Appeared in Series/Episodes: Series 1–5

• Featured as Wheal Leisure (Ross Poldark’s mine)

• Appears throughout the entire arc of the series

Episode Synopsis

In the 2015 adaptation of Poldark, Ross returns from the American War of Independence to find his family estate ruined and his tin mine, Wheal Leisure, abandoned. Determined to rebuild both his livelihood and his community, Ross reopens the mine — facing financial ruin, betrayal, and rivalry with George Warleggan. The dramatic clifftop mining scenes that define the show were filmed at Botallack.

Location

Botallack Mines (Crown Mines), Botallack, St Just, Cornwall TR19 7QQ
Managed by: National Trust

Travel time from Chyvounder:
Approx. 10–12 minutes by car
Approx. 40–50 minutes coastal walk

Chyvounder is perfectly placed for exploring West Cornwall’s most famous Poldark scenery.

Few television series have captured Cornwall’s wild beauty quite like Poldark. Towering cliffs, crashing Atlantic waves, and dramatic mine ruins became as much a character as Ross himself. And nowhere is this more evident than at Botallack Mines, the real-life setting for Wheal Leisure.

Perched on the edge of the Atlantic between St Just and Pendeen, Botallack is one of the most photographed and recognisable filming locations in Cornwall. If you’ve ever watched Ross Poldark stride across the cliff tops in his tricorn hat, coat billowing in the sea wind — chances are you were looking at Botallack.

Why Botallack Was Chosen

The producers needed a location that looked raw, exposed and historically authentic. Botallack’s 18th and 19th-century engine houses cling dramatically to the cliffs, with mine shafts that once extended far beneath the seabed. There is no CGI required here — the landscape truly is that powerful.

The site perfectly embodied the struggle and determination of Ross’s character. When Wheal Leisure reopens in the series, the sweeping drone shots across the cliffside ruins provide some of the most iconic imagery in the show.

Walking in Ross Poldark’s Footsteps

Today, you can walk the exact paths used during filming. The South West Coast Path runs directly through the site, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Atlantic. On a clear day, the sea glows turquoise; on stormy days, the waves crash dramatically against the rocks — exactly as seen on screen.

Poldark fans often describe visiting Botallack as surprisingly emotional. Seeing the mine engine houses in person creates an immediate connection to the series. It’s easy to imagine Ross contemplating his next move against George Warleggan or rallying his miners for another attempt at survival.

The Cinematic Experience

One of the reasons Botallack works so well on camera is its scale. The mine buildings appear isolated against endless ocean horizons, reinforcing the themes of risk, resilience and independence.

Golden hour is especially magical here. If you visit in late afternoon, the sun sets behind the mine ruins, casting long shadows over the cliffs. Photographers — and Poldark fans — often linger until dusk to capture that unmistakable silhouette shot.

Practical Visiting Tips

• Wear sturdy footwear — cliff paths can be uneven.

• Allow 1–2 hours for exploring and photography.

• Combine with nearby Levant Mine or a coastal walk to Cape Cornwall.

• Early morning or late afternoon is quieter and more atmospheric.

Because Botallack is so close to Chyvounder, you can visit multiple times during your stay — perhaps once in sunshine and once in dramatic weather for the full Poldark effect.

Why Stay Near the Filming Locations?

Many Poldark filming locations are scattered across Cornwall — but West Cornwall holds some of the most recognisable scenes. Staying near Penzance gives you access to Botallack, Cape Cornwall, Porthcurno and more within short driving distances.

After a day exploring windswept cliffs, returning to a peaceful, private hideaway makes all the difference. Imagine coming back from your coastal adventure, relaxing in your secluded garden, and watching the sunset — perhaps with a Cornish cream tea in hand.

That’s where Chyvounder becomes part of your Poldark experience.