Confirmed · Penwith: the mining coast · Landscape

Porthcurno Beach

Nampara Cove in Poldark. Open to visitors; allow 1–3 hours.

Porthcurno's pale sand and turquoise water seen from the cliffs, with gorse-covered granite headlands on either side — Photo: Ian Capper / Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0 ↗

On screen as: Nampara Cove
Series and episodes: Series 1 · Series 2 · Series 2, Episode 2
Access: Open to visitors
Time needed: 1–3 hours
Where: Porthcurno, Cornwall

On screen

How Porthcurno Beach appears

Porthcurno is Nampara Cove, the beach below the Poldarks' home. The wide sand and bright water make it easy to recognise in series 1, and in the second episode of series 2 a dream sequence was filmed here. In the story, Nampara stands on the north coast near the mines; the real beach is on the south coast of Penwith, many miles from where the mines and farmhouse are imagined. Nampara itself is a patchwork: the valley shots come from St Agnes Head, the wider country from Bodmin Moor, and the house interiors from a studio in Bristol.

Series 2, Episode 2: Episode 2

The real place

What you can visit

Porthcurno is a sheltered sandy beach between granite cliffs, with the Minack open-air theatre on the headland to the west and Logan Rock to the east. The village behind it has a large car park, toilets, a café and PK Porthcurno, the museum of the telegraph cables that came ashore here. The beach shelves steeply and there can be strong currents; follow lifeguard flags in season. Much of the surrounding cliff land is cared for by the National Trust.

The beach shelves sharply and rips can form: swim only between the flags when lifeguards are on duty, and keep an eye on the tide.

National Trust: Poldark's filming locations ↗

Getting there.

There is a pay car park in Porthcurno village, a few minutes' walk from the sand. Buses from Penzance serve the village; check the current timetable. The path to the beach is short but sandy. For the classic view from above, take the coast path towards the Minack, keeping clear of the cliff edge.

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

Common questions

Planning a responsible visit

Is Porthcurno the Poldark beach?

Yes. Porthcurno played Nampara Cove, the beach below Ross and Demelza's home, and a series 2 dream sequence was filmed here.

Is Nampara at Porthcurno?

Only the cove. The Nampara farmhouse is a private property elsewhere, the valley was filmed at St Agnes Head and the interiors were built in a Bristol studio.

Can you park at Porthcurno?

Yes. There is a large pay car park in the village, a short walk from the beach. It fills on sunny summer days, so arrive early.

Plan your visit