Devon and Cornwall film and TV itinerary

Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve and a scene-stealing filming location, you’ll have stars in your eyes on Exmoor. Where England’s countryside meets the coast, this heather-topped moorland is a joy for walkers, wildlife watchers and stargazers. For history lovers there’s Dunster Castle and Watermill, with its gorgeous subtropical gardens, while Minehead is the place for independent shopping and a splash in the sea. Look out for Exmoor’s most famous residents, its brown ponies. Part of the South West Coast Path traces its coast – spot it in The Salt Path. 

The Salt Path’s Raynor (Gillian Anderson) and Moth (Jason Isaacs) trek through sea-breezy Ilfracombe on their South West Coast Path adventure – and so can you. It’s directly on the path, so no detours necessary. Relax after your hike at the Tunnels Beaches – secret, sheltered coves with a tidal bathing pool, accessible through hand-carved 1820s tunnels. Or, refuel with the freshest fish and chips from S&P Fish Shop for scene-stealing views of the colourful harbour. Beware of the cheeky seagulls pinching your fries!  

Bathe with a blockbuster backdrop at Saunton Sands. This three-mile stretch of beach is framed by the UNESCO-protected Braunton Burrows, so bring your binoculars to spot the creatures who call it home. Surf lovers – you're in for some lovely long, slow waves that make this slice of the north Devon coast one of Britain’s best surfing spots. Extend the fun with a round at the local golf club, with its two championship links courses, or treat yourself to a massage at the Saunton Sands Hotel & Source Spa. Did you spot the sands making a cameo in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, where its dunes doubled as the Sahara Desert? 

Clinging to the cliffside, the beautiful village of Clovelly in north Devon is an unforgettable place to visit. The privately owned paradise, with its famous cobbled street tumbling down to the sea, has no cars, just donkeys. You have to pay to enter, but it’s well worth it to experience this picturesque spot for yourself. Look out for it in The Salt Path and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.  

Get away from it all on the Hartland Peninsula, a National Landscape jutting into the Atlantic. There are no towns or other built-up areas here, so you’re guaranteed peace and quiet – apart from the crashing waves and chattering birds. It’s a walker’s paradise, so it’s no surprise that it features in The Salt Path. St Catherine’s Tor, to the west of the peninsula, is the setting of a cremation ceremony in series one of House of the Dragon. You’ll also see the peninsula in The Night Manager and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, among other productions.

Hike, bike and climb your way around Dartmoor, a natural playground for adventure lovers. There’s also plenty of history here to immerse yourself in, from stone circles to mighty castles. Try your hand at ‘letterboxing’, Dartmoor’s very own predecessor to geocaching that combines orienteering and treasure-hunting. There’s even wine produced here – head to the Alder Vineyard for tours and tastings. Look out for the moors in War Horse, while We Bought a Zoo is based on the real-life story of Dartmoor Zoological Park.

Devon on a plate: that’s what you’ll be enjoying at the Dartmoor Inn, which harks back to the 16th century. Its menus are chock-full of locally sourced produce, whether that’s hake from Newlyn, moorland steak or fish and chips battered with local beer. We recommend saving room for dessert: sticky toffee pudding or lemon posset, anyone? In summer, feast on the glorious patio, or get cosy in the traditional dining room in the cooler months. Why not book one of the pub’s three dog-friendly guest rooms and make a break of it? 

Discover the secret of growing grapes on the edge of Dartmoor, with a tour around this enchanting English vineyard in Devon. Walk through the vines and enjoy the spectacular countryside, followed by a spot of wine-tasting. Linger over a delicious lunch of a winemaker’s platter in the restaurant, or treat yourself to an afternoon tea, with home-made cakes and local ingredients.

Take time out in one of the country’s top spas, in the grounds of Boringdon Hall hotel near Plymouth. With stunning hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms and saunas, this adults-only space is total bliss. From raindrop therapy to the Harmonious Ritual or hot stone massage, go for the day, or stay longer – either way, you’ll never want to leave.

Dive into the UK’s largest aquarium in Plymouth for an underwater exploration like no other. Spy over 4000 sea creatures and take a watery journey through the world’s oceans, from the brisk Atlantic to the colourful Great Barrier Reef. For a full-on immersive experience, pick up a snorkel and head beneath the surface, or dine under the bubbles of the Eddystone and Atlantic Ocean exhibits.

Take a tour of the oldest working gin distillery in England at Plymouth Gin’s historic Black Friars Distillery, a landmark building. Learn the ancient secrets of making gin, using the same recipe since 1793 and sample some of the many flavours of this ancient distillery in the Barbican, Plymouth. There are different types of tours to choose, then finish with a drink at the Refectory Bar.

Join a star-studded line-up of past guests, including Sir Winston Churchill, The Beatles and Josephine Baker, on Burgh Island – crowned by its art deco hotel. Accessible by sea tractor, your adventure begins before you’ve even landed on the island. It’s here that crime-writing queen Agatha Christie found inspiration for some of her greatest novels, And Then There Were None and Evil Under the Sun. Polish your magnifying glass and join one of the hotel’s regular murder mystery weekends for your chance to step into Poirot or Miss Marple’s shoes. 

Grab your bucket and spade for a day out at beautiful Bantham Beach, South Devon, with its clean water and wonderful views of Bigbury Bay and Burgh Island. Sandy Bantham Beach is perfect for kids, but also one of the best surfing spots in South Devon.

Filled with tropical plants and trees, the vast Eden Project even has an indoor waterfall and bamboo huts. It was transformed from a disused clay pit to two world-famous biospheres – including the world’s biggest conservatory – and hosts live music and events year-round.  It doubled as an ice palace in Die Another Day (2002), Pierce Brosnan’s Bond swansong – although on your visit, you’re promised balmy climes in the biomes whatever the weather outside!   

Quaint harbourside cottages, ships with sky-scraping masts – it's no wonder the creators of the BBC’s Poldark were starstruck by Charlestown. A stroll along the seafront here is like stepping back in time to Poldark’s England – indeed, it steps in for Truro, Falmouth and St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly in the show. Perch at one of the harbour’s cafes and watch the fishermen at work for an insight into the village’s maritime heritage. You might even spot traces of the TARDIS – the Doctor Who episode ‘The Curse of the Black Spot’, starring Matt Smith, was filmed here in 2011. 

Surrounded by miles of sandy beaches and awe-inspiring waves, Newquay is a seaside star – don’t forget your surfboard. One of Cornwall’s most popular resorts, you’ll find fun for the whole family here – think zoos, farm parks, steam trains and aquariums. Foodies will be in heaven with the range of top-notch restaurants to choose from, including chef Rick Stein’s famous fish and chips at Fistral, washed down with a cold pint of local cider. Spot Newquay in The Salt Path.

Seen in House of the Dragon and Poldark, Holywell Bay is a ratings hit. Into surfing? You’ll find huge swells at the north end, while the more sheltered south end is your best bet for less intimidating waves. There’s expert tuition at the Holywell Bay School of Surf if you want to boost your board skills. You can also join the South West Coast Path from here and explore Cornwall’s breathtaking coastline like the stars of The Salt Path. Don’t forget those binoculars to spot the area’s seabirds.

Centuries of visitors have been charmed by Kynance Cove’s white sands and sparkling turquoise waves. At low tide there are even caves and islands to discover (at your own risk – beware of the changing tides). Spot it in episode three of House of the Dragon’s first series as the backdrop to the Valyrian Camp. If you’re visiting during the summer months, arrive early as it gets very busy.  

Three beaches, a medieval church, miles of unspoilt countryside – there's so much to see at Gunwalloe. Channel your inner explorer and go wildlife-spotting among its sand dunes and marshes, where you’ll spot native plants and wildlife. Don’t miss the Grade I listed Winaloe Church – dubbed ‘the Church of the Storms’ - and its graveyard, where shipwrecked sailors are buried. So, it’s fitting that the dramatic night-time shipwreck scene from Poldark series one was filmed at Gunwalloe’s Church Cove. Head along the cliffs towards Porthleven to see Dr Dwight’s cottage from the show, too. 

This island getaway has to be seen to be believed. It sits just off the coast of Marazion in Cornwall, with a magnificent castle and garden at its peak, plus a quaint harbour, village and stone-built church – all yours to explore. Whether you love history or hiking, wild swimming or paddleboarding, there is so much to do here, and the sea is never more than a few steps away. 

If something strikes you as eerie, it may be because you’ve seen it before – the atmospheric exterior of the castle starred as the vampire’s lair in the 1979 vintage horror, Dracula. 

Maybe it’s the light, the fresh air, or that glittering sea? Whatever the reason, Cornwall has inspired generations of artists – and Tate St Ives features over 100 years of breathtaking sculptures, paintings and sketches. Stand-out local names include Barbara Hepworth, Marlow Moss and Bob Law, displayed alongside touring exhibitions and international talents. Also in St Ives, check out Penwith Gallery: this smaller setting also has a strong Cornish theme, and is home to artists’ studios, a sculpture courtyard and printmaking workshop.

One of Britain’s best-loved sculptors, Barbara Hepworth lived and worked in St Ives for many years, and was endlessly inspired by her glorious surroundings. Based in her former home and studio, this museum and garden showcase some of her finest pieces, displayed in the locations where she placed them herself. Hepworth described this setting as ‘magic’ – and with views of the pretty town and sparkling sea beyond, its wow-factor is brighter than ever.

Head to the heart of the Cornish Mining UNESCO World Heritage Site to see the Levant Mine standing proudly on the clifftop. In the engine house, you’re in for a treat – the only working Cornish beam engine, running on steam, in its original site. Pre-book a guided tour to discover Levant’s story, or follow the South West Coast Path to see the fascinating mining remains for yourself. In Poldark, it becomes Tressiders Rolling Mill, where the copper from the Poldark mine is processed. 

Teetering on the coast of west Cornwall, don’t be surprised if this old tin mine looks strikingly familiar: it starred in the Poldark TV series as Ross’s ‘Wheal Leisure’, a nod to its own industrious past. This is a spectacular setting for walks, picnics and cycling: follow the National Trust’s 6.4km (4-mile) Tin Coast Trail for stirring sea views and fascinating history. Botallack also offers guided walking tours, and is open seven days a week. 

Welcome to the most south-westerly point of mainland Britain, where Cornwall meets the Atlantic Ocean. Land’s End Landmark is more than a signpost (although a photo there is a must) – it’s got family attractions, shopping and clifftop trails to follow too. Try your hand at crazy golf or stroke the furry residents of Greeb Farm. 

Go behind the scenes on your favourite Aardman films on this interactive adventure starring Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph. Brought to life with real sets and loads of fun facts about the characters, A Grand Experience is your passport to the wacky world of Aardman. There are plenty of photo opportunities en route, so get snapping. 

Porthcurno’s white sand and turquoise waves might feel like a tropical paradise, but this idyllic spot is on our very own shores. Dramatic cliffs provide a shield from the wind, and a shallow stream is the perfect spot for children to play. The waters are calm in summer, while winter’s waves attract surfers and body boarders. This is a standout, even amongst the killer beaches of the Cornish coast. Recognise it from Poldark? 

For a truly unforgettable experience, head to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, an outdoor theatre hewn out of a cliff-top. Did you know its very first production was Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, all the way back in 1929? Today it’s Cornwall’s go-to venue for dramas, comedy, family-friendly shows, live music and more. It’s a popular spot, so advance booking is crucial.