Explore The Historic Majesty Of Cornwall, England With These ‘Poldark’ Filming Locations

If you’re an avid watcher of historical dramas, you may already be well acquainted with “Poldark.” The hit BBC One series, which originally aired from 2015 through 2019, adapts the novels of the same name as penned by English novelist Winston Graham. Though the show cultivated a large audience over the course of its initial run, “Poldark” has recently hit a major stride, thanks to a front-and-center placement on the Netflix library.

The series takes place in the rugged southwestern county of Cornwall, England, and its setting is a major factor in the narrative over the course of all five seasons. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the entirety of “Poldark” was shot on location in and around the Cornwall region. If you’re interested in visiting the area and walking in the very same footsteps as Captain Ross Vennor Poldark and company, be sure to read ahead. We’ll outline a few significant filming locations for the show and offer recommendations for the best restaurants and tourist spots around town. With any luck, you may soon find yourself building a dynasty in a run-down castle with great bones.

Where Is Trenwith House In ‘Poldark’?

One of the key locations in the “Poldark” series is Trenwith House. This home, which serves as the title character’s inherited estate, is the center for many major conflicts. In reality, the Trenwith house is represented on the screen by an Elizabethan family home in Tetbury, known as the Chavenage House.

Historic Hourses notes that the property was originally constructed in the mid-1500s, lending the home centuries of history that truly shine on the small screen. Original 17th-century tapestries and ancient architecture are on full display inside and out, making the Chavenage House perfect for a historical work like “Poldark.”

Though the Trenwith House is portrayed as being in Cornwall, Tetbury is actually a brisk three-hour drive away from the coastal peninsula. The series uses some snappy editing and Hollywood magic to manipulate the exterior shots so that Poldark is capable of walking right out the front door and onto the shore. Per PBS, other shooting locations outside of Cornwall include Newquay’s Holywell Bay, St Agnes Head, Penberth Cove and the Botallack Mine, which serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Is Cornwall Worth Visiting Because Of ‘Poldark’?

Key Scenes: As Visit Cornwall notes, the shipwreck scene in the first series of “Poldark” was filmed at Gunwalloe/Church Cove on the Lizard Peninsula. It’s a dark and dramatic moment in which the Cornish coast’s elemental danger is made visible.

Best Time To Visit: Though Cornwall is loaded with stunning sights and experiences year-round, most locals recommend visiting during the late spring and early summer months of May through July. This portion of the year offers the mildest weather and access to numerous outdoor events, ensuring that your itinerary is packed with exciting excursions. You’re certainly welcome to explore the region during other portions of the year, though England is known to be quite rainy and frigid during much of the spring and winter.

Transportation Options: Like many of England’s major cities, Cornwall is home to plenty of buses, trains and taxis. Those looking to navigate within the greater Cornwall area should have little difficulty finding rides. Of course, if you intend to venture out and see every single filming location for “Poldark,” you may want to rent your own vehicle, as some of them will take you far off the beaten path. Those staying within the heart of Cornwall, however, will certainly want to travel using the Bude Tunnel, which stretches across roughly 70 meters. This walking tunnel is a visual wonder, allowing tourists and natives alike to traverse the city in style, completely free of charge.

If you’re an avid traveler, you’ll note that Cornwall is well worth visiting whether you’re a fan of the BBC series or not, thanks to the region’s exceptional beaches, stunning buildings and relaxed, quiet atmosphere. Cornwall has become something of a bustling destination in recent years, meaning it sometimes becomes overcrowded with visitors. As long as you’re not totally introverted, this can be a great thing, as it exposes you to people from all walks of life.

Things to Do: Must-try attractions in Cornwall include historic walking tours, cliff diving and cave spelunking in Newquay, and a zip line experience which runs right through the world’s largest indoor rainforest. This rainforest attraction, known as the Eden Project, also serves as one of the area’s greatest sights, so be sure to stop inside once you’re back on the ground. Other key attractions include the Minack Theatre, where outdoor performers put on plays ranging from Shakespearean classics to modern hits, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful and mysterious places in all of post-war Europe.

Where to Eat: Since Cornwall is the kind of upscale, ritzy place where Poldark could believably rest his head, it should come as no surprise that the area is loaded with fine dining options. Those looking to invest in an excellent meal should be sure to book a reservation at one of the area’s nicest establishments, such as The Beach Hut in Newquay, The Clover Club or the Michelin star-rated Zacry’s. If you struggle to lock in a table at any of these eateries, or simply don’t want to blow your entire airfare budget on a fine meal, there are plenty of cheaper restaurants dotting the shores, serving a blend of delicious local and foreign cuisines.

Where to Stay: As you can likely imagine, the hotel rates in and around Cornwall are also quite pricey. Of course, if money is no object for you, you can always book a stately room in one of the area’s finest hotels, such as the St Michaels Resort, The Greenbank Hotel or the exorbitantly expensive Padstow Townhouse. On the other hand, those looking to save money should consider booking a room a little further inland and traveling to Cornwall to knock out specific excursions and day-trip ideas. Chains can be hard to locate in this peninsula, but you might be able to snag a prime rate on an Airbnb if you book at just the right time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Red Lion Pub in “Poldark” filmed?

The Red Lion Pub is one of the few locations in “Poldark” that was shot on a soundstage and not a real location. Rather than outfitting a real-life pub with period-accurate accouterments, the production team behind the series opted to create a realistic set on a soundstage. Today, the set is still up and open to visitors at the Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol, UK.

What is the age difference between Poldark and Demelza?

Though the exact age difference between Poldark and Demelza is never explicitly laid out, context clues suggest that the duo are separated by roughly 10 years. Poldark initially rescues Demelza when she is just 14 years of age and hires her as his maid.

How many seasons of “Poldark” are on Netflix?

All five seasons of “Poldark” are currently available to stream on Netflix.

The post Explore The Historic Majesty Of Cornwall, England With These ‘Poldark’ Filming Locations appeared first on Travel Noire.