Films & TV series based in Cornwall
Come and get to know Cornwall through the amazing films and TV series that tell the story of the region and its people…
As we are in the season of film & TV awards, it feels like the perfect time to look at the fantastic array of film & TV that has sprung from Cornwall’s beautiful landscapes and the creative writers who live here.
Cornwall has long been a source of artistic inspiration for writers, artists, musicians and film makers.
From historical dramas to contemporary tales, Cornwall’s cinematic presence is stronger than ever at the moment, so much so that Falmouth University – the home of our Summer School – is launching the UK’s first MA Feature Filmmaking
Let’s explore just a few of the remarkable productions that have captured the magic of Cornwall on screen.
Where else can we start but with one of the newest productions about Cornwall: The Salt Path. This adaptation of Raynor Winn’s best-selling memoir will be released in the cinema in May 2025.
Starring the brilliant Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, the film follows Raynor, and her husband Moth, as they take on the South West Coast Path. And it’s no leisurely stroll. With their lives turned upside down by financial ruin and a devastating medical diagnosis, the pair set off on this epic 600 mile trek with nothing but a tent, a couple of backpacks, and each other.
Expect breathtaking scenery, raw emotion, and a powerful story of resilience—set against the stunning landscapes of Cornwall and beyond.
For fans of the book or those who love an emotionally rich adventure, The Salt Path promises to be a must-watch.
We are so excited about the release of this film. We love the book and the journey it represents which is such a large part of the ethos behind the coast walks and Language Experiences that we enjoy with our students.
Of course, no list of Cornwall’s TV hits would be complete without including Poldark.
Set in the late 18th century, this swashbuckling historical novel was written by Winston Graham who lived in Cornwall for many years.
It has actually been dramatised by the BBC twice and was equally popular each time it was shown on TV, first in the 1970s and more recently in 2015.
The story follows Ross Poldark, a war hero returning home from the American Revolution, only to find his father dead and the family estate in ruins. As he works to rebuild his life, he faces corrupt landowners, social unrest, and a tangled web of personal drama.
Poldark explores romance and rebellion alongside the social and political struggles of the time. And even if you’re not into historical dramas, the sweeping shots of Cornwall’s coastline are a sight to behold.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to dip into the quirky charm of Cornish village life, TV comedy-drama Doc Martin is the perfect watch.
Centered around Dr. Martin Ellingham (played brilliantly by Martin Clunes), the show captures the clash between the doctor’s no-nonsense, often grumpy demeanor and the eccentric, lovable characters who inhabit the fictional village of Portwenn.
Whilst Portwenn is fictional, the filming location is the very real Cornish village of Port Isaac. Fans flock from all over the world to see this quaint spot in person. You can grab a pint in the Golden Lion Pub (featured in the series as the Crab & Lobster), or even visit Doc Martin’s home and surgery, Fern Cottage.
With its offbeat plotlines and hilarious hijinks, Doc Martin really illustrates the warm hearts and welcoming character of Cornwall and its people.
Another famous export from Port Issac are the Fisherman’s Friends!
This feel-good movie tells the true story of how a small Cornish Sea Shanty group from Port Isaac rose to fame and led a resurgence in this important tradition of folk music.
During a summer holiday, a music producer from London stumbles across a group of rough and ready fisherman with a unique talent for performing sea shanties. The film shows the budding friendship that develops between the city-slicker and his Cornish counterparts as they work their way towards securing a record deal.
While it’s full of funny moments, Fisherman’s Friends also casts a light on the strong community bonds within Cornwall’s small villages and its powerful maritime and musical history.
Whether you’re a lover of music, heartwarming tales, or want to learn more about Cornish rural life, Fisherman’s Friends will have you hooked.
Interestingly, one of Cornwall’s most successful TV series is not even broadcast in the UK or in English!
In Germany, the books of Rosamunde Pilcher have become hugely popular as part of ongoing TV dramatisations shown on German TV.
One of her most famous books was The Shell Seekers. First adapted in the 1980s with film & TV star Angela Lansbury, The Shell Seekers is a poignant and gentle film of a woman reflecting upon her life now that her children have reached adulthood.
In more recent years, The Shell Seekers, and many other books by Rosamunde Pilcher, have been adapted by German TV broadcaster, ZDF, and are shown weekly on German TV.
We love bringing these stories and locations to life on our language experience programmes.
Going back to blockbuster productions… In recent years, Cornish landmarks and coastline were a key feature in HBO’s House of Dragons series.
St Michael’s Mount is one of Cornwall’s most iconic spots, and also one of our excursion trips! Not only is it an ancient castle, steeped in history, but it also serves as High Tide castle on the island of Driftmark in House of Dragons.
Cornwall shines in several coastal scenes of the show, with stunning spots like Kynance Cove and Holywell Beach serving as filming locations. These scenic spots are also favorite stops on our coastal walks and watersports outings!
Finally, for a more nuanced look at the issues facing modern Cornwall, award-winning film Bait is a powerful and award-winning piece of independent cinema.
Released in 2019, Bait examines the impact of holiday homes, short-term letting and dwindling fish stocks.
The compelling, enraged performance of Cornish actor Edward Rowe drives the visually striking film (entirely shot on a hand-cranked vintage camera in black and white).
Rowe found his fame as a Cornish comedian, performing under the name Kernow King, and has since catapulted into dramatic TV roles in big-budget series like The Witcher and House of Dragons.
For those who love a bit of independent cinema, we have a few more Cornish gems for you…
Blue Juice
Classic 90s surf film starring a young Ewan MacGregor
Brown Willy
Hilarious low budget film about friendship & stag dos
Straw Dogs
70s horror film with Dustin Hoffman that inspired Tarantino
Apart from all the drama, there is one more slice of Cornish TV we would like to share with you and that is Rick Stein’s Cornwall.
Rick Stein has been one of the UK’s most beloved TV chefs for decades, with countless cookbooks and shows under his belt. He’s known for his laid-back charm, love of fresh local ingredients, and recipes that are easy to recreate at home. He has also owned a restaurant and lived in Padstow, Cornwall, since the 1970s.
In Rick Stein’s Cornwall, he takes us on a foodie adventure across the county, meeting local winemakers, cheesemongers, and fishermen. But it’s not just about the food. He dives into Cornwall’s rich history of art, mining, and legends, making it a true love letter to the region.
Love Rick’s shows? You might love his restaurants too. He’s got five in Cornwall alone! If you join us for our Camel Trail excursion, we highly recommend his fish & chip shop.
We hope this blog has given you a taste of the wonderful creative spirit of Cornwall and the history and culture embedded in its landscapes.
We hope you have been inspired to watch one of these films or TV programmes. And maybe you might be interested in taking the next step to come and visit yourself! Get in touch we’re happy to share our tips for the best places to visit and let us know what you’re binging on when you contact us!
