Poldark

Explore amazing Cornish landscapes where you can walk in the footsteps of Poldark’s Ross and Demelza this autumn — and stay at a huge historic country house where the drama was filmed

The period drama Poldark, which aired on the BBC from 2015 to 2019, captivated us with its stunning locations and compelling storyline, and the series, which starred Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark, was watched by eight million viewers per episode.

One of the highlights of the show was the breath-taking filming locations, and now, the National Trust is inviting fans to explore these sites this autumn and winter, as Cornwall celebrates a special Poldark anniversary.

Next year (2026) will mark 80 years since the publication of the first original Poldark novel, Demelza, which continues to enchant readers to this day.

The first TV adaptation of Winston Graham’s novels aired 50 years ago, running from 1975 until 1977, and it’s been 10 years since the acclaimed remake graced our screens in 2015, reports Cornwall Live.

One review of the 2015 series sums up the enthusiasm people had for Poldark: “This is the most artistic, photogenic, captivating series ever made. Besides an outstanding, lovely cast, the excellent performance by the lighting men, cameramen, director, scenery experts, colour specialists, costume creators, music score, and quality scriptwriters is beyond all expectations.

“Their outstanding teamwork often makes me freeze the image in order to better appreciate the beauty and magic of the shots: outside and inside. Breathtaking scenery and, extremely cosy, authentic cottages, and overwhelming, rich mansions—even the flower bouquets—are mind-blowing.

“So grateful to the whole crew, they made a genuine masterpiece. A treasure to cherish forever!”

The show’s spectacular filming locations span from the wild Tin Coast and vast sandy shores to the “ancient and atmospheric” Godolphin estate, which served as Trenwith in the 1975 Poldark series.

These breathtaking spots have attracted devoted fans from across the globe. The medieval gardens and historic house at Godolphin represent just one of the numerous National Trust sites that played a crucial role in bringing the Poldark tale to life.

The enduring phenomenon of “Poldark tourism” continues to fund essential conservation efforts throughout Cornwall, and visitor numbers have played a vital role in safeguarding threatened wildlife and habitats across the county.

Autumn presents an ideal opportunity to explore the striking landscapes that sparked the beloved saga. The cooler months offer a wonderful opportunity to explore Poldark country, as visitor numbers remain lower than during the summer peak, allowing you to truly savour the tranquillity that Cornwall provides.

Since its first appearance in 1946, Winston Graham’s “love letter to Cornwall”, the Poldark saga, has won hearts across the globe, whisking readers and viewers away to 18th-century Cornwall.

The dramatic vistas of mining heritage locations and rugged coastal cliffs took centre stage in the narrative when the original television adaptation was broadcast in 1975, and once more in 2015 when the reimagined series introduced an entirely new generation to Ross and Demelza’s Cornwall.

Poldark transformed into a worldwide phenomenon, motivating thousands to journey to Cornwall and discover the scenery they had witnessed on their screens.

By 2019, approximately 14% of Cornwall’s visitors were believed to have made the trip in some capacity due to Poldark, and this enthusiasm delivered a tourism windfall to the county whilst raising crucial funds for the conservation and maintenance of Cornwall’s natural and historic locations.

A significant portion of this support has been reinvested into preserving these remarkable landscapes for generations to come, with efforts along the Tin Coast concentrating on protecting natural areas and wildlife habitats. At West Wheal Owles, better known to Poldark fans as Wheal Leisure, conservation efforts have been put in place to protect the endangered Cornish choughs.

This area is now off-limits to the public, creating a safe haven for this iconic bird species.

For those who are fans of the 1975 TV series of Poldark, Godolphin will be familiar as it was the home of Francis Poldark and the fictional grand house, Trenwith.

Back when Godolphin was still a private residence, it served as a filming location. The National Trust bought the estate in 2007 and began extensive and careful conservation work to preserve the house for future generations.

In 2006, Godolphin was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Since then, the estate has become renowned for its historic gardens and 500 acres of protected parkland — and the house is available as a holiday let for most of the year.

Autumn is the ideal time to explore Poldark country with its quieter paths, sweeping sea views, and a feeling of stepping back into history.

From rugged clifftop walks and mining heritage trails to exploring historic houses and gardens, Cornwall’s National Trust sites offer visitors a chance to experience the landscape that inspired a legend.

From its picturesque beaches to its vibrant community, there’s something for everyone in this charming Cornwall village

Nestled in a pristine corner of the north Cornish coast, St Agnes is a hidden treasure that proudly resides within both a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Heritage Site.

This coastal hamlet thrives on its vibrant local community, which supports a plethora of independent shops and businesses. With its beautiful, dog-friendly beaches, top-notch pubs and restaurants, and access to some of Cornwall’s most stunning coastal paths and walks, it’s no wonder it’s hailed as a traveller’s paradise.

St Agnes, a charming seaside village situated on the north coast of Cornwall, offers several scenic beaches for travellers to discover including Trevaunance Cove, Chapel Porth, and Porthtowan, all incredibly popular spots for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.

The area is steeped in nearly a century of Cornish industrial history, encapsulated in sites like the disused 19th-century tin mine Wheal Coates. The beauty and rich history of St Agnes have caught the attention of the United Nations, earning it UNESCO World Heritage Site status and impressing thousands of visitors.

Despite being one of the largest coastal villages in Cornwall, St Agnes maintains a compact charm. One of its most notable landmarks is St Agnes Beacon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and historically serving as a lookout point, reports Cornwall Live.

St Agnes, a quaint seaside village often dubbed as an underappreciated gem by travellers, boasts breathtaking coastal views complete with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and idyllic countryside panoramas. It’s also the proud home of The Peterville Inn, previously crowned the UK’s best pub by the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

The village is steeped in a rich history of tin and copper mining, which was a major industry in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, remnants of this mining heritage, such as engine houses and mine shafts, still pepper the landscape.

This charming seaside town, with its labyrinth of lanes and delightful shops, is a paradise for holidaymakers. Its narrow streets brimming with Cornish charm make St Agnes a top pick among tourists.

Chapel Porth Beach is a must-see attraction, and the Chapel Porth Beach Café, renowned for its hedgehog ice creams made from cones, clotted cream and hazelnuts, comes highly recommended by visitors.

Other attractions in and around St Agnes include the St Agnes Museum, Perranporth Airfield, the Chapel Porth to St Agnes Circular Walk, and the St Agnes to Trevellas Porth Circular Walk.

St Agnes is also famed for its lively community of local artisans, shops, and eateries that offer a taste of Cornwall’s unique culture and culinary delights.

The television connection

St Agnes Head, a scenic spot on the Cornwall coastline, features a beach tucked within a cove which is accessible via a coastal path.

Fans of the dashing Ross Poldark will be thrilled to know that Winston Graham, the mastermind behind the Poldark series, lived just a stone’s throw away and drew inspiration from the entire Parish for his novels, affectionately naming it ‘Poldark Country’.

This Cornish gem, under the care of the National Trust, has gained global fame due to its association with the beloved British telly series and has been hailed as one of the most breathtaking spots on the planet.

The site is instantly recognisable, with its chapel rising majestically amidst swathes of heather and gorse, serving as the perfect backdrop for the BBC’s smash hit TV series Poldark.

Upcoming series The Rapture is described as “a high-stakes thriller which crackles with danger”

Bridgerton star India Amarteifio has bagged a role in upcoming BBC drama The Rapture and has said she is looking forward to the “massive challenge”.

The actress, who is best known for playing the starring role in Bridgerton spin-off Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, joins the likes of Doctor Who‘s Ruth Madeley, Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones, Game of Thrones‘ Iwan Rheon and Jack Farthing from Poldark in the series.

The five-episode drama is being adapted from Liz Jensen’s best-selling novel and is said to be “a high-stakes thriller which crackles with danger”.

According to the synopsis, the series – which is being produced by Mammoth Screen, part of ITV studios – follows a forensic psychologist named Gabs Fox (Madeley) who meets teen Bethany Krall (India) at a psychiatric hospital.

Bethany, who is the daughter of the leader of a religious movement (played by Sam Hazeldine), was convicted of killing her mum but she insists she didn’t do it.

Adding another twist is the fact that the 17-year-old claims to be able to predict the future. But can she convince Gabs she is telling the truth?

“I’m over the moon to be getting started on this production and cannot wait to bring Bethany onto tellies,” India, 24, said as her casting was announced.

“It will be a massive challenge for me professionally, which I’m very much welcoming and feel incredibly safe to do so in the hands of Mammoth and Ruth!”

Madeley added that it was “a total joy to lead such a powerful and vibrant series”, which she said was “an incredibly special project” to her.

The series, which is shooting in Wales, will also star Stephen Campbell Moore, Lisa Palfrey, Siena Kelly, Naby Dakhli, Richard Elis, Dean Rehman and Robert Rhodes.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, added: “This thriller brings Liz Jensen’s compelling novel to life with a truly talented cast led by the brilliant Ruth Madeley and India Amarteifio.

“The Rapture features two complicated and captivating characters, blended with a story of climate change, to create a gripping narrative and I can’t wait for BBC viewers to see it.”

The Rapture is set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

A once tranquil fishing village famed for featuring in the TV series Doc Martin is now said to be inundated with visitors

Port Isaac, the picturesque Cornish village known for its role in the TV series Doc Martin and as the birthplace of sea-shanty band Fisherman’s Friends, is said to struggling under the weight of its own popularity.

The once peaceful fishing village, with its charming whitewashed cottages overlooking a harbour, is now teeming with tourists during the summer months. However, it has been reported that the lower part of Port Isaac has seen a significant drop in its population, with only about 30 residents remaining during the spring and autumn shoulder seasons.

Despite the influx of visitors drawn by its association with Doc Martin, Port Isaac has long been a favourite location for TV and film makers. The village served as the backdrop for the 2000 comedy thriller Saving Grace, as well as the original BBC Poldark series from the 1970s.

Local fisherman, Tom Brown, told the Telegraph that while visitor numbers have increased, they are spending less than previous tourists. He revealed that older locals “hate it” and avoid the bottom of Port Isaac, claiming “it’s ruined”.

However, Mr Brown believes that while the village has “definitely changed”, it isn’t ruined.

The surge in second-home ownership has reportedly priced local families out of the market. According to Rightmove, house prices in the village averaged £425,140 over the last year, reports the Express.

The online property website also noted that most properties sold in Port Isaac over the past year were detached houses, fetching an average price of £490,000.

Terraced houses were sold for an average price of £406,250, while flats went for £333,200. The Halifax House Price Index reported a UK-wide average of £299,331 in August.

Travel and Tour World has reported that a “steep” rise in property prices is driving locals away from Port Isaac, with those who stay facing an “overwhelming” cost of living.

Local businesses have also felt the impact of the surge in visitors over the summer, struggling to meet the demand from the influx of tourists and dealing with challenges during quieter periods.

Cornwall Council’s councillor responsible for homes, Olly Munk, stated that housing in the county is in a state of crisis, with more than 24,000 people on the local authority’s waiting list.

In 2024, the council added 775 “affordable” homes to the county’s total, and there are 600 sites approved for housing. Under a Government scheme, the county is required to build over 4,000 houses annually.

As the most westerly village in the UK, this Cornish village has a claim to fame that is enough in and of itself to have visitors flocking to its doors

As Britain’s most westerly village, this Cornish settlement boasts a unique distinction that alone draws countless visitors to its shores.

Blessed with a temperate climate, exotic gardens, and miles of stunning coastline dotted with independent retailers, St Just offers a full day of exploration and attractions.

Situated close to Land’s End and merely eight miles from Penzance, this picturesque spot is also rich in heritage, having once served as the heart of the tin mining trade.

At St Just’s core stands Plain-an-Gwarry, a theatre that staged performances during medieval times.

Today it plays host to the Lafrowda Festival, according to Cornwall Guide, reports the Express.

Within the grounds of St Just Church, visitors will discover magnificent exotic gardens that have thrived in the Roseland peninsula’s gentle climate.

Hailed as one of Britain’s most stunning churchyards by poet John Betjeman, it descends towards an enchanting creek.

The location also sits alongside Cape Cornwall, which seafaring navigators of yesteryear mistook for ‘Land’s End’, marking where the English Channel and St Georges Channel converge.

Heinz Ltd purchased the cape for the nation in 1987 before gifting it to the National Trust to commemorate the firm’s centenary, according to Visit Cornwall.

Local residents have nicknamed the coastal rocks “General De Gaul in the bath” due to their distinctive silhouette when seen from the mainland. Every year, a swim event takes place covering the mile between the rocks and the cove.

If you’re up for a dip in the sea, you might spot some grey seals frolicking in the waters.

The South West Coast Path is a treasure trove of hidden beaches waiting to be discovered. Many of these picturesque spots were featured in the BBC’s hit series Poldark, which delves into the area’s smuggling history.

Locations include Botallack, Levant and Geevor.

According to Tripadvisor, you can embark on a tour of these filming locations.

One visitor shared their five-star experience: “We had such a lovely day with Becky. She was so knowledgeable not just about Poldark but about the history and culture of Cornwall. We also had a stop at the Minack Theater which was fantastic and although not related to Poldark was a unique piece of Cornish history that was so fun to explore. 10/10 would highly recommend.”

Botallack mine is another must-visit site, earning high praise on Tripadvisor. The stunning views offer a glimpse of a jagged and dramatic coastline.

Another visitor gave the experience five stars, saying: “Incredible views of the remains of the Crowns, Cornish engine houses perched on the cliff edge. Right on the SWCP coast path, a path leads down to the engine house or there are benches at the top of the path where you can have a picnic and enjoy the view.”

They added: “Nearby Botallack Counthouse (National Trust) is a café which serves home made pasties and cakes and has games to entertain children. Large car park (pay and display, National Trust members free). A fabulous place to visit in any weather, in hazy summer sun or in passionate winter storms.”

A gorgeous UK beach dubbed one of the best in the world and frequented by travel influencers has had its public access cut off due to health and safety concerns

A Cornish beach once dubbed among the best in the world and which featured in BBC’s Poldark has had its public access cut off.

Situated in the far west of Cornwall, Pedn Vounder is known for its turquoise waters, secluded cove and unofficial capacity as a nudist beach. However, tourists and swimmers looking forward to enjoying its pristine waters during the heatwave were met with a rope cordoning the beach off.

A red sign by the National Trust, which manages the path down to the beach but not the beach itself, reads: “Danger. No Access.” According to the National Trust, the path has been closed off due to erosion, which has made the path unstable and has now resulted in a “near vertical” six-metre climb down.

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It also added the sea at the beach is “dangerous due to rip currents” and that there have been “regular serious incidents involving the emergency services”.

Pedn Vounder has long been notorious for its difficulty to access, with a long walk from any parking spots followed by a steep pathway down.

The beach’s closure during the peak summer period has been met with dismay by locals in the nearby village of Treen, who said the beauty spot has been drawing a large number of visitors in recent years.

It was recently voted one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by EnjoyTravel.com, and has been a favourite stop for travel influencers.

Meanwhile, this July, the annual Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide featured it amongst its best beaches in the south west and it was also named the sixth best nudist beach in the UK, according to KAYAK.

The beach also featured on TV screens as the fictional Nampara Cove in the BBC’s historical drama Poldark, starring Aidan Turner. Rebecca Ley, 46, who visited the beach recently and grew up nearby, told The Times that the closure was “a real shame.”

She said: “Getting down was always a bit challenging, it’s definitely not one for flip flops, but I can’t say I noticed a massive difference from when I was a child.” She added that her nine-year-old had made it down “without difficulty”, as had about 100 other visitors that day.

A National Trust spokesperson told The Mirror: “Due to increasing coastal erosion, an unofficial and steep pathway across National Trust land leading to Pedn Vounder beach (not cared for by the National Trust) in Cornwall has become increasingly unsafe and is now temporarily closed.

“This decision has been made due to the significant increase in potential for serious injury and has been made in consultation with local authorities, emergency services and other partners.

“We understand this closure may disappoint visitors and the local community and have not taken the decision lightly. As a charity that promotes access to nature and culture we always try and maintain access wherever it’s possible to do so, but due to the increasing erosion undercutting the cliff we have made the difficult decision to close it.

“In the meantime, we encourage visitors to use nearby Porthcurno beach and to follow all local signage and safety advice. ”