Devon has become an increasingly popular filming location. Salcombe has long been admired for its natural beauty, but in recent years it has also stepped confidently into the cinematic spotlight. With its sweeping coastal views and golden beaches, this corner of South Devon is perfect for the big screen. The release of the new film The Roses (2025) has further cemented Salcombe as the no. 1 spot to visit. Its natural beauty brings international attention to its beaches, coastline and characterful seaside charm.
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, The Roses uses the Devon coast not simply as a backdrop, but as an integral part of the film’s atmosphere. The coastal scenes, filmed at North Sands in Salcombe and Blackpool Sands, capture the emotional depth and visual drama that this landscape naturally provides.
North Sands is just a short walk from Salcombe town. Nestled between rolling hills and opening onto the estuary, it feels both sheltered and expansive. In The Roses, this balance is reflected beautifully on screen. The shoreline, shifting tides and soft coastal light add a sense of realism. Quiet intensity to the scenes filmed there, grounding the performances of Cumberbatch and Colman in a setting that feels authentic and lived-in.
Blackpool Sands, by contrast, brings a broader, more dramatic coastal presence. Known for its wide sweep of fine shingle, clear turquoise water and wooded backdrop. It is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Devon. On film. Its open horizon and powerful sense of space lend scale and emotional resonance to the story. The beach’s cinematic quality is unmistakable, and it is easy to see why it was chosen to complement the more intimate feel of North Sands.
One of the most talked-about transformations during filming was that of The Winking Prawn, a much-loved Salcombe landmark. Traditionally a relaxed and slightly weathered beachside café, it was taken over as a major part of the film and reimagined as a new venture within the storyline. The familiar shack was carefully redesigned, turning it into something fresh and visually striking while retaining the spirit of its seaside setting. Seeing a well-known local spot transformed for the screen added excitement and a sense of occasion for both residents and visitors.
The presence of Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman brought further attention to the area. Both actors are known for performances rich in emotional nuance, and the Devon coastline provided an ideal setting to support that depth. The subtle shifts in light, the sound of the sea and the natural rhythm of the coast all contribute to the mood of the film, enhancing the storytelling without overpowering it.
The Roses also reinforces the reputation of the Devon coastline as one of the UK’s most sought-after filming locations. From dramatic cliffs and hidden coves to expansive beaches and characterful towns, Devon offers an extraordinary range of scenery within a relatively compact area. Its versatility allows it to stand in for many settings while retaining a strong sense of authenticity.
Salcombe, in particular, has a timeless quality that translates beautifully to film. The town’s close relationship with the sea — boats resting on calm waters, beaches shaped by the tide, and coastal paths weaving through the landscape — creates a visual narrative that feels natural rather than staged.
It is not only beaches and cafés that attract production teams to the South Hams. Boutique properties and characterful houses in the area are increasingly considered for film and television, offering privacy, distinctive architecture and adaptable spaces. Brightham House, set just outside Salcombe, is one such location that could lend itself beautifully to the right production. With its elegant interiors, peaceful setting and proximity to the coast, it reflects the understated charm and sense of place that filmmakers often seek when looking for authentic Devon locations.
For visitors, walking along North Sands or Blackpool Sands after seeing them on screen adds a quiet sense of connection. Recognising familiar places creates a new layer of interest, yet Salcombe never loses its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Even as its profile grows, it remains grounded in everyday coastal life.
Beyond film, the coastline continues to invite exploration. Coastal paths reveal new perspectives with every turn, beaches change character with the tide, and the light transforms the landscape throughout the day. Whether drawn by cinema, nature or the desire to slow down, Salcombe offers an experience that feels rich and immersive.
The filming of The Roses has also highlighted the importance of preserving these landscapes. The unspoilt beaches, clear waters and sense of space that make Salcombe attractive to filmmakers are the same qualities that residents and visitors treasure. Seeing them celebrated on screen only deepens that appreciation.
As The Roses reaches audiences beyond Devon, Salcombe continues quietly being itself. The beaches remain shaped by the sea, The Winking Prawn returns to its familiar role, and places like Brightham House sit peacefully within the landscape — part of a coastline that tells stories both on screen and in real life.
Round-Up: Salcombe, Cinema and the Devon Coast
The Roses (2025), starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, has shone a spotlight on Salcombe and the surrounding Devon coastline. Filmed at North Sands, Blackpool Sands and featuring the transformation of The Winking Prawn, the film highlights why this area is so compelling for storytelling.
With its beaches, coastal paths and characterful properties such as Brightham House, Salcombe continues to inspire filmmakers and visitors alike — a place where cinema, landscape and everyday life blend effortlessly.