Where Was The New Series of ‘Poldark’ Filmed?

Returning to our screens for a new series, ‘Poldark’ arrives on BBC One this Sunday with ‘The Hobbit’ star Aiden Turner in the eponymous lead role.

Set in the 1700’s, ‘Poldark’ tells the story of a young man presumed dead after years spent fighting in the American Revolution to avoid smuggling charges. On returning to his small Cornish hometown, he discovers his estate in ruins and his bride-to-be due to marry his cousin.

The show focuses on the struggles between the rich and the poor, with Poldark faced with the decision of helping his people or winning back the woman he loves.

Where did Poldark shoot?

‘Poldark’ was shot in various locations across the South West of England, with Cornwall and a selection of British spots doubling for numerous backdrops depicted in the series. Charlestown Harbour was used as a double for Truro Harbour circa late 1700’s, a place which would have seen ships empty of goods return to shore, fostering the sailor’s struggling livelihoods.

Levant Mine in Cornwall was used to represent Tressiders Mill, while Bodmin Moor and St Breward can be seen as the exterior location scenes of Nampara, the house left to Poldark by his father which features heavily throughout the series. Cornwall’s coastline can also be identified in a number of episodes with scenes showcasing the coast between Botallack to Levant and Porthcothan, used as Nampara Cove. Church Cove Gunwallow was used in nighttime scenes featuring a shipwreck on the coast of Cornwall, and Pedn Vounder beach can also be seen throughout the series.

‘Poldark’ also shot at locations outside of Cornwall including Corsham, Wiltshire which featured the town hall and high street which double for Truro. Bath Film Office also provided the production with Prior Park which formed the interior of a ballroom scene. The production also shot in Somerset’s Ashton Hill Woods where Poldark fights during the American War of Independence. Gloucestershire also appears in the series with Chavenage House transformed into Trenwith, the home of Poldark’s father.

How were Creative England Involved?

From May 2013, our Production Liaison Manager for the South West was supporting Mammoth Screen with ‘Poldark’, supplying the production with 13 properties and liaising with owners to arrange site reconnaissance. Our Production Services team then provided the ‘Poldark’ crew with ‘Welcome Packs’ which were specific to the Bristol area, highlighting popular restaurants and places of interest. The Film Friendly Partnership network we have developed then helped the production connect with the city council to gain access to towns like Corsham which was ultimately used in the series as a double for Truro.

How did our crewing team get involved with ‘Poldark’?

During the show’s preparation stage, our National Crew & Facilities Manager was asked to find Location Managers and a Production Accountant to work on the series. We also helped to supply a Production Co-Ordinator, Production Runners, Unit Nurses, Dailies and a 3rd Assistant Director. Using our free-to-use national database, we were able to deliver on all requested crew requests.

For more information on filming in Cornwall or filming in England’s South West click here.

To sign up to our free Crew and Facilities database, click here.