Confirmed · Gloucestershire · Castle

Berkeley Castle

Roscoff market and execution scenes in Poldark. Seasonal opening; allow 2–3 hours.

Berkeley Castle's pink-grey stone walls and towers rising above a green lawn
Photo: Philip Halling / Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0 ↗
On screen as
Roscoff market and execution scenes
Series and episodes
Series 2 · Series 3 · Series 4
Access
Seasonal opening
Time needed
2–3 hours
Where
Berkeley, Gloucestershire

On screen

How Berkeley Castle appears

Berkeley Castle appears in several roles across series 2, 3 and 4. Its best-known use is as Roscoff in France, including a market and the setting for an execution, during the storylines that take Ross and his companions across the Channel. Because the castle played more than one part, it is not tied to one fictional building. In the story these scenes happen in Brittany; the real castle stands near the Severn estuary in Gloucestershire, between Bristol and Gloucester.

The real place

What you can visit

Berkeley Castle is a Norman castle that has been home to the Berkeley family for nearly 900 years, best known as the place where Edward II was killed in 1327. Visitors see the keep, the great hall, state rooms and terraced gardens, along with a butterfly house in season. It opens on advertised days in the warmer months; check the castle's website for dates, tickets and any closures for private events.

Opening days are limited and sometimes change for private events, so check the castle's calendar before setting off.

Visit Bristol: Poldark filming locations ↗
Getting there.

Berkeley is about two miles off the A38, roughly midway between Bristol and Gloucester, with parking at the castle. Cam and Dursley is the nearest railway station, about six miles away. The castle has many stairs and uneven floors; ask in advance about access.

Official visitor information ↗Open in Google Maps ↗Read the visiting guide →

Common questions

Planning a responsible visit

Did Poldark film at Berkeley Castle?

Yes. Visit Bristol reports filming in series 2, 3 and 4, including scenes set in Roscoff.

Where were the Roscoff scenes filmed?

Roscoff's market and execution scenes were filmed at Berkeley Castle, while the French landing was filmed at Turnaware Point in Cornwall.

Is Berkeley Castle open all year?

No. It opens on advertised days, mostly from spring to autumn. Check the castle's website before you travel.

Plan your visit

Build it into the day.

Chavenage (by reservation) or Dyrham Park, each about 30–40 minutes' drive. Also filmed here: the castle estate supplies the Rutshire Cup polo match in Rivals.

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Tickets / official site ↗Search Booking.com stays nearby ↗Read the visiting guide →

Map

Nearby

Continue through Gloucestershire

Sources