Series five of highly-anticipated TV drama Poldark returns on Sunday 14 July and while the show ending will leave a huge hole in our lives, fans can relive the world of romance and drama on a trip to Cornwall where Poldark is filmed.
Here, you can make like Ross and Demelza by exploring the wild landscapes and bluest waters, which look even better in real life! The must-see Poldark filming locations include picturesque Charlestown near St Austell, which stood in for Truro and Falmouth.
You won't want to miss a visit to Botallack, part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, or Wheal Leisure (West Wheal Owles), Grambler (Wheal Crowns) and Wheal Grace as they're known in the series.
Beach lovers should head for Holywell Bay, used for encounters between Ross, Demelza and enemy George Warleggan, as well as beautiful Porthgwarra, a once-thriving fishing cove, where Ross swims in the turquoise water while watched by Demelza from the cliff tops.
With an array of Poldark locations on your doorstep once you arrive (Bodmin Moor, St Agnes Head and Porthcurno are other stunning spots used in the series), there's never been a better time for a trip to Cornwall.
Start by renting an authentic stone cottage for a UK break inspired by TV's Poldark. We've rounded up five holiday rentals from some of our favourite self-catering experts including Sykes Holiday Cottages, HomeAway, and Holidaycottages.co.uk for you to experience your own adventure in Cornwall...
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Poldark Cottage, Bodilly
TAKE A LOOK INSIDE Sleeps four, from £326 for seven nights
Sitting in a location where you can reach the likes of Botallack, Charlestown and Holywell Bay within an hour, the hamlet of Bodilly is a fine base for TV fans and this stone cottage has all the Poldark factor.
Converted from a 200-year-old traditional Cornish granite barn, it's peaceful, charming and dog friendly. You'll love the exposed beams, thick stone walls any sunny balcony.
Welsummer Cottage, Withiel
TAKE A LOOK INSIDE Sleeps four, £81 per night
If you're looking for a location close to Bodmin Moor, where the rugged scenery was used for scenes featuring Ross' cottage Nampara and the characters horse riding, this cute cottage in Withiel is close to the filming location.
It's one of three cottages and offers a tranquil stay, plus indoor-outdoor living for when the weather is pleasant.
Lower Wooda Barn, Bodmin Moor
TAKE A LOOK INSIDE Sleeps six, from £441 per week
This Bodmin Moor cottage fit for Ross Poldark is cosy and perfect for families looking for a really rural escape to Cornwall. It's less than an hour from Padstow too, where you'll recognise Levlizzick Cliffs and the amazing views across the Camel Estuary and Tregirls Beach from the series.
Inside, you'll find window seats, timber and slate flooring and exposed beams to set the scene for you.
Dibbles Cottage, St Breock
TAKE A LOOK INSIDE Sleeps three, £110 per night
Set in wild north Cornwall and surrounded by lush private gardens, this lovely bolthole is a delight inside and out.
The interiors are stylish, homely and modern: expect Scandi-style throws, beautifully-tiled bathrooms and a cosy lounge. Outside, you can while away the hours just taking in the peace of the countryside.
Tremoor, Sennen
TAKE A LOOK INSIDE Sleeps four, from £395 for seven nights
An historic barn full of charming character, Tremoor, near Sennen in the far west of Cornwall, offers a great base for exploring Poldark country's rugged cliffs and mining heritage. Be sure to visit Porthcurno, aka Nampara Cove, Gwennap Head and Porthgwarra if you're looking to tick Poldark's filming locations off your list.
Nearby Botallack is another must-see. Inside Tremoor, you'll find beautiful decor and everything you need for a week away from it all.
The 10 best weekend bags for your next mini break
This duffle bag/backpack hybrid has been a game changer for our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, as it can easily transport days' worth of outfits and belongings. There’s also a chest buckle for better support and security – perfect for when you’re carrying heavy loads!
The design feels very high quality and we love the two end compartments for keeping everything separate. There’s plenty of storage inside too, including two mesh pockets and a laptop compartment. It also comes with laundry and shoe bags, so you’ll have everything you need to stay organised on the go.
This Helly Hansen backpack would make a thoughtful unisex gift for travellers. Thanks to the roll-top design, the main compartment is adjustable and easy to fasten. It also comes with a laptop sleeve and padded straps, making it a great pick for those who commute via public transport or bike.
It’s not the biggest backpack so is best suited to light packers or one-night stays but it’s an affordable buy.
After splashing out on a weekend away, the last thing you need is to spend a fortune on your luggage. That’s why we love this affordable, yet practical, bag from Eastpak. It’s lightweight and versatile with carry handles and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap.
It folds away easily and comes with a compact pouch for no-fuss storage when it’s not in use. Plus, it's the ideal cabin-friendly size if you want something to fly with.
Fjällräven Weekender Holdall
Popular luggage brand Fjällräven specialises in durable designs, and this weekender is no exception.
With a 30L capacity, it can be worn in three ways: crossbody, as a hold-all, or as a backpack. The handles are a little rough and they’re not the strongest, but while it may look small, it can hold a lot. Plus, there’s a 17” laptop compartment and the expandable front section is handy for keeping passports and phones within quick reach.
We love the versatility of this bag. As well as top handles, it has a detachable shoulder strap, a side handle, and a sleeve handle to attach it to your suitcase so you can breeze through the airport.
The handy shoe compartment is separate from the main bag, and there are two pockets on the front that offer a lot more extra space than you’d initially think. There’s also a laptop compartment and interior pockets for valuables. It’s not the smartest-looking bag on this list but it’s practical, durable and more affordable than most.
Part of the brand’s ‘Featherlight’ collection, this weekend bag weighs in at least than one kilogram, so even if you fill it to the brim with your favourite outfits, it shouldn’t weigh you down. However, the polyester twill material does feel cheaper than a traditional duffle bag – something to keep in mind if you typically opt for a thicker fabric.
The bag comes with a 16” laptop pocket, an interior and exterior pocket, and a shoe compartment at the bottom. We also love the adjustable crossbody strap, which feels sturdy and secure and (most importantly) comfortable!
This is more of an overnight option than a weekend bag, but it’s super affordable, can be easily adjusted from handbag size to an overnight bag, and comes with a matching cosmetic bag for storing your beauty essentials.
There’s also a sleeve for attaching it to your suitcase so you can free up your hands in the airport.
Horizn Studios SoFo Weekender M
Sleek and sophisticated, travelling with this weekend bag certainly won’t cramp your style. It’s made with a water-sealed base and waterproof lining and features padded handles, and an adjustable shoulder strap made of coated cotton.
There are also pockets on the inside and outside for storing valuables or items that need to be within easy reach, and the 32L capacity means there’s plenty of room for everything you might need for a weekend getaway.
Our tech editor, Simon Cocks, says Stubble & Co's Hybrid backpack is fantastic for a long weekend getaway. It opens like a suitcase for packing, and the 30L capacity allows you to fit a lot in.
It weighs just 1.5kg and has smart features like a dual-access top pocket, a padded laptop and tablet compartment, and water-resistant zips. It might be a little bulky if you're travelling light, but if you've got a lot to carry, it's a comfy all-in-one travel backpack.
Aspinal of London's classic Boston holdall is handcrafted from fine, full-grain leather with a gorgeous pebble finish, for a quality, durable finish that should last a lifetime.
Its soft shell and beautiful printed silk lining, paired with sturdy handles and a detachable strap, make it a both a practical and stylish choice.
How we choose the best weekend bags
Our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, looks after all the Good Housekeeping Institute’s tried and tested luggage guides, so she knows what to look for in the ultimate weekend bag.
She spent weeks trying out many of the bags featured above, including taking two of them with her to Glastonbury this year. Others have been recommended by the frequent travellers in Team GH. We were looking for practical, durable, lightweight and stylish designs that could fit everything we needed for a weekend away. We also paid close attention to standout features such as suitcase sleeves, separate shoe compartments and extra pockets for easy access.
How big should a weekend bag be?
The ideal weekend bag size depends on where you're going, how you’re travelling and the length of your trip. For example, if you're travelling by coach or train, we highly recommend something that’s lightweight with a generous capacity, such as the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack (15 x 30 x 45 cm).
However, for the airport, you'll want a design that fits everything and has easy-to-access pockets for holding your passport and boarding pass. We love the Kono Travel Duffel Bag with Cosmetic Bag, which also has a sleeve so you can safely attach it to the handle of your suitcase.
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