5 years of Poldark could secure Cornwall millions

“The Poldark effect”, as we've appropriately named it here in the South West, has already brought a clear boost to filming locations close to our holiday parks in Cornwall. And if reports of a new 5 year deal are to be believed, tourism in the county could secure further millions from the hit TV program.

Image Credit: Flickr Robert Pittman

After speaking of the benefits Doc Martin brought to North Cornwall, Malcolm Bell, Head of Visit Cornwall, said: "Poldark is different. Whereas Doc Martin is set in Cornwall, Poldark is of Cornwall. It's all about Cornwall – the history, the people, the mining – it has Cornwall's DNA running right through it. It is not just a splendid advert for Cornwall, it engages people and makes them interested in Cornwall.”

"What we're looking at now is eight or ten weeks, every Sunday, of massive exposure all around the world. It's in America, Canada and Australia. By the time they got through a few more series, the original series will be showing on cable somewhere else.”

The BBC has remained tight-lipped about the future of one of its most viewed programmes, and it's yet to quash rumours of a new £50million, 5 year deal. This has only fuelled excitement, particularly mine, that we could see Poldark on our screens up until 2020.

8 million tuned in to watch the first series, as Ross Poldark returned to Cornwall from the American War of Independence, to find his father dead, house destroyed and beloved sweetheart Demelza engaged.

Poldark fans won't have to wait too much longer for the next series, which is expected to start during the first half of September!

Did you spot Aidan Turner filming for the new series while out and about near our UK holiday parks? I'd love to hear from you if you did!