The Poldark trail…
By Pentewan Sands on the May 29th, 2017 in
On the Poldark trail in Cornwall
We’re big fans of the BBC One hit series of Poldark. The Ross, Demelza, Elizabeth love triangle, family feuds and underhand antics, played out against the hardship of Cornish mining, have had us gripped but in our eyes Cornwall is the real star of the show.
Filming for the first three series saw cameras roll across Cornwall with mines, gorgeous beaches and atmospheric towns all taking a turn in the spotlight. Lucky for us, we’re not far from the action and are perfectly positioned to step into Ross and Demelza’s shoes. Here are our top picks on where to go on the Poldark trail…
Visit our 'ways to stay' pages to find out more about staying at our quiet campsite in Cornwall.
Charlestown
Just six miles along the coast from our quiet campsite by the sea is Charlestown, one of the key Poldark film locations. This historic Grade II Listed harbour, famed for its collection of tall ships and traditional appearance, lives its everyday life as though it has come straight out of the pages of Poldark. It features on screen as both Truro and Falmouth and often pops up when Ross visits his bank manager, Caroline Penvenen goes shopping or Captain Blamey boards his packet ship.
And it’s not just Poldark location managers that have fallen for Charlestown’s charms. The harbour is a regular in the limelight so much so that it boasts an acting CV worthy of any A-list star.
It’s a lovely little spot for a little wander and now is a great time to visit as The Shipwreck and Heritage Centre which sits on the harbour side has recently been brought by the owner of our neighbours, the Lost Gardens of Heligan. It is having a bit of a spruce up and as part of a collaboration between The Shipwreck and Heritage Centre and the Historic Port of Charlestown, for the first time in its history the inner harbour and The Phoenix, an authentic 17th Century tall ship, is open to visitors. Experience life on and off deck and step back in time to the age of sail.
Bodmin Moor
Within an hour’s drive from Heligan Caravan and Camping Park you can also strike out on the wild and rugged Bodmin Moor in search of the cottage used for the exterior of Ross Poldark’s cottage, Nampara. The bleak and windswept landscape also crops up as the backdrop to some of the horse-riding scenes which see Ross and his fellow characters galloping their way around Cornwall.
We recommend a walk to Rough Tor and Brown Willy, the two highest peaks in Cornwall as on a clear day the spectacular 360-degree views stretch as far as the north and south coasts.
Holywell Bay
The National Trust beach of Holwell Bay near Newquay with its iconic Gull Rock is another recognisable Poldark film location. It’s just 40 minutes from us and wins love for its golden sands and blue seas that are never short of surf action. Find a quiet spot among the dunes or tread the South West Coast Path.
West Cornwall
Other key Poldark film locations can be found in west Cornwall. It’s about an hour and a half from us but Poldark fans and beauty hunters should make the effort.
Walk the coast path from the impossibly gorgeous Porthgwarra Cove, made famous by that oh-so-memorable skinny dipping scene, to Porthcurno which alongside other locations stars as Nampara Cove. One of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall, Porthcurno is home to the open-air Minack Theatre.
West Cornwall is also where the exterior mining scenes were shot with Owles and Crowns Mine near Botallack starring as Wheal Leisure and Levant Mine as Tressiders Rolling Mill. Levant Mine is open to the public and is well worth a visit to learn about the Cornish mining heyday as well as the incredible hardship endured by miners.
Visit our 'ways to stay' pages to find out more about staying at our quiet campsite in Cornwall.
For more information on Poldark’s Cornwall, visit visitcornwall.com/poldark
Image Credits:
Porthcurnick Beach: Matt Jessop and Visit Cornwall
Porthluney Cove: Matt Jessop and Visit Cornwall
Porthpean: Adam Gibbard and Visit Cornwall