Famed for its cinematic landscapes and breathtaking ocean vistas, it’s no wonder Cornwall’s jaw-dropping scenery has been chosen as the location for so many films and TV series. If you’re curious about some of the most well-known films and TV series set in Cornwall, from romantic dramas to epic adventures, you’ll enjoy our fun guide to this decorative county’s most evocative locations that have helped to make film and TV history.

Ladies in Lavender (Film, 2004)

Ladies in Lavender is a touching wartime drama directed by Charles Dance and starring Dame Judy Dench and Dame Maggie Smith. Some of the locations chosen for the film’s most hauntingly memorable scenes include Cadgwith, a picturesque fishing village on the Lizard Peninsula, and Mullion Cove, another stunning coastal location on the Lizard Peninsula, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Straw Dogs (Film, 1971)

The iconic Straw Dogs, directed by Sam Peckinpah and released in 1971, was also filmed in Cornwall, particularly in and around the village of St. Buryan. The remote nature of this rural setting would almost certainly have been a deciding factor in its selection for the film’s location of choice – the perfect region for creating and building the tension and isolation that were central to the film’s plot.

About Time (Film, 2013)

Another popular cinema favourite that was filmed in Cornwall is the engaging Richard Curtis sci-fi romance, About Time, a heart-warming exploration of love, life, second chances, death and time travel.

Though not entirely set in Cornwall, a significant portion of this romantic comedy-drama takes place in the county and features panoramic displays of the region’s considerable scenic appeal.

Poldark (TV Series, 2015-2019)

Poldark, a popular TV series based on the novels by Winston Graham, offered the perfect showcase for Cornwall’s attractive coastal landscapes.

Filmed among the region’s most breathtakingly scenic countryside and historic mining neighbourhoods, this much-loved series was yet another TV moment that helped to place Cornwall firmly on the cinematic map.

Doc Martin (TV Series, 2004-2022)

Another TV series, Doc Martin was set in the fictional village of Portwenn. Its actual location was the stunningly picturesque village of Port Isaac, where celebrated British actor Martin Clunes spent almost two decades honing his tactless and abrasive character, Dr. Martin Ellingham.

Jamaica Inn (TV Mini-Series, 2014)

This three-part adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s novel was also set in Cornwall, the perfect location for exploring the novel’s depth of mystery and intrigue. Cornwall’s rugged terrain and evocative landscapes provide the perfect setting for the novel’s drama and suspense.

Blue Juice (Film, 1995)

Of course, we couldn’t write about movies that were filmed in Cornwall without mentioning the iconic comedy-drama, Blue Juice, which was both set and filmed in Cornwall. This 1990s film was centred around the region’s water activities and surfer culture and, of course, featured many of its most noteworthy landscapes and ocean scenes, as well as snapshots of local culture.

Beyond Paradise (TV Series, 2023)

A very recent and popular TV series filmed in Looe, Cornwall is Beyond Paradise. The town of Looe was chosen as a filming location as it prides itself on having a flourishing community with multiple fishing businesses. Some scenes were also filmed in the nearby village Polperro, and Fowey, a port town less than an hours drive away from Looe. To allow various storylines to be developed, the fictional town in Beyond Paradise was set slightly inland, with the coast just in touching distance.

Explore the Locations of Some of the Most Famous Films and TV Series Set in Cornwall

If you love film and television and feel inspired to discover some of the UK’s most captivating film locations for yourself, why not arrange a Cornish movie location tour and give your next Cornish holiday an arty twist?

Embark on an exciting cinematic journey through the captivating landscapes of this coastal county. Enjoy hiking trips along the eye-catching backdrop of some of the most iconic moments in cinematic history.

Where To Stay in Cornwall

Want to explore the UK’s best film locations in epic style? Book a last-minute offer at our award-winning luxury Tregoad Holiday Park in Looe, just 1 hour away from the famous village of Port Isaac (now also known as Portwenn), home of the 18-year run of Doc Martin, and less than 10 minutes from East Looe Beach.

Your Cornish holiday will provide everything you need to make your British film buff’s adventure a thrilling reality.