Period drama Poldark really took our breath away and although the tale is fictional, the locations are real - and visiting them is a perfect autumnal break or day trip.
It was 10 years ago that the most recent series starring Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark aired on BBC in 2015, concluding in 2019 - and it was watched by eight million viewers per episode.
One of the things that people loved about the series was not just the storyline and characters, but the truly breath-taking locations that it was filmed at. Now, this autumn and winter, the National Trust is inviting visitors to lace up their boots and walk in the footsteps of Ross and Demelza as Cornwall marks a special Poldark anniversary.
Next year (2026) marks 80 years since the first original Poldark novel - Demelza was published, taking readers by storm, at the time, in 1946 and to this day readers are still falling in love with the original books.
Then, the original TV series, the first BBC adaptation of Winston Graham's novels, first aired 50 years ago running from 1975 until 1977 - and now 10 years have passed since the acclaimed remake hit our screens in 2015.
One review of the 2015 series sums up the enthusiasm people had for Poldark: “This is the most artistic photogenic captivating series ever made. Beside an outstanding, lovely cast, the excellent performance by light men, cameramen, director, scenery experts, colour specialists, costume creators, music score and quality scriptwriters is beyond all expectation.
“Their outstanding teamwork makes me very often freeze the image in order to better appreciate the beauty and magic of the shots: outside and inside. Breath-taking scenery and extremely cosy, authentic cottages and overwhelming rich mansions. Even the flower bouquets are mind blowing.
“So grateful to the whole crew, they made a genuine masterpiece. A treasure to cherish forever!”
From the rugged Tin Coast and sweeping beaches to the “ancient and atmospheric” estate, Godolphin, (which was Trenwith in the 1975 Poldark series) - the gorgeous locations have drawn fans from around the world to visit.
Godolphin's medieval garden and historic house is just one of the National Trust destinations that make up a huge part of the Poldark story - and the legacy of “Poldark tourism” continues to support vital conservation work across Cornwall.
Tourism has helped protect endangered species and landscapes in Cornwall - and autumn is the perfect time to discover the dramatic scenery that inspired the famous story.
The cooler seasons are a pleasant time to visit Poldark country as numbers of visitors do not swell as they do in the summertime, you can really enjoy the peacefulness that Cornwall has to offer.
Poldark tourism has helped fund conservation, protecting Cornwall’s coastal wildlife and autumn is the perfect time to walk the landscape that inspired the stories and breathe in the sea air.
Since its debut in 1946, Winston Graham’s “love letter to Cornwall”, the Poldark story, has captured hearts around the world, transporting readers and viewers to 18th century Cornwall.
The sweeping landscapes of mining heritage sites and wild coastal cliffs became central to the story when the original TV adaptation aired in 1975, and again in 2015 when the remake introduced a whole new generation to Ross and Demelza’s Cornwall.
Poldark became an international sensation, inspiring thousands to visit Cornwall and explore the landscapes they’d seen on screen.
By 2019, around 14% of visitors to Cornwall were thought to have travelled in some way because of Poldark - and this interest brought a tourism boost to the county and raised vital funds for the conservation and care of Cornwall’s natural and historic places.
Much of this support has gone back into protecting these special landscapes for future generations, on the Tin Coast the focus has been on safeguarding natural spaces and wildlife habitats.
At West Wheal Owles - better known to many fans as Wheal Leisure - conservation work has helped protect endangered Cornish choughs - and this area has now been closed to public access to reduce disturbance, creating a safe haven for this iconic species.
For those who prefer the 1975 TV series of Poldark, Godolphin will readily spring to mind, being the home to Francis Poldark as the fictional and opulent house, Trenwith.
Filming took place when Godolphin was still a private residence, with the National Trust purchasing the estate in 2007, which began prolonged and sensitive conservation of the house for the benefit of future generations.
In 2006, Godolphin became a UNESCO World Heritage site and since then, the estate has become famed for its historic gardens and 500 acres of protected park land, with the house being available as a holiday let for most of the year.
Autumn is the perfect season to explore Poldark country: quieter paths, sweeping sea views, and a sense of stepping back in time.
From rugged clifftop walks and mining heritage trails to exploring historic houses and gardens, Cornwall’s National Trust places offer visitors a chance to experience the landscape that inspired a legend.
