Poldark provides marketing boost to Cornwall

Cornish tourism bosses are hoping for a bumper year after the BBC’s new Sunday night series, Poldark, provided an excellent shop window for the county’s spectacular scenery.

Harbour village, Charlestown, and fishing coves, Gunwalloe and Porthgwarra, were among the villages used for filming last summer.

Malcolm Bell, head of Visit Cornwall, said that if Downton Abbey can put Highclere Castle on the map then the West Country can expect similar hoards of crowds.

“Prime time coverage such as this can have substantial impact on a destination,” he said. “The opportunity is there to be seized and I look forward to working with the tourism industry to turn the success of the production into a success for Cornwall.”

Filming itself can bring up to £32,000 a day to the region, even before the tourist impact. Over the last year it is estimated that the south west has benefited from some £11m, thanks to crews filming on location.

Some operators have already started to make the most of the marketing potential. Koru Kayaking is running two hour kayak adventures around St Agnes Head, which takes in the featured coastline and the World Heritage Cornish Mining landscape.

Hallagenna Riding and Cottage Holidays, which provided stabling and accommodation for the stunt riders and horses while filming on the moors, has launched a new Poldark Trail, including Rough Tor and Brown Willy.

Poldark Mine, the location of underground mine scenes, is also open to visitors. Alternatively, WalkitCornwall is running walks through some of the mining areas used as locations, including Botallack Count House and Wheal Coates.