The Return of Poldark
Charlestown and The Tin Coast
This Sunday will see the return of the hugely popular drama Poldark return to the screens of millions up and down the UK and even further afield. As well as wowing viewers with dramatic storylines and the lovely Aidan Turner, it has also highlighted a beautiful and secluded area of Cornwall.
The rugged coastline of the Tin Coast has played host to the filming of all four seasons of Poldark, as well as various other locations scattered across Cornwall. Now that the film crews have moved out, there is no better time than now to discover theses gems of the Cornish coastline.
Charlestown
In Poldark, the late Georgian working port of Charlestown stands in for Truro, but this beautiful fishing village is an important piece of Cornish history in its own right. Charlestown boasts a Grade II listed harbour with Tall Ships, evocative of Poldark’s 18th century setting. The port was also used for the part of the filming of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, but is really known for its architecture, unspoilt harbour and good food. For a unique and educational experience, look no further than The Charlestown Heritage and Shipwreck Centre– it contains over 8,000 artefacts from over 150 shipwrecks, of the 3000 said to have occurred off the Cornish coast. The artefacts on display are the largest private collection of this type on public display in Europe.
Botallack
Botallack is an important part of the famous Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. While walking the coastal path call in at the newly refurbished Count House Workshop at Botallack to reward yourself with a delicious cream tea. The Count House also offers you the opportunity to find out more about Poldark and for those more serious history enthusiasts, the history of Cornish mining and how it changed the world. The building itself has its own interesting story, originally being used as a stable for the horses working in the nearby mines. The two famous engine houses, known as the Crowns, sit precariously on the cliff top. An audio trail of the site is available and if you visit on a clear day, you may be able to make out the Isles of Scilly on the horizon, silhouetted by the sunset.
Levant Mine
Only 3 miles outside of St Just is the National Trust site of Levant Mine and Beam Engine, which plays he role of the fictional Tressider Rolling Mine in Poldark. The mine fist appeared on the map in 1748 and has been used for the mining of tin and copper for generations. However, after the First Wold War Levant Mine fell into a steady decline and closed in 1930, bringing nearly 200 years of mining on this site to an end. Nowadays, visitors can enjoy a guided tour around the site as well as watching the engine steamings of the lovingly restored 1840’s beam engine. For those amateur bird watchers amongst you, kestrels, choughs peregrine falcons are regular visitors to the mine and coastline.
Porthcurno
This stunning cove was used in the filming of Ross and Demelza’s dream sequence from season 2, and it is easy to see why! The white sands and impossible turquoise waters that define Porthcurno feel dream-like, especially on a beautiful summer day. Just a 30 minute walk away is the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum and of course, the renowned Minack Theatre. The Minack has a season of plays running throughout the summer, but is well worth a visit when there is not a performance occurring. The views of the headland and of the Lizard on a clear day are spectacular, as is the architecture of this landmark theatre.
If you're looking to discover Cornwall's coast and experience the sights and sounds of Poldark then why not pay a visit to St Ives? Situated in the heart of the county the Sail Lofts luxury apartments in St Ives allow for a discovery of Poldark's Cornwall. Call our experienced team in the office on 01736 799175 and start your luxury escape in St Ives today.
Image credit: Matt Jessop and Visit Cornwall
