North Devon & Cornwall, two of the most picturesque regions in the United Kingdom, have long been celebrated for their stunning landscapes, charming villages and rich history. These areas have become a backdrop for numerous film productions, drawing filmmakers from around the world.
From sweeping coastlines to ancient woodlands, it's no wonder that these locations have provided the perfect setting for many memorable scenes.
For film enthusiasts, visiting these locations can feel like stepping onto a movie set, where familiar scenery from the big screens merges with real-world adventure. Discover some of the most famous film and television series shot in North Devon & Cornwall, showcasing how these breathtaking landscapes continue to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.
War Horse - Dartmoor, Devon
Steven Spielberg's, War Horse is a moving story of a young boy's unbreakable bond with his horse amid the backdrop of World War I. While the film takes audiences across Europe, many of its breathtaking scenes were filmed in Dartmoor National Park. Dartmoor's Combestone Tor & Ditsworthy Warren House were key locations in the film, capturing the rural charm and harsh realities of Wartime England.
Aquaman - Saunton Sands
With its striking cliffs and pristine waters, Saunton Sands was chosen as a filming location for the blockbuster Aquaman. The beach's dramatic landscape provided the perfect backdrop for several key scenes in the film, capturing the grandeur and beauty of the underwater kingdom. With its rugged charm and natural beauty, the beach stands out as one of the most memorable locations featured in the movie, allowing fans to visit and experience the stunning scenery that made it such a perfect fit for the film.
Alice in Wonderland: Through the looking glass - Cornwall
Tim Burton's fantastical reimagining of Alice in Wonderland made use of Cornwall's stunning landscapes to create its dreamlike, otherworldly setting. The lush and exotic gardens of Trebah Garden and Glensurgan Garden near Falmouth provided the perfect backdrop for Alice's magical adventures.
Dunkirk - Saunton Sands, North Devon
Christopher Nolan's intense and visually stunning war film Dunkirk needed a location to recreate the beaches of northern France during World War II. The Filmmakers turned to Saunton Sands, a vast golden beach in North Devon which perfectly matched the look and feel of the original Dunkirk evaluation site.
Operation Mincemeat - Saunton Sands
Saunton Sands Beach served as a striking location for the World War II film Operation Mincemeat. With its expansive shoreline and unspoiled scenery, the beach provided an atmospheric backdrop that captured the look and feel of the 1940s. Used to portray key coastal scenes, Saunton’s natural beauty and historic charm added depth and realism to the film’s storytelling.
Poldark - Cornwall
Few television series have captured the essence of Cornwall as beautifully as Poldark. This BBC adaptation of Winston Graham's novels follows the life of Ross Poldark, a soldier returning home after the American War of Independence. The show made extensive use of Conrwall's dramatic coastline, featuring locations such as St Agnes Head, Botallack Mine and Charlestown Harbour.
The Night Manager - Clovelly, North Devon
This critically acclaimed spy thriller, based on John le Carre's novel features scenes shot in Clovelly, one of North Devon's most picturesque villages. With its steep cobbled streets leading down to the sea, Clovelly's timeless charm made it the ideal setting for this gripping drama.
Doc Martin - Port Isaac, Cornwall
One of the UK's most beloved television series, Doc Martin stars Martin Clunes as the grumpy yet brilliant Dr.Martin Bellingha. The show's picturesque setting of Port Isaac, a fishing village on Cornwall's North Coast has become almost as famous as the doctor himself.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato peel society - Saunton Sands
Saunton Sands Beach provided a picturesque setting for the filming of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Standing in for the shores of Guernsey, its wide stretches of sand and dramatic coastline created a convincing and evocative backdrop for the film’s wartime scenes.
Visit England and Visit Britain have named many regions as key destinations in the upcoming "Stars of 2025" Award, celebrating locations that capture the essence of the UK’s natural beauty, culture, and cinematic heritage.
At Brend Collection, we are proud to be part of this vibrant landscape and look forward to welcoming visitors as they explore the breathtaking film locations that make North Devon and Cornwall truly special.
Discover the destinations that have been awarded the Stars of 2025 award by Visit Britain and Visit England!
