Poldark Beach Locations from Carbis Bay Holidays

‘Where is Poldark filmed?’ It’s a question we’re often asked here in Cornwall…

The hit BBC series Poldark captured the attention of the nation, and nowhere more so than in Cornwall where it was filmed. Many Cornish viewers spent their Sunday evenings with their eyes peeled and pointing at the screen every time they recognised a Cornish beach or filming location! There are so many beautiful beaches in Cornwall, but if you’ve wondered where was Poldark filmed and would like to visit some of the Poldark beach locations during your holiday, let us be your guide.

Carbis Bay Holidays’ favourite locations where Poldark was filmed:

1. Kynance Cove – The Lizard Peninsula
2. Gunwalloe – The Lizard Peninsula
3. Porthcurno Beach – near Penzance
4. Porthgwarra Beach – near Penzance
5. Chapel Porth Beach – near St Austel
6. Perranporth Beach – near St Agnes
7. Holywell Bay – near Newquay
8. Porthcothan Beach – near Padstow

Poldark Beaches in West Cornwall

Kynance Cove – The Lizard Peninsula

We’ll begin our journey to find where was Poldark filmed at Kynance Cove. Located on the Lizard Peninsula, which is the most southerly tip of Cornwall and the UK, this pretty cove is approximately an hour’s drive from St Ives.

Poldark scenes which feature the fictional Nampara Cove were filmed here, including the scene when Ross rescues Demelza from her fishing trip. This is one of the Poldark beach locations which is easily recognised due to the unique rock formations at Kynance.

Kynance Cove has become very popular and can be really busy during peak season. If you want to see this breathtaking beach through the local’s eyes, stand on the rugged cliffs above stormy seas during winter or soak up the sunshine in the quieter months of May, June and September. You can also enjoy the views from the Kynance Cafe over a Cornish pasty or cream tea!

Gunwalloe – The Lizard Peninsula

Moving along the coast from Kynance, jsut before the Lizard Peninsula meets the town of Helston and you’ll find Gunwalloe. Just a 45 minute drive from St Ives, Gunwalloe is a little fishing village and home to Church Cove, a gorgeous sandy beach with one of the oldest churches in Cornwall situated just off the shore.

So, where is Poldark filmed in Gunwalloe?

The beach at Church Cove is where the series’ night-time shipwrecking scenes were filmed. Indeed, it’s a great spot for storm-watching during winter months when Cornwall experiences its wildest weather.

Locals know to enjoy a refreshing drink at the Halzephron Inn, a 15th century Cornish country pub with fantastic coastal views, after walking their dog on the beach or walking on the south west coast path.

Porthcurno – near Penzance

Porthcurno is most famous for the iconic Minack Theatre, Cornwall’s historic outdoor theatre with a spectacular ocean backdrop.

It’s also one of the beach locations where Poldark was filmed which is sometimes used for Nampara and also used in scenes where Demelza and Ross are walking across the beach. Filming also takes place on the clifftop between Porthcurno and Porthgwarra, which is a great coastal walk to do, allowing you to see both of these stunning beaches from an elevated position.

The beautiful turquoise waters of Porthcurno beach are perfect for a refreshing evening swim. Locals head there after work, especially during the quieter months. The gorgeous soft sand is also the perfect spot for enjoying a picnic before a performance at the Minack.

Porthgwarra – near Penzance

A small cove and fishing hamlet, Porthgwarra feels like stepping back in time. It gives you a glimpse into Cornish fishing heritage. Porthgwarra beach is roughly a 40 minute drive from St Ives and is very close to Land’s End, should you be planning a trip there during your holiday.

Porthgwarra provides some of the most picturesque spots wehre Poldark was filmed and is used in some of the swimming scenes. The most popular Poldark scene filmed here is from series one, featuring Ross taking a swim in the crystal clear water while watched from the cliff tops by Demelza. It also features in some of the pilchard fishing scenes.

Locals visit Porthgwarra to enjoy some peace and quiet or to go for a quick dip, before retreating to Porthgwarra Cove Cafe for some cakey tea (a pot of tea enjoyed with Cornish cakes such as saffron buns, heavy cake and scones). The swimming conditions are fairly safe, but be aware there is no lifeguard cover. This tiny beach is fun to explore at low tide and has some interesting rock pools and caves to discover. See if you can spot the rock formation that looks just like a face…

Where is Poldark Filmed on the North Coast of Cornwall?

Chapel Porth Beach – near St Austel

Chapel Porth is a beautiful beach on the north coast of Cornwall. Situated near the lovely village of St Agnes, Chapel Porth is roughly a 40 minute drive from St Ives. It has a National Trust car park, toilets and a cute cafe, which hasn’t been altered in at least thirty years.

This rugged part of the coast has many ruined engine houses dotted across the cliff top, including Wheal Coates, which towers above Chapel Porth beach. This Poldark beach location was used in many of the scenes featuring Aidan Turner and his horse. You know, the ones where he’s galloping across the cliff tops, over wild gorse and heather, with dramatic views of the ocean below.

The dramatic coastline between St Agnes and Chapel Porth is a popular coastal walk amongst locals. A great stop-off point is the Chapel Porth Cafe where you can enjoy a famous hedgehog ice cream or a slice of homemade flapjack with a cup of coffee, whilst taking in the spectacular views. This is a great spot to watch the wild winter waves or to jump into the summer surf.

Perranporth – near St Agnes

Situated on the north coast, about a 35 minute drive from St Ives and a 20 minute drive from Newquay, Perranporth is a vast expanse of golden sand, backed by beautiful sand dunes.

Perranporth was actually the home of Winston Graham, the author of the Poldark books. It is referred to in the novels as “Hendrawna Sands”. However, it is yet to feature in the Poldark TV series…

The town of Perranporth is busy during summer months and also has a couple of music festivals, such as Tunes in the Dunes and Bands in the Sands. The Watering Hole pub on the beach also hosts a plethora of music gigs throughout the year. Plus, they make an amazing hot chocolate and have Cornish Rattler on tap! Perranporth beach is one of the most popular places to go to watch the sunset and is paradise for those with a surf board or body board.

Holywell Bay – near Newquay

Drive a little bit further up the north coast (approximately 45 minutes from St Ives) and you’ll reach Holywell Bay, a sandy beach backed with grass-tufted dunes. There’s a National Trust car park and great surf conditions, plus plenty of space to sunbathe and play beach games.

This was one of the most used Poldark filming locations in series 4, easily spotted by the two rocks in the ocean known as Gull Rock. The Poldark’s rivals, the Warleggans, own the gorgeous stretch of coastline filmed at Holywell Bay.

For locals, Holywell is another popular sunset watching spot and is great for a beach walk or a quick surf after work. The St Piran’s Inn is a great place to quench your thirst with a refreshing pint after a stroll or a surf.

Porthcothan Beach – near Padstow

This stunning a beach is a little bit further away from St Ives, at just over an hour’s drive. It’s well worth a visit though for the dramatic coastal views. Why not tie it in with a trip to Padstow or Newquay?

Porthcothan beach is half way between Newquay and Padstow and is a north west-facing cove backed by grassy dunes. Our final Poldark beach location was used as Nampara land along with shots of Hendrawna Beach.

This is a popular beach for dog walkers, as it’s pooch-friendly all year round. Walk up the cliff top for breathtaking views of the north coast. It’s quite a short walk across the cliffs to Bedruthan Steps, which is one of Cornwall’s most impressive sights. The Tredrea Inn is the place to go after your coastal walk, for a cold pint with a sea view.

If you’d like to discover these beautiful locations and other Poldark beach locations in Cornwall, you might be interested in finding out more about Poldark Tours and have a driver and tour guide show you around Poldark country.

St Ives is a great base for exploring West Cornwall’s tin coast and the rugged north coast where you’ll find the locations listed above. Find your perfect holiday cottage in St Ives and the surrounding areas and begin planning your holiday to Poldark’s Cornwall.