Discover Poldark Country on Holiday
If you’re holidaying in Cornwall this summer and are a fan of the hit TV series Poldark, you may be keen to discover some of the locations that have been featured on the programme. From beautiful beaches to hidden coves and historical mines, Poldark has done a brilliant job of showcasing some of the best of Cornwall.
So where is Poldark Country in Cornwall?
Many beautiful coastal locations and countryside settings have been featured in Poldark over the years. Unless you plan to explore a large section of Cornwall on holiday it may be tricky to discover all of these beautiful places on the one break. However, look on the bright side, if you see just some of the stunning locations that have featured in Poldark on your next holiday to Cornwall and don’t get to see them all this time, then you have the perfect excuse to return and explore a different part of Cornwall next year.
Poldark Country centres around 5 main locations:
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Bodmin Moor
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Lizard Heritage Coastline
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Penwith Heritage Coastline near Penzance
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Polperro Heritage Coast
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Trevose Head Heritage Coast
Bodmin Moor
Ideal for those keen to enjoy a break in a rural retreat or country cottage, Bodmin Moor is renowned for its soulful landscape. Visitors can explore the area on foot, by bike or even on horse back. Various scenes in Poldark have been filmed on Bodmin Moor. A private secluded farmhouse in St Breward is Poldark’s home Nampara in the series (this property though is privately owned and cannot be visited).
Dogs: Dogs are welcome along many parts of Bodmin Moor, please be responsible and keep your dog on a lead.
Lizard Heritage Coastline
Cornwall’s Lizard peninsula is one of the most unspoilt locations in the county where wild flowers flourish and there is lush greenery. This lushness leads you down to an unspoilt coastline, far from the hoards of crowds found at some of Cornwall’s better known destinations but shh let’s keep this place as secret as can be!
Kynance Cove
Dotted along the Lizard coastline is Kynance Cove. Protected by the National Trust, this is an incredible location but it is one of the busiest places to be found along the Lizard in summertime as word has gotten out about this place.
So, if you want to experience the beauty of Kynance Cove, the best advice is make sure you get there early! There is a large National Trust car park next to the cove and this really is the only nearby place to park so get there early to get a space or you may well get turned away as the car park fills up quickly in summer.
Kynance Cove is not easily accessible, once parked, it’s quite a steep and hilly walk to the cove but it’s worth the hike when you get there. Wear trainers or sensible shoes! This cove is very special and instantly recognisable to Poldark fans. It’s also a hot spot for body boarders so if you fancy a dip, why not come with your costume and wet suit and enjoy splashing around in the waves or a bit of bodyboarding for the brave and initiated?
Bring a picnic or dine out at the café on site with wonderful views. The café gets busy but is good value and offers great views over the cove.
Dogs Policy: Dogs are NOT permitted at Kynance Cove beach between Easter Sunday and 30th September (but dogs can be walked on the footpaths).
Gunwalloe Beach
Another lovely location along the Lizard Peninsula is Gunwalloe beach, another National Trust protected area of beach. There is a national trust car park close to the beach or alternatively if you prefer to walk there, Gunwalloe can be reached via the South West Coastal path.
Dogs Policy: Sorry no dogs allowed between Easter Sunday and 30th September.
Penwith Heritage coast near Penzance
For history lovers, the Penwith Heritage Coast is a recommended area for a cottage holiday. If you didn’t know much about Cornwall’s mining history, holiday in this area and you’ll soon know all about it.
Botallack Mines
The Botallack Mines offer the most dramatic coastal landscapes where historic mines can literally be seen perched on the cliffside. This stretch of coastline is dramatic and mesmerising, you really can feel like you’ve stepped back in time here.
Wearing sturdy footwear is essential as there are steep cliff drops around the Botallack Mines and a reasonable level of physical fitness is required to negotiate the coastal paths here.
Levant Mines
Although not as instantly recognisable as a Poldark site, the National Trust’s Levant Mines are also well worth a visit. Take the tour and learn about the hardy people who mined miles under sea in previous centuries.
There are National Trust car parks at both Botallack and Levant.
Porthcurno beach
Discover the award winning beach at Porthcurno with its soft sands, turquoise waters and interesting rock formations. Porthcurno beach is known as Nampara Cove in Poldark.
Are Dogs Allowed? Sorry no dogs from 1 May to 30 September.
Porthgwarra
A tiny but beautiful cove which sits next to clear turquoise waters, Porthgwarra evokes thoughts of Cornwall’s smuggling past. Visit and it’s easy to see why this cove featured in Poldark.
Policy on Dogs: Sorry no dogs allowed from Easter to October.
Polperro Heritage Coast
The Polperro Heritage coastline is a popular areas for holidays. The harbour town of Polperro is buzzing in summertime with lots of visitors who come to discover the cobbled winding streets and to visit a working Cornish harbour town. Not far is Charlestown, a historic port town which featured in Poldark.
Charlestown
Charlestown’s Grade II listed harbour has been featured in Poldark. This beautiful historic harbour is very picturesque and affords lovely views over St Austell Bay. Stop off and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in one of the cafes in the area when visiting.
There is a car park with a capacity for up to 150 cars near the harbour.
Dogs: you can walk your dog around Charlestown on a lead, although they are not permitted on the beach.
Trevose Head Heritage Coast near Padstow
If you’re planning on taking a self-catering break in Newquay or Padstow or the surrounding areas, why not visit these locations featured in Poldark on days out?
Porthcothan Beach
Porthcothan beach with is unspoilt golden sands, sand dunes and clear turquoise waters is a real gem. Lifeguards are usually on hand in the summer months. In Poldark, Porthcothan beach is Hendrawna beach.
There is a nearby car park as well as toilet facilities.
Dogs Policy: Porthcothan beach is a dog-friendly beach, remember to clean any dog mess up straight away.
Holywell Bay near Newquay.
One of Cornwall’s most striking beaches and just 6 miles from Newquay, Holywell Bay is a gem of a beach. Picture golden sands and interesting rock formations set amongst an azure sea and you’re thinking of Holywell Bay. This is another National Trust’ protected area of coastline.
There is a National Trust car park close to Holywell beach.
Dogs: this is a dog-friendly beach year round.
Whichever part of Poldark Country you choose to discover on your self-catering holiday, we hope you have a wonderful time exploring beautiful Cornwall.