaks:
Recognised as part of Cornwall’s National Landscape, Bodmin Moor remains wonderfully peaceful — even in peak season.
Stay in a Rural Retreat Near Poldark Filming Locations
From dramatic cliff-top walks to historic mining heritage and picturesque harbours, Cornwall’s Poldark filming locations showcase the very best of the county’s coastline.
Whether you’re an avid fan of the series or simply looking for a scenic UK coastal break, our hand-picked Cornwall holiday cottages provide the perfect base for exploring these iconic locations.
Book your Cornwall getaway today and experience the landscapes that made Poldark unforgettable.
Discover oour collection of Rural Retreats in Cornwall here.