Dartmouth on Film – A Guide to Dartmouth Film & TV Locations
Over the years a number of films and TV programmes have chosen Dartmouth’s beautiful streets, harbour and coastline as the back drop to their stories. With such a rich history itself, it’s not surprising that Dartmouth can deliver on so many of the visual elements needed to bring stories to life on screen.
Dipping into the archives revealed the following locational links you can explore while visiting Dartmouth, keep reading to discover these Dartmouth Film & TV Locations, or use our handy quick links to navigate to the most relevant section:
Film Locations in Dartmouth
French Lieutenant’s Woman
This 1981 film is probably best remembered for the scenes on The Cob in Lyme Regis. However the scene’s depicting Exeter were actually filmed in Kingswear, over the River Dart from Dartmouth. The bar and the bedroom scenes of the ‘Endicott’s Family Hotel’ were shot at the Steam Packet Inn, while the Royal Dart Hotel was repainted in brown and cream to suit the 1867 setting.
The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With the Sea
Released in 1976, this film included a number of scenes around Kingswear and Dartmouth. A rugby match was filmed on the cricket pitch at the Britannia Royal Naval College, whilst another scene was based at the iconic Daymark Tower above Kingswear, and a number of scenes featured Bayard’s Cove. The Embankment Bistro was also used as the train station, which is ironic as this building is the only train station in the UK to have never had a train arrive – another story of its own!
Churchill: The Hollywood Years
This satirical take on Winston Churchill’s life reimagines the famous wartime leader as an action hero played by Christian Slater. Filming for Churchill: The Hollywood Years brought the cast and crew to Dartmouth, where several scenes were shot in the town’s historic streets. Anzac Street and Foss Street, both known for their charming, narrow lanes and picturesque buildings, provided a fitting backdrop for the film’s alternative-history storyline. Additionally, Kingswear Station, part of the scenic Dartmouth Steam Railway, played a role in capturing the period atmosphere of the film. The movie, blending comedy with wartime action, saw Dartmouth transformed into a Hollywood version of the past, adding another cinematic connection to the town’s history.
Nothing But The Night
This British horror-thriller, starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, made use of several Dartmouth locations to enhance its eerie atmosphere. The Lower Ferry, a crucial crossing point between Dartmouth and Kingswear, had a notable role in the film, adding to the suspenseful and mysterious setting. The Guildhall and Lower Street also featured, their historical charm providing an authentic backdrop to this chilling tale. Nothing But The Night remains a cult classic among British horror fans, and Dartmouth’s timeless scenery played a key part in bringing the unsettling story to life.
Miss Marple: The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side
Dartmouth’s connection to classic British crime fiction is cemented with its role in the 1992 TV adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple: The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side. The film follows the legendary sleuth, played by Joan Hickson, as she unravels a mystery surrounding a Hollywood star and a tragic poisoning. One of the key locations used in the film was Dartmouth’s own section of the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway. The vintage steam trains and stunning countryside provided the perfect setting for a traditional Christie whodunit, adding to the film’s period authenticity and nostalgic appeal.
Ordeal by Innocence
Based on another Agatha Christie novel, Ordeal by Innocence is a gripping mystery film released in 1984 featuring an ensemble cast, including Donald Sutherland, Sarah Miles, and Christopher Plummer. Dartmouth’s historic Royal Castle Hotel was chosen as one of the filming locations, its grand façade and elegant interiors offering a suitably atmospheric setting for this tale of deception and intrigue. The hotel, situated on the waterfront and steeped in history, perfectly matched the film’s themes of wealth, secrets, and suspicion. As one of Dartmouth’s most recognisable landmarks, its inclusion in the movie added to the town’s reputation as an ideal setting for period dramas and crime stories.
Other Notable Mentions
A film with a title like We Joined The Navy was almost bound to include the Britannia Royal Naval College in a starring role in 1962. And there’s no argument here about including Blackpool Sands in Isn’t Life Wonderful in 1953 – locals will all tell you that is a title where art definitely imitates life.
TV Locations in Dartmouth
TV producers have also seen the beautiful town and surroundings that Dartmouth has to offer, with the town featuring in several TV productions.
The Coroner
Running on Netflix for 4 series from 2015, The Coroner used a number of locations in Dartmouth. The Old Customs House on Bayard’s Cove was the Coroner’s office; an episode revolving around a kidnapping filmed the key kidnap scene amongst the independent shops and galleries of Foss Street; and the Ferry and Embankment featured regularly throughout the episodes. In fact local businesses reported an influx of European visitors in 2024, many of whom credited this series with prompting their visits.
The Onedin Line
From 1971-1980 Dartmouth featured weekly on the BBC as the backdrop to The Onedin Line. The port scenes were regularly filmed at Bayards Cove, and Onedin House in Dartmouth was featured, which was actually owned by actors Peter Gilmore and Anne Stallybrass, who played James and Anne Onedin in the series.
Eagle-eyed viewers of the 1977 television adaptation of Treasure Island will recognise Dartmouth Castle. In 2002 The Story of Queen Elizabeth II included the role Britannia Royal Naval College played in introducing her to her future husband, Prince Philip.
More recently The Angel restaurant has been featured on several TV shows, including Great British Menu, MasterChef: The Professionals, and The New Angel. This latter show was a reality TV series based on John Burton Race’s purchase of this iconic Dartmouth restaurant.
Sneak previews for 2025…
Excitingly there is more to come as locals saw Bergerac’s car cruising along the stunning Slapton Line, and Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman spent a day filming The Roses for Netflix at Blackpool Sands.
Dartmouth is without a doubt a beautiful town and full of surprises, and if areas of the town feel vaguely familiar as you walk around, now you know why!
Photos by Dartmouth Photographs
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