When BBC One launched Beyond Paradise, a spin-off of the hugely popular Death in Paradise, fans were instantly hooked. While the original series transported viewers to the Caribbean island of Saint Marie, Beyond Paradise offers something different—a refreshing yet equally picturesque setting in the UK. Viewers have been fascinated not only by the gripping mysteries and loveable characters but also by the scenic backdrop. This has left many people asking: Where is Beyond Paradise filmed?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the filming locations of Beyond Paradise, including details about the real-life town that inspired the fictional setting of Shipton Abbott, key landmarks used in the show, and why producers chose this part of the UK.
Introduction to Beyond Paradise
Beyond Paradise is a crime drama series developed as a spin-off of Death in Paradise. It follows DI Humphrey Goodman (played by Kris Marshall), who relocates from Saint Marie to his fiancée Martha Lloyd’s (Sally Bretton) hometown in Devon, England. Instead of solving crimes in the Caribbean heat, Goodman now finds himself working in a picturesque but quirky coastal town in the UK, where mysteries are just as compelling.
The show mixes light-hearted humor, character-driven storytelling, and the classic whodunit format. But beyond the plots, one of the biggest stars of the series is undoubtedly the filming location itself.
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The Fictional Setting: Shipton Abbott
In the show, the central action takes place in Shipton Abbott, a fictional seaside town in Devon. The town is portrayed as a charming, close-knit community with stunning countryside, cobbled streets, colorful markets, and striking coastal views.
Although Shipton Abbott doesn’t exist in reality, it is largely inspired by South West England, particularly Devon and Cornwall. The show aims to showcase the natural beauty and cultural warmth of this region, and it succeeds in making Shipton Abbott feel like a real place that viewers wish they could visit.
Primary Filming Location: Looe, Cornwall
The heart of Beyond Paradise filming lies in the Cornish fishing town of Looe. Located in South East Cornwall, Looe is a small but vibrant harbor town known for its scenic coastline, sandy beaches, narrow winding streets, and historic buildings.
Why Looe Was Chosen
The producers were searching for a location that could capture the charm of a quintessential English seaside town while also offering variety for storytelling. Looe’s picturesque harbor, rolling hills, and historic character made it the perfect choice.
The town is also popular among tourists, and its friendly community vibe fits perfectly with the atmosphere the show aims to portray in Shipton Abbott.
Key Filming Spots in Looe
Here are some of the most recognizable Beyond Paradise filming spots in and around Looe:
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Looe Harbour – Many exterior shots of Shipton Abbott showcase Looe’s bustling harbor, complete with fishing boats and stunning views of the water.
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Fore Street – Looe’s main shopping street often appears in the background of market and town scenes. Its narrow streets and charming storefronts perfectly capture the small-town feel.
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Looe Beach & Banjo Pier – The sandy beach and iconic pier are featured in several episodes, highlighting the town’s coastal beauty.
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Historic Buildings – The town’s cottages, pubs, and old stone houses frequently appear as filming backdrops, giving authenticity to the Shipton Abbott setting.
Additional Filming Locations in Cornwall and Devon
While Looe serves as the main hub, Beyond Paradise also uses nearby locations across Cornwall and Devon to create the fictional world of Shipton Abbott.
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Plymouth (Devon) – Certain police station interiors and modern settings were filmed in Plymouth, a historic port city.
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Cornish Countryside – Rolling fields, farmland, and wooded areas across South East Cornwall often appear in outdoor scenes.
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Fowey & Polperro – Other nearby coastal villages occasionally double as locations within Shipton Abbott.
These areas provide the show with a mix of coastal beauty, historic charm, and rural landscapes, all essential for crafting diverse mystery plots.
How Filming Impacts Looe
Since the release of Beyond Paradise, Looe has seen a rise in tourism. Fans of the show often visit the town to see the filming locations in real life. Local businesses, including cafes, pubs, and shops, have benefited from this increased attention.
In fact, many locals have expressed pride in their town being featured on national television. The production team worked closely with residents and local councils to ensure filming didn’t disrupt daily life, and instead brought positive exposure to the area.
Comparing Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise Locations
One of the most interesting aspects of the spin-off is the shift in location. While Death in Paradise is filmed in Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, Beyond Paradise trades tropical beaches for quaint British charm.
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Death in Paradise: Sunny, exotic, Caribbean island vibe.
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Beyond Paradise: Cosy, picturesque, traditional seaside town in the UK.
Both shows showcase very different settings but retain the same comforting, escapist feel that fans love.
Tourist Appeal: Visiting Looe
If you’re a fan of Beyond Paradise, visiting Looe can be a real treat. Some must-see highlights include:
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East Looe Beach – Perfect for a family day out.
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The Old Guildhall Museum – Learn about the town’s rich history.
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South West Coast Path – Offers stunning cliffside walks with panoramic views.
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Boat Trips – Explore Looe Island and see the coastline from the water.
It’s not just a filming spot; Looe is a destination full of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Conclusion
So, where is Beyond Paradise filmed? The answer lies primarily in the Cornish town of Looe, with additional scenes shot around Cornwall and Devon. The fictional town of Shipton Abbott may not exist, but it is deeply inspired by this charming region of South West England.
The choice of location is no accident—just like Death in Paradise showcased the Caribbean, Beyond Paradise highlights the beauty of the UK coastline. From harbor views to cobbled streets, Looe has become as much a character in the show as the detectives and townsfolk.
For fans of the series, a trip to Looe offers the chance to step right into the world of Beyond Paradise—making it not just a TV setting but also a real-life travel destination worth exploring.
