Discover Cornwall: Top Movies, TV Series and Books Set There

Cornwall, a picturesque county on England’s southwestern tip, has long been a favorite backdrop for filmmakers, authors, and television producers worldwide. The region’s dramatic coastlines, quaint villages, and historical sites have featured in numerous famous films shot in Cornwall, TV shows, and books, attracting fans from around the globe. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, an avid reader, or a lover of breathtaking landscapes, Cornwall’s cinematic locations offer a unique way to explore this stunning destination. Let’s venture into the world of Cornwall’s filming locations and discover the charm that has captivated creative minds over the decades.

Famous Films Shot in Cornwall

Cornwall’s diverse landscapes and architectural gems have provided the perfect setting for many renowned films, captivating audiences with its enchanting beauty. From romantic dramas to action-packed thrillers, Cornwall’s versatility is truly remarkable. Let’s explore some iconic films shot in this picturesque county:

1. “Ladies in Lavender”  (2004)  – Directed by Charles Dance, this heartwarming drama starring Judi Dench and Maggie Smith was filmed in various Cornish locations, including Cadgwith, St Ives, and Prussia Cove.
2. “Poldark”  (2015-2019)  – Based on the novels by Winston Graham, this popular BBC series has showcased the stunning landscapes of Cornwall, with key scenes shot at Charlestown, Porthcurno, and Bodmin Moor.
3. “About Time”  (2013)  – Richard Curtis’s romantic comedy-drama features beautiful Cornish locations like Porthpean House, St Michael Penkevil Church, and Vault Beach.
4. “James Bond: Die Another Day”  (2002)  – The iconic Eden Project in Cornwall doubled as a diamond mine in Iceland in this blockbuster Bond film.
5. “Alice in Wonderland”  (2010)  – Tim Burton’s fantastical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic was filmed at Antony House, a magnificent 18th-century mansion in Cornwall.
6. “World War Z”  (2013)  – The thrilling zombie apocalypse film starring Brad Pitt used Falmouth as a stand-in for Philadelphia in some of its action sequences.
7. “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”  (2011)  – The rugged coastline of St. Austell Bay served as a backdrop for some scenes in this swashbuckling adventure.
8. “Rebecca”  (2020)  – The Netflix adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s gothic novel features many Cornish locations, including Hartland Quay and Blegberry Farm.
9. “Fisherman’s Friends”  (2019)  – This feel-good comedy-drama about a group of Cornish fishermen was filmed in Port Isaac, a quaint fishing village in North Cornwall.
10. “Doc Martin”  (2004-present)  – This popular British medical comedy-drama series is filmed in the beautiful Cornish village of Port Isaac, which doubles as the fictional village of Portwenn.

TV Shows Set in Cornwall

Television series have also leveraged Cornwall’s picturesque scenery and historical sites. Here are some notable TV shows set in Cornwall:

1. “The Camomile Lawn”  (1992)  – This miniseries based on Mary Wesley’s novel was filmed at various locations in Cornwall, including the stunning coastline near Polperro and the magnificent Antony House.
2. “Wycliffe”  (1994-1998)  – This British crime drama series, based on the novels by W.J. Burley, was filmed extensively across Cornwall, featuring the county’s beautiful landscapes.
3. “Jamaica Inn”  (2014)  – This BBC miniseries, based on Daphne du Maurier’s novel, was filmed on Bodmin Moor and showcased Cornwall’s atmospheric landscapes.
4. “Echo Beach”  (2008)  – This British soap opera was filmed in the popular coastal town of Newquay, featuring its beautiful beaches and the iconic Headland Hotel.
5. “Delicious”  (2016-2019)  – This drama series starring Dawn French was filmed in various locations across southeast Cornwall, including the Tamar Valley and Pentillie Castle.

Animated Films Set in Cornwall

Cornwall’s enchanting landscapes and architectural wonders have also served as inspiration for animated films. Although not as many animated films are set in Cornwall, several have been produced in the region, such as:

1. “The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!”  (2012)  – This British-American 3D stop-motion animated swashbuckler comedy film uses the Cornish coast as inspiration for its scenic seascapes.
2. “Sammy’s Great Escape”  (2012)  – In this family-friendly animated film, the Cornish coast’s underwater beauty is depicted in the underwater scenes.
3. “Arthur Christmas”  (2011)  – Although not directly set in Cornwall, some scenes in this British-American 3D computer-animated Christmas comedy film were inspired by the county’s snowy landscapes.

Famous Books Set in Cornwall

Cornwall’s enchanting landscapes and rich history have also made it a popular setting for numerous literary works. From classic masterpieces to contemporary novels, here are six famous books set in Cornwall, three classic and three contemporary, to immerse yourself in the region’s captivating atmosphere:

Classic

1. “Jamaica Inn”  by Daphne du Maurier  – This classic novel is set in and around the real Jamaica Inn in Bodmin Moor, Cornwall. It’s a riveting tale of smuggling and intrigue in 19th-century Cornwall.
2. “The Shell Seekers”  by Rosamunde Pilcher  – This beloved novel features many Cornish locations, including St Ives and Lamorna Cove. It paints a vivid picture of life in Cornwall during different periods.
3. “Rebecca”  by Daphne du Maurier  – Another du Maurier classic, this haunting novel is set in a mysterious mansion called Manderley, based on Menabilly near Fowey, Cornwall.

Contemporary

1. “A Cornish Affair”  by Liz Fenwick  – Set in beautiful Cape Cornwall, this modern novel weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and family secrets.
2. “The Sea Between Us”  by Emylia Hall  – This contemporary novel is set in the fictional Cornish cove of Polneath and the real town of St. Ives. It’s a captivating story of first love and past secrets.
3. “The Cornish House”  by Liz Fenwick  – A tale of love, loss, and self-discovery set in the beautiful Helford Passage and Frenchman’s Creek.

Exploring Cornwall’s Filming Locations – Where to Go

To fully immerse yourself in Cornwall’s film history, several key locations must be visited. Journey through Cornwall’s cinematic past by visiting these iconic filming locations:

1. Porthgwarra Cove  – Featured in “Poldark”, this secluded cove boasts crystal-clear waters and a beautiful sandy beach.
2. Charlestown  – This historic harbour village, used as a filming location for “Poldark” and “Alice in Wonderland”, is famous for its collection of old ships.
3. Bodmin Moor  – Explore the vast, rugged landscapes of Bodmin Moor, featured in “Jamaica Inn” and “Poldark”.
4. Port Isaac  – Visit the charming fishing village of Port Isaac, the primary filming location for “Doc Martin” and “Fisherman’s Friends”.
5. St Michael’s Mount  – This tidal island, featured in “Dracula” (1979), offers stunning views and a rich history.
6. The Eden Project  – Explore the futuristic biomes of the Eden Project, featured in “James Bond: Die Another Day”.

Where to Sleep in Cornwall

When it comes to accommodation, Cornwall offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some suggestions for luxury and budget accommodations in Cornwall:

Luxury

1. The Headland Hotel  – This luxurious hotel, featured in “The Witches” (1990), offers stunning sea views and first-class amenities.
2. St Enodoc Hotel  – This boutique hotel offers luxury accommodations with stunning views of the Camel Estuary and Padstow.
3. The Scarlet Hotel  – A luxury eco-hotel with cliff-top hot tubs and a natural reed-bed swimming pool.

Budget

1. The YHA Penzance  – This budget-friendly hostel offers clean, comfortable rooms and is a great base for exploring West Cornwall.
2. Trevarrian Lodge  – This affordable B&B near Newquay offers comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
3. The Blue Sky Bed and Breakfast  – A charming, budget-friendly B&B in St Ives, close to several filming locations.

Where to Eat in Cornwall

Cornwall’s culinary scene is as diverse and vibrant as its film industry. From traditional Cornish pasties to fresh seafood, the county offers a plethora of dining options. Here are some dining suggestions for Cornwall:

Budget

1. The Cornish Vegan  – Known for its delicious 100% vegan food, this restaurant in Truro offers a range of dishes at affordable prices.
2. Blas Burgerworks  – This eatery in St Ives is known for its tasty, locally-sourced burgers and friendly service.
3. The Chough Bakery  – Located in Padstow, this bakery is famous for its traditional Cornish pasties.

Luxury

1. Restaurant Nathan Outlaw  – This two Michelin-starred restaurant in Port Isaac offers a seafood tasting menu and stunning sea views.
2. The Seafood Restaurant  – Owned by celebrity chef Rick Stein in Padstow, this restaurant offers high-end seafood dishes.
3. Paul Ainsworth at No.6  – Located in Padstow, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a modern British menu.

Detailed Itinerary Day By Day

To make the most of your film-themed trip to Cornwall, follow this comprehensive itinerary that will take you to the county’s most iconic filming locations.

Day 1: Northern Coast

• Start your day at Port Isaac, where you can explore the filming locations for “Doc Martin” and “Fisherman’s Friends”.
• After lunch, head to Tintagel Castle, used in the TV series “Poldark”.
• End your day with a relaxing meal at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Nathan Outlaw.

Day 2: Southern Coast

• Begin your day at Charlestown, featured in “Poldark” and “Alice in Wonderland”.
• After lunch, head to Falmouth, used as a filming location for “World War Z”.
• Finish your day with a visit to Porthpean House, showcased in the film “About Time”.

Day 3: West Cornwall

• Start your day at St Michael’s Mount, featured in the “Dracula” film.
• Visit the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, an outdoor theatre built into the cliffside and used in “Poldark”.
• End your day with a visit to the quaint fishing village of Mousehole, featured in “The Mousehole Cat”.

Day 4: Central Cornwall

• Begin your day at Bodmin Moor, the backdrop for “Jamaica Inn”.
• After lunch, head to the Eden Project, featured in “James Bond: Die Another Day”.
• Finish your day with a stroll around the Lost Gardens of Heligan, featured in “The Day We Played Brazil”.

Local Legends and Curiosities about Cornwall’s Film Industry

Cornwall’s film industry is steeped in fascinating legends and curiosities. For instance, it’s rumored that the ghost of a lady dressed in blue haunts the set of “Poldark” at Botallack Mine. In another tale, the cast and crew of “Fisherman’s Friends” reportedly experienced eerie coincidences related to the sea shanties sung in the film.

One of the most iconic features of Cornwall’s film industry is the use of local residents as extras, lending authenticity to the scenes. For instance, many locals were cast as extras in “Doc Martin”, “Poldark”, and “Fisherman’s Friends”.

Hidden Gems in Cornwall

Beyond the popular filming locations, Cornwall is full of hidden gems that are worth exploring:

1. The Hurlers Stone Circles  – This group of three stone circles on Bodmin Moor is a lesser-known site steeped in local legend and mystery.
2. St Nectan’s Glen  – This area of outstanding natural beauty with its waterfall and woodland has been a source of inspiration for artists and authors.
3. Golitha Falls  – This serene beauty spot on the edge of Bodmin Moor offers beautiful woodland walks and waterfalls.

What to Pack for a Trip to Cornwall

When packing for your trip to Cornwall, it’s essential to consider the weather and activities you plan to undertake. Here’s a guide on what to pack for your trip:

1. Clothing  – Waterproof clothing is a must, as Cornwall is known for its changeable weather. Make sure to pack a raincoat and waterproof shoes. Layers are also recommended, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Don’t forget swimwear if you plan on visiting the beach.
2. Footwear  – Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the rugged Cornish coastline and countryside.
3. Accessories  – A backpack for carrying essentials during day trips, a reusable water bottle, and a map of Cornwall.
4. Tech  – Don’t forget your camera, portable charger, and travel adaptors if needed.
5. Miscellaneous  – If you plan on having a traditional Cornish picnic, a picnic blanket could also be a good idea. And don’t forget your sunglasses and sunblock, even if the weather forecast isn’t promising!

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Cornwall

Cornwall’s public transportation network is extensive, making it relatively easy to get around the county:

1. By Train  – Cornwall has a comprehensive rail network with regular services to major towns. The scenic branch lines offer beautiful views and access to key destinations.
2. By Bus  – Local bus services cover most towns and villages in Cornwall and can take you to the start of many beautiful coastal and countryside walks.
3. By Car  – If you prefer to drive, car hire is available. Do remember that some rural areas may have narrow lanes.
4. By Bike  – If you’re feeling energetic, Cornwall’s cycle trails offer a fun and eco-friendly way to get around.
5. On Foot  – Many of Cornwall’s most beautiful spots are best accessed on foot. Consider taking a walking tour to explore the area.

Conclusion

Cornwall, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cinematic history, offers a unique travel destination that blends natural beauty with cultural enrichment. Whether you’re retracing the steps of your favorite characters, discovering local legends, or exploring hidden gems, every corner of Cornwall promises a new adventure. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the cinematic landscapes of Cornwall.