Charlestown Harbour

Appeared in Series/Episodes: Series 1–5

• Used as Truro and other Georgian port settings

• Featured in shipping, trading and harbour scenes

Episode Synopsis

In Poldark, maritime trade plays an important role in Cornwall’s economy. Charlestown Harbour provided the authentic Georgian port backdrop for several harbour and shipping scenes, representing Truro and other coastal trading hubs.

Location

Charlestown Harbour, Charlestown Road, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 3NJ

Travel time from Chyvounder:
Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by car

While West Cornwall delivers dramatic cliffs and mining landscapes, Charlestown Harbour brings a different dimension to the world of Poldark — maritime power and Georgian commerce.

Located near St Austell on Cornwall’s south coast, Charlestown is one of the most complete and authentic 18th-century harbours in the UK. Its preserved tall ships, stone quays and historic buildings make it a natural choice for period dramas.

And Poldark is no exception.

Why Charlestown Was Used for Filming

Modern harbours are typically filled with plastic signage, contemporary yachts and modern safety equipment — all difficult to disguise on camera.

Charlestown, however, retains:

• Traditional tall ships

• Stone harbour walls

• Georgian architecture

• Minimal modern visual interference

This makes it a favourite not only for Poldark but for numerous historical productions.

In the series, Charlestown often represents Truro’s harbour and other trading ports central to Cornwall’s economic storyline.

Recognising the Scenes

Many shipping and dockside sequences were filmed here. Characters involved in trade, finance and political dealings frequently appear against Charlestown’s historic backdrop.

Standing on the quay today, you can easily visualise these scenes unfolding — merchants negotiating cargo, ships arriving from distant shores, and the tension of maritime trade.

The tall-masted ships moored in the harbour create a striking silhouette, especially at dusk.

Visiting Charlestown Harbour

Charlestown is open to visitors year-round and offers:

• Harbour walks

• Maritime views

• Independent cafes and restaurants

• Coastal paths nearby

Even without specific filming knowledge, it feels like stepping back in time.

Photography enthusiasts will especially appreciate early morning or golden hour, when the harbour is quieter and the light enhances the historic textures of stone and sail.

Making It Part of Your Poldark Tour

Because Charlestown lies further east than many West Cornwall locations, it works well as a dedicated day trip.

A suggested itinerary:

Morning — Explore Charlestown Harbour
Lunch — Seafront dining in Charlestown
Afternoon — Coastal walk nearby
Evening — Return to your West Cornwall base

By staying at Chyvounder, you can experience Cornwall broadly while still enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of West Cornwall for your evenings.

Why Base Yourself in West Cornwall?

Although Charlestown is further afield, the heart of many iconic Poldark scenes remains in West Cornwall.

From Chyvounder near Penzance, you have easy access to:

• Botallack Mines (Wheal Leisure)

• Levant Mine

• Cape Cornwall

• Porthcurno Beach (Nampara Cove)

• St Michael’s Mount

This concentration of locations makes West Cornwall an ideal base for a Poldark-themed stay.

You can mix longer day trips like Charlestown with shorter local explorations, creating a balanced itinerary.

Experiencing Cornwall’s Maritime Heritage

Poldark is not just a mining drama — it is also a story of trade, politics and the sea.

Charlestown Harbour captures that maritime element perfectly. The preserved ships and Georgian facades reflect the commercial ambitions and risks woven throughout the series.

Seeing the harbour in person deepens your understanding of Cornwall’s historical significance and enriches the overall Poldark experience.