Where Is Beyond Paradise Filmed? The Complete Location Guide

Where Is Beyond Paradise Filmed crime drama Beyond Paradise first graced television screens, viewers were immediately captivated by its breathtaking coastal scenery, picturesque harbors, rolling green hills, and idyllic seaside charm. As a spin-off to the hugely successful Death in Paradise, the series follows Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman (played by Kris Marshall) and his fiancée Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton) as they leave the tropical Caribbean island of Saint Marie to start a new life in the United Kingdom.

The central mystery that baffles many fans, however, revolves around the show’s picturesque setting. While the drama unfolds in the fictional Devonshire town of Shipton Abbott, fans around the world continuously ask one primary question: Where is Beyond Paradise filmed?

If you have ever caught yourself wondering where is Beyond Paradise filmed while admiring the sun-drenched quays, historic stone cottages, and towering viaducts on screen, you are in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will uncover every major real-life filming location across Cornwall and Devon, detail how you can visit them, and explain how these stunning British landscapes bring the beloved series to life.

The Fictional Setting vs. The Real-Life Filming Locations

To truly understand where Beyond Paradise is filmed, it is helpful to distinguish between the show’s fictional narrative setting and its actual real-world production sites.

In the story, DI Humphrey Goodman joins the Shipton Abbott Police Station, located in a quiet, quaint coastal district in South Devon. Shipton Abbott is portrayed as a vibrant fishing community filled with quirky locals, bustling markets, hidden coves, and dramatic countryside mysteries.

However, Shipton Abbott is completely fictional.

Instead of filming exclusively in Devon, the show’s producers set out across the South West of England to find a location that offered both coastal beauty and an authentic, working-town atmosphere. Their search led them directly to Cornwall, along with selected heritage sites in neighboring Devon.

Primary Filming Location: Looe, Cornwall (The Real Shipton Abbott)

If you are asking where is Beyond Paradise filmed for the vast majority of its coastal and town scenes, the definitive answer is Looe, Cornwall.

Looe is a historic coastal fishing town and civil parish situated in South East Cornwall, roughly 20 miles west of Plymouth. Split into East Looe and West Looe by the scenic River Looe, the town features narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Cornish cottages, a active fishing port, and sandy beaches.

                [ The Anatomy of Shipton Abbott ]
                
   Fictional Town (Devon)         Real-Life Production Spot (Cornwall)
 +------------------------+      +-----------------------------------+
 | Shipton Abbott         | ---> | Looe Town Centre & Harbour        |
 | Police Station         | ---> | Looe Guildhall (Fore Street)      |
 | Humphrey's Houseboat   | ---> | Pentillie Estate (River Tamar)    |
 | Ten Mile Kitchen Cafe  | ---> | Port Eliot Estate (St Germans)    |
 | Shipton Abbott Station | ---> | Buckfastleigh Railway (Devon)     |
 +------------------------+      +-----------------------------------+

Looe Guildhall (Shipton Abbott Police Station)

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the series is the Shipton Abbott Police Station, where DI Humphrey Goodman, DS Esther Williams (Zahra Ahmadi), PC Kelby Hartford (Dylan Llewellyn), and office manager Margo Martins (Felicity Montagu) crack unusual cases.

In reality, the exterior and civic scenes of the police station are filmed at Where Is Beyond Paradise Filmed, located on Fore Street in East Looe. Built in 1877 in a striking Gothic Revival style, this Grade II-listed building features an iconic clock tower. Interestingly, the Guildhall actually contains historic structural prison cells from the 19th century, making it an exceptionally authentic pick for a police station backdrop.

Looe Harbour and Banjo Pier

Throughout every season of Beyond Paradise, viewers enjoy frequent shots of trawlers bobbing in the water, seagull-filled skies, and characters walking along the quay discussing case details. These exterior waterfront shots are filmed around Looe Harbour and the famous Banjo Pier. The bustling harbour gives the show a grounded, living-and-working maritime feel rather than looking like an artificial studio set.

East Looe Beach and River Bridge

The seven-arched stone Looe Bridge, which connects East and West Looe across the river, regularly makes cameo appearances during transitional scenes. Additionally, East Looe Beach serves as the backdrop for coastal walks, casual conversations, and seaside community events featured across various episodes.

Secondary Key Filming Locations in Cornwall and Devon

While Looe acts as the anchor town for Shipton Abbott, the production team ventures into several other breathtaking estates, villages, and heritage railways across the Tamar Valley and South West region.

1. Pentillie Estate, Saltash (Humphrey & Martha’s Riverside Home)

One of the central personal storylines in Beyond Paradise involves Humphrey and Martha living on a charming wooden houseboat moored along a tranquil riverbank.

When fans ask where is Beyond Paradise filmed for Humphrey’s picturesque riverside cottage and houseboat, the answer points to the private Pentillie Castle and Estate in Saltash, Cornwall. Situated on the banks of the tidal River Tamar, the estate’s historic Quay Cottage and secluded shoreline provide the backdrop for the couple’s home life.

2. Port Eliot Estate, St Germans (Martha’s Ten Mile Kitchen Cafe)

In the series, Martha Lloyd pursues her culinary dream by opening her own eatery, the Ten Mile Kitchen.

The filming location for Martha’s café is situated within the historic Port Eliot Estate in St Germans, Cornwall. The exterior courtyard, stables, and historic stone architecture of the Port Eliot estate provided the exact visual aesthetic needed for Martha’s bustling local business.

3. Calstock and the Calstock Viaduct

The small Cornish village of Calstock, nestled deep in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provides key backdrop scenery for waterfront and residential scenes.

In particular, the majestic Calstock Viaduct—a stunning 240-meter-long concrete railway viaduct built between 1904 and 1907 that towers 36 meters above the River Tamar—is prominently featured during high-angle shots and train-related mystery storylines.

4. South Devon Railway and Buckfastleigh Station

Not all filming takes place in Cornwall; the production crew frequently crosses the county border into Devon for specific period-accurate locations.

When the plot calls for train journeys, railway mysteries, or vintage steam locomotive scenes (such as the Shipton Abbott train station), filming takes place on the South Devon Railway. The historic Buckfastleigh Railway Station, an exceptionally restored Great Western Railway site built in 1872, doubles as the fictional Shipton Abbott station.

5. University of Plymouth, Devon

For scenes involving higher education institutions, local laboratories, or administrative offices—such as Shipton Abbott College—filming is conducted at the University of Plymouth in Devon. The Davy Building on Portland Square and surrounding university courtyards have both served as active filming sets.

Filming Locations Summary Table

To help you easily map out every key spot, here is a breakdown of the real-world locations behind the fictional sights of Shipton Abbott:

Why Producers Chose Cornwall and Devon Over Other Locations

When planning the production of Beyond Paradise, executive producers faced a unique creative challenge. Death in Paradise established a distinct visual signature characterized by vibrant turquoise Caribbean waters, lush greenery, and bright sunlight. The spin-off needed an equally captivating visual style that felt warm and inviting, yet unmistakably British.

Executive Producer Tim Key explained that the team toured dozens of coastal towns throughout South West England before discovering Looe. They specifically wanted a location that felt like a genuine, thriving community rather than a seasonal tourist resort.

Cornwall’s Tamar Valley offered the ideal mix:

1. Authentic Coastal Heritage: Looe provided a real, working fishing harbour with active boats, local markets, and historic architecture.
2. Dramatic Topography: The combination of steep hills, tidal rivers, ancient stone bridges, and dense woodlands gave directors dynamic framing options for camera shots.
3. Mild Climate & Sunlight: Known as the “Cornish Riviera,” Cornwall enjoys some of the mildest weather and highest sunshine hours in the UK, helping preserve the bright, inviting color palette fans expect from the franchise.

How to Visit the Filming Locations of Beyond Paradise

If you are a dedicated fan planning a vacation to explore where Beyond Paradise is filmed, visiting these real-life destinations in Cornwall and Devon makes for a memorable trip. Most of the primary locations are easily accessible to the public.

       [ Ultimate 3-Day Beyond Paradise Itinerary ]
       
  Day 1: Looe Coastal Exploration
  +-------------------------------------------------------+
  | -> Walk Fore Street & photograph Looe Guildhall        |
  | -> Stroll across Banjo Pier & East Looe Beach         |
  | -> Take a boat trip around the harbour and quay       |
  +-------------------------------------------------------+
                            |
                            v
  Day 2: Tamar Valley & Historic Estates
  +-------------------------------------------------------+
  | -> Visit Port Eliot Estate & Stables Cafe             |
  | -> Take a guided walk around Pentillie Estate grounds |
  | -> View the towering Calstock Viaduct                 |
  +-------------------------------------------------------+
                            |
                            v
  Day 3: Heritage Railways & South Devon Coast
  +-------------------------------------------------------+
  | -> Ride a vintage steam train on South Devon Railway  |
  | -> Explore Buckfastleigh Station & Railway Museum     |
  +-------------------------------------------------------+

Tips for Planning Your Visit:

• Exploring Looe: Start your trip in East Looe. You can walk down Fore Street to see the Guildhall (the police station exterior), stroll along the quay, and take photos on Banjo Pier. Local walking tours specifically tailored to Beyond Paradise filming locations are also available.
• Visiting Pentillie Estate: Pentillie Castle is a private estate, but they host scheduled open garden days, outdoor events, and private stays throughout the year. Check their official event calendar in advance if you wish to view the riverside quay where Humphrey’s houseboat scenes are set.
• Riding the South Devon Railway: You can book tickets on the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh Station to experience a nostalgic steam train journey through the Dart Valley, taking in the same countryside views seen on the show.
• Best Time to Visit: To experience the warm, sunny atmosphere seen on television without battling peak summer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons—either late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Beyond Paradise filmed in real life?

Beyond Paradise is primarily filmed in the coastal town of Where Is Beyond Paradise Filmed, which stands in for the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbott. Additional filming takes place across the Tamar Valley, including Calstock, Saltash, the Port Eliot Estate, and the South Devon Railway in Buckfastleigh.

Is Shipton Abbott a real place in Devon?

No, Shipton Abbott is a completely fictional town created for Beyond Paradise. Although the story places the town in South Devon, the vast majority of filming actually occurs across the border in South East Cornwall.

Where is the police station in Beyond Paradise located?

The exterior of the Shipton Abbott Police Station is filmed at The Looe Guildhall, situated on Fore Street in East Looe, Cornwall. Built in 1877, this Grade II-listed building is a prominent town landmark featuring a tall clock tower.

Can you stay at the house where Humphrey and Martha live?

Humphrey and Martha’s home scenes are filmed at the Pentillie Estate near Saltash, Cornwall. While the specific riverside cottage and houseboat are part of a private estate, Pentillie Castle offers luxury accommodation, private holiday rentals, and public garden open days.

Is Beyond Paradise filmed in the same place as Death in Paradise?

No. Death in Paradise is filmed on the tropical French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe (which doubles as the fictional island of Saint Marie). Beyond Paradise is filmed in the United Kingdom, predominantly across Cornwall and Devon.

Conclusion

The captivating charm of Where Is Beyond Paradise Filmed relies heavily on its stunning setting. By pairing clever crime mysteries with the breathtaking natural scenery of South West England, the series creates a world that feels both refreshingly sunny and deeply comforting.

So, the next time someone asks where is Beyond Paradise filmed, you can confidently share that the fictional town of Shipton Abbott is brought to life in the historic streets, bustling harbours, and scenic riverbanks of Looe, Cornwall, alongside iconic heritage sites across Devon. Whether you are rewatching your favorite episodes or planning a staycation to walk in the footsteps of DI Humphrey Goodman, these real-world locations offer a genuine slice of British paradise.