Confirmed · Bristol · Attraction

Redcliffe Caves

Mine interiors in Poldark. Special events only; allow 30 minutes outside; 1 hour on an event.

On screen as: Mine interiors
Series and episodes: Series 1 · Series 2 · Series 3 · Series 4 · Series 5
Access: Special events only
Time needed: 30 minutes outside; 1 hour on an event
Where: Redcliffe, Bristol

On screen

How Redcliffe Caves appears

When Ross and the miners go underground in Wheal Leisure or Wheal Grace, they are often in Bristol rather than Cornwall. Redcliffe Caves, a network of hand-dug passages in the red sandstone under the city, were used for mine interiors across the series, alongside sets at the Bottle Yard Studios. The story places these tunnels deep under the Cornish cliffs at Botallack's fictional equivalents; the real caves sit beneath the Redcliffe district, close to Bristol's harbourside.

The real place

What you can visit

The caves were dug out over centuries for sand used in glass-making and pottery, and later used for storage. They are not open for regular visits. Public access is limited to occasional special events, such as Bristol Open Doors or film festival screenings; check those organisers for dates. Outside events you can see the arched entrance from Redcliffe Wharf, on the harbourside opposite Welsh Back.

Don't try to enter the caves outside an organised event: they are locked for safety, and the passages are unlit and uneven.

Bristol Film Office: Poldark locations ↗

Getting there.

Redcliffe Wharf is a 10-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads station and a few minutes from St Mary Redcliffe church. The harbourside here is level. If you get onto an event, expect low ceilings, uneven sandy floors and dim light; wear sturdy shoes.

Open in Google Maps ↗Read the visiting guide →

Common questions

Planning a responsible visit

Are the Bristol caves from Poldark open to the public?

Only for occasional special events, such as Bristol Open Doors. Check event organisers for dates.

Were the Poldark mine scenes filmed in a real mine?

Not underground. The mine interiors were filmed in Redcliffe Caves and on studio sets in Bristol; the surface mine scenes were filmed at Botallack and Levant in Cornwall.

Where is the entrance to Redcliffe Caves?

On Redcliffe Wharf, on Bristol's harbourside, a short walk from Temple Meads.

Plan your visit