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Medieval clapper bridge over the East Dart River at Postbridge on Dartmoor in West Country.

South Devon makes waves in the BBC crime drama…

We’ve been gripped by The Coroner! The hit daytime BBC 1 crime drama returned to our screens for Series 2 and the fabulous South Devon scenery has been one of the stars. We’ve loved the drama, but couldn’t help being distracted by ‘spotting’ some of our favourite West Country destinations.

The plot follows Jane Kennedy, coroner in the fictional Devon town of Lighthaven, who investigates local deaths with Detective Sergeant Davey Higgins, her childhood sweetheart.

Producers say the series’ slogan was ‘Summer holidays all day long every day’ and the glorious coastal locations in brilliant sunshine certainly don’t disappoint.

Here are a few locations you may recognise:

Dartmouth

Boats on the Water in Dartmouth

The main town, ‘Lighthaven’. “We wanted to feature Dartmouth as a major location as it’s so beautiful and the view across to Kingswear is breathtaking,” said the production team. “The way the light twinkles across the River Dart always makes it feel like summertime, even in February.”

Stay at 21 Dart Marina in the heart of the picturesque Elizabethan town.

 

Blackpool Sands

The beautiful curved beach was the unlikely backdrop for a shocking harpoon murder!

Stay at nearby Landcombe Cottage, Strete.

 

Salcombe

Salcombe North Sands

The original choice for Lighthaven, but the busy little streets were impractical for filming. There are spectacular estuary shots from nearby Bolt Head airfield though.

Stay at Anchor View, 50 yards from Salcombe’s waterside.

 

Dartington

The Dartington Estate, with its wonderful walking and interesting shops, was home of the production office and featured in some scenes.

Stay at The Old Stables in countryside nearby.

 

Dartmoor

Widecombe Approach

Bonehill Rocks, Bellever Forest and Hound Tor make a striking contrast in a couple of episodes to the coastal scenes.

Stay at Hay Tor Cottage on open moorland near Widecombe-in-the-Moor.

 

Lukesland House and Gardens

Lukesland House and Gardens

A beautiful 24 acre woodland valley garden near Ivybridge, stunning and serene.

Stay at The Clock House, hidden within the grounds of Lukesland House.

 

Brixham

Brixham Harbour

Scenes were shot on the cliffs at Berry Head near Brixham and at the café there.

Stay at Bayview, an ocean-facing apartment looking out onto the crystal clear waters.

 

Hallsands

Hallsands, Devon

Once a thriving fishing community which was famously swept away on a stormy night almost a hundred years ago. Now it’s a tranquil gem of a cove.

Stay at 13 Burgh Island Causeway with panoramic views of The Coroner coastline.


Have you been inspired to visit this beautiful area of Devon? Take a look at these stunning cottages in South Devon.