Beyond Paradise: Discover the Real Cornwall Behind TV's Favourite Seaside Mystery

Ever wondered where BBC hit series Beyond Paradise is actually filmed?

While DI Humphrey Goodman and Martha Lloyd may call the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbott home, the reality is even better. Much of the series is filmed in and around the beautiful Cornish fishing town of Looe, one of the West Country's most charming coastal destinations.

Since the show first aired in 2023, visitors have been flocking to Cornwall to explore the real-life locations featured in the popular drama, discovering picturesque harbours, sandy beaches, historic streets and stunning coastal scenery along the way.

Welcome to the Real Shipton Abbott

Although the series is set in Devon, the fictional town of Shipton Abbott is largely brought to life by Looe, a bustling harbour town on Cornwall's south coast. Its colourful fishing boats, winding streets, traditional pubs and waterfront views provide the perfect backdrop for the show's mix of mystery, humour and community spirit.

Many of the scenes viewers recognise instantly were filmed around:

• Looe Harbour
• East Looe Beach
• Looe Bridge
• Fore Street
• The Guildhall
• The picturesque waterfront and quayside

All of which can be explored during a visit to the town.

The Police Station You Can Actually Visit

One of the most recognisable locations in the series is Shipton Abbott Police Station.

In reality, this is Looe's historic Guildhall, which sits proudly in the centre of town. Fans often stop to take photographs outside the building, instantly recognising it from the show.

Nearby Fore Street, with its independent shops and cafés, also appears regularly throughout the series.

Beyond Looe: Exploring More Filming Locations

The beauty of Beyond Paradise extends far beyond Looe itself.

Filming has also taken place across Cornwall and neighbouring Devon, showcasing some of the South West's most breathtaking locations. These include:

• St Germans
• Pentillie Estate
• Whitsand Bay
• Fowey and Pont Creek
• Saltash
• Calstock
• Various coastal villages and countryside settings across Cornwall and Devon

The result is a love letter to the West Country, with each episode highlighting spectacular landscapes, historic buildings and hidden corners of the region.

Follow in Humphrey's Footsteps

For fans wanting the full experience, guided Beyond Paradise walking tours now operate in Looe.

These tours take visitors around the key filming locations used in the series, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and revealing how the fictional Shipton Abbott was created from real Cornish locations. The guided walks typically last around 90 minutes and have become increasingly popular since the show's success.

Visitors can explore:

• The harbour where many scenes were filmed
• The Guildhall police station
• Fore Street
• East Looe Beach
• Local cafés, restaurants and waterfront locations featured in the series

It's a wonderful way to see the town through the eyes of the cast and production team.

Why Fans Are Falling in Love with Looe

What makes Beyond Paradise so appealing is that the scenery isn't a film set.

Looe really is that beautiful.

With its sandy beach, traditional fishing fleet, scenic coastal walks and welcoming atmosphere, it's easy to understand why producers chose the town as the heart of the series. The show has introduced millions of viewers to one of Cornwall's most authentic seaside destinations and inspired a new wave of visitors eager to experience it for themselves.

The West Country Escapes Verdict

Whether you're a devoted Beyond Paradise fan or simply looking for inspiration for your next coastal escape, Looe deserves a place on your travel list.

From its picturesque harbour and sandy beaches to its starring role in one of Britain's most-loved TV dramas, this charming Cornish town perfectly captures the magic of the West Country.

And who knows? As you wander along the quayside or cross the famous bridge, you might just feel like you've stepped straight into an episode of Beyond Paradise.