Explore the world of Maggie Cole (& other TV locations) from Pentillie Castle
Written in 2020
Whether you’re a fan of small or large screen, Cornwall has had more than its fair share of rubbing shoulders with the stars. Why not follow in their footsteps by staying at Pentillie Castle & Estate while you explore the glorious locations captured on film?
The latest TV offering taking advantage of Cornwall’s wonderful scenery is The Trouble with Maggie Cole. Starring Pentillie favourite and Fowey resident, Dawn French, it will make its debut on ITV on Wednesday 4 March.
Set in the picturesque fishing village of Thurlbury, the new comedy drama series centres on Maggie Cole; who finds herself in hot water after revealing a tad too much gossip about the locals during an interview with a radio journalist!
You could begin your tour at Launceston Castle, where Dawn and co-star Julie Hesmondhalgh and a full filming crew were spotted. Well worth a visit, the 13th-century round tower built on a natural mound, offers wide-reaching views of the surrounding countryside; plus you’re on hand to explore the independent shops and cafes lining the narrow cobbled streets of the town.
Just down the road from Pentillie is Landulph; a small hamlet that found itself at the centre of casting for The Trouble with Maggie Cole. Calling out for characters of all shapes and sizes, the producers of the show held open auditions at Landulph Memorial Hall, on the hunt for locals to bring fictional Thurlbury to life. The village green was also decked out for a fete scene to be filmed… we can’t wait.
First hitting our screens in 2004, Doc Martin put the village of Port Isaac on the TV addicts must-see list. For nine series, the show has followed the trials and tribulations of the cantankerous Dr. Martin Ellingham, as a resident of the fictional seaside village of Portwenn.
Whilst many of the interior scenes are shot in a converted barn at Roscarrock Manor Farm, just outside Port Isaac, you can recognise many of the familiar buildings as you wander the streets. The Liberal Club fronts as the village shop, Fern Cottage is unmistakable as Doctor Ellingham’s surgery and you can even treat yourself to a pint in the Golden Lion Pub, which has been used sociably by the cast and crew as well as for filming.
While in Port Issac, why not take advantage of the great seafood on offer and definitely don’t miss the opportunity of experiencing Squeezy Belly Alley, which is one of the narrowest alleyways in Britain; although maybe before lunch would be best!
Pentillie is lucky enough to be in striking distance of Bodmin Moor. It is here you can begin to explore the world of Poldark. Based on the novels by Winston Graham, Aiden Turner plays Ross Poldark; who returns to Cornwall to find his late father’s estate in ruins. As he attempts to turn his fortune around, the BBC drama series sees him make new enemies and find a new love along the way.
Bodmin Moor was the scene for the exterior of Poldark’s cottage, Nampara, as well as many of the shots capturing the cast on horseback. Bodmin Jail also makes an appearance. The striking cliff top views on the north coast, such as Park Head near Padstow, provided the backdrop to many more glorious horse galloping scenes!
Should Tinseltown be more your thing, then it doesn’t get more Hollywood blockbuster than Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Back in 2011 the quaint streets and harbour of St Ives became home to Captain Jack Sparrow. Johnny Depp, who played the trickster pirate, was rumoured to enjoy a pint in The Sloop Inn, and although much of the film was shot in Hawaii, we think it has nothing on the azure seas of St Ives!
Fans of James Bond will want to visit the Eden Project, located at Bodelva; where Pierce Brosnan had his final outing as the legendary MI5 spy in Die Another Day. The world-famous bio-domes featured as Gustav Graves’ ice palace; thankfully your exploration of the Mediterranean and Rainforest Biomes will be in a much more palatable temperature.
Of course, the show closet to our hearts is Delicious, which featured our very own Pentillie Castle as the Penrose Hotel for three series, aired between 2016-2019. You will be spoilt for choice of recognisable vistas throughout the Castle and grounds: our Dining Room took centre stage as the Penrose Hotels reception; Repton Room, which is perfect for business conference and workshops, became a hospital set; and why not book a B&B stay in Dewhurst Suite or Victor and rest your head where the famous have gone before?
The stunning exterior of Pentillie and the beautiful grounds lend themselves perfectly to celebrations. You too could host a party by the swimming pool as part of an Exclusive Hire, just like Emilia’s Fox’s character, Sam.
You could even make the most memorable day of your life extra special by marrying where Gina, played by Dawn French, said her vows. The Wedding Secret shared their top 5 advantages of marrying in a TV location.
After hot-footing it around Cornwall, you can return to the welcome embrace of Pentillie. After a DIY supper lovingly created by our chef, why not relax in front of the fire, dreaming of your Oscar acceptance speech while sipping a Trevethan Gin and tonic – shaken, not stirred of course!
