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Plymouth and its surroundings have provided the backdrop for some of cinema and television’s most memorable moments. With May being Walking Month, it’s the perfect excuse to stretch your legs and explore these iconic filming locations for yourself. Here’s your guide to the region’s most famous on-screen spots in and around Plymouth:
Rame Head – The Salt Path
Rame Head, with its rugged cliffs and sweeping sea views, features in The Salt Path film. This striking location offers stunning views and a chapel which is dedicated to St Micheal. Part of the South West Coast Path it's well worth a visit.
Saltram House – Sense and Sensibility
This elegant Georgian mansion just outside Plymouth was featured in Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning Sense and Sensibility as Norland Park. Managed by the National Trust, Saltram House welcomes visitors to explore its grand interiors and gardens, offering a true period drama experience.
Mothecombe – Rebecca, Sense and Sensibility, Beyond Paradise and My Cousin Rachel
Mothecombe has long been a favourite location for filmmakers thanks to its picturesque beaches, dramatic cliffs, historic houses, and charming village. The estate has appeared in Sense and Sensibility (1995), Rebecca (both the 1997 and 2019 versions), My Cousin Rachel (2017), and the beloved TV series Beyond Paradise. With its diverse landscapes and timeless architecture, Mothecombe continues to be a sought-after backdrop for both period dramas and contemporary productions. It’s the perfect place for a long walk exploring the expansive estate and grounds.
Cotehele- Twelfth Night
Cotehele, a remarkably well-preserved medieval and Tudor manor house in Cornwall, was used as a filming location for Trevor Nunn's 1996 adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The house and its atmospheric interiors served as the setting for scenes inside Orsino’s castle, while the historic quayside provided the backdrop for the tavern scenes. Ran by the National Trust, Cotehele’s centuries-old architecture and riverside setting made it an ideal choice to evoke the timeless, slightly otherworldly atmosphere of Shakespeare’s illyria.
Antony House – Alice in Wonderland
Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland (2010) brought Antony House, near Torpoint, into the spotlight as the setting for the whimsical garden party scenes. The 18th-century estate, with its formal gardens and riverside views, is open to the public and provides an enchanting day out for fans of the film. The house is open to explore, and the estate offers large grounds which are perfect for a long walk in.
Gutter Tor – War Horse
Dartmoor’s rugged Gutter Tor was chosen for its wild, open vistas in Steven Spielberg’s War Horse. The area around the tor, including Ditsworthy Warren House, played a central role in the film’s dramatic rural scenes. Walkers can follow local trails to experience the cinematic landscapes firsthand.
Haytor – Sherlock
Dartmoor’s Haytor featured in the BBC’s Sherlock, in the episode “The Hounds of Baskerville.” The moor’s haunting beauty set the perfect scene for Holmes’ most atmospheric case. Haytor is easily accessible and popular for hiking, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Burgh Island – And Then There Were None
Just off the coast at Bigbury Beach, Burgh Island is famous for its Art Deco hotel and as the setting for Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. The island is accessible by sea tractor at high tide and is a must-visit for fans of classic mysteries.
HMNB Devonport Dockyard – Tomorrow Never Dies
Plymouth’s historic dockyard served as a filming location for the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies. While access to the working naval base is restricted, you can learn about its cinematic and maritime history at the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre or catch glimpses of the docks from public vantage points.
Greenway – Dead Man’s Folly
Agatha Christie’s former holiday home at Greenway inspired and featured in the adaptation of Dead Man’s Folly. The National Trust property is open to visitors and offers a glimpse into the author’s life and the world of Poirot.
Find out more about walking month in Plymouth here!
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In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner
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