As seen on TV – how many of these Cornish filming hotspots have you visited?
Like it or not, lockdown has left most of us glued to our screens over the last few weeks. And while it may seem like some of our favourite blockbusters, or binge-worthy TV shows, are filmed in faraway lands or glamorous locations, a lot of filming is actually done right here in Cornwall.
Here are just a few examples of films and TV shows that have been shot just a few miles away in our glorious home county.
Trebah Garden | The Secret Garden (2020)
The subtropical Trebah Gardens span over 26 acres and can be found just around the coast from Falmouth. The garden was also the setting for several scenes in the 2020 remake of the iconic film, and 1911 novel, The Secret Garden. Keep your eyes peeled for the Trebah Garden’s towering gunnera, tree ferns, and ponds – all of which make an appearance, along with Colin Firth and Julie Walters, in the remake of the 1993 film.
The Eden Project | Die Another Day (2002)
Back in the early noughties, St Austell played host to 007 himself when The Eden Project was used to film scenes for Die Another Day. While the film’s secret Korean military base was actually constructed on Holywell Bay near Newquay, scenes for the ice palace were shot at The Eden Project. It’s said that a piece of the set – a fake boulder – is still there to this day!
Charlestown | Poldark
Eagle-eyed fans of the BBC drama will have no doubt already visited Charlestown Harbour – the favourite location for much of the filming in the series. However, other locations include Botallack, Holywell Bay, Bodmin Moor, Kynance Cove and Gunwalloe. The BBC has even created a handy guide featuring some of the county’s filming hotspots – you’re welcome!
St Ives | Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
The fourth instalment of the swashbuckling film series hit cinemas back in 2011. And although you’d be forgiven for thinking that the scenes featuring turquoise blue waters and white sandy beaches were filmed in far off lands with an altogether more tropical climate, they were actually filmed right here in St Ives! Rumour has it that Johnny Depp is also a fan of local watering hole, the Sloop Inn.
Doc Martin | Port Isaac
The medical comedy-drama, starring Martin Clunes, centres around the lives of the residents in the sleepy seaside village of Portwenn. While the name, Portwenn, is entirely fictional, the majority of the scenes are actually shot in Port Isaac – a picturesque fishing port on the north Cornish coast. The cobbled streets are just as quaint, and views just as wonderful, so it’s well worth a visit if you’re a fan of the show.
Have your Cornish adventures led you to any film or TV hotspots? Share your photos with us on social media using #LoveTregenna