Why is Cornwall buzzing? Beyond Paradise filming secrets revealed! big return to Beyond Paradise

 Discover where Beyond Paradise Season 4 is filmed in Cornwall, starring Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton. Get the latest updates on the Death in Paradise spin-off. Read now!

Introduction

Fans of Death in Paradise can’t stop talking about its spin-off, Beyond Paradise, which brings back Kris Marshall as the quirky Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman and Sally Bretton as his fiancée, Martha Lloyd. The show, set in the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbott, has been filming its fourth season in Cornwall, and social media is buzzing with excitement. Recent posts on Facebook show Sally Bretton grinning with fans in Looe, while Kris Marshall was spotted in Liskeard, dressed in his detective gear. 

Why does this matter? Because Beyond Paradise isn’t just a cozy crime drama—it’s a love letter to the West Country’s stunning landscapes and tight-knit communities, offering a fresh twist on the Death in Paradise formula. Unlike the Caribbean sunshine of Saint Marie, this show trades palm trees for rugged coastlines, and fans are eating it up. With filming underway for a 2026 release, let’s dive into where the show is shot, why these locations work, and what’s new for Season 4.

Why Cornwall Is the Perfect Backdrop for Beyond Paradise

Cornwall’s rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and quaint fishing villages make it a no-brainer for Beyond Paradise. The show’s creators chose the West Country because it feels like a paradise in its own right, distinct from the tropical vibes of Death in Paradise. Looe, the main filming hub, doubles as Shipton Abbott, blending tourist charm with a lived-in community feel. Producer Tim Key explained they wanted a place with “similarities to Saint Marie but its own personality.” 

Cornwall delivers: it’s got history, mystery, and a touch of smugglers’ lore, perfect for Humphrey’s quirky cases.Filming in Cornwall isn’t without challenges. The weather can be unpredictable—think sudden rain or chilly winds—unlike Guadeloupe’s reliable sunshine. Kris Marshall himself noted, “If it wasn’t so cold, you’d think you were in the Caribbean.” Common mistakes? Underestimating logistics.

 Crews have to navigate narrow streets and tides, like at Looe Bridge, a 1854 seven-arched beauty often featured. Messing up tide schedules can halt production. Cornwall’s charm is worth it, though—it puts the region on the map, boosting tourism. Just don’t expect to find Shipton Abbott on Google Maps; it’s fictional.

Key Filming Locations in Cornwall and Devon

The Beyond Paradise team has scouted some gorgeous spots, mostly in Cornwall, with a sprinkle of Devon. Here’s where you’ll see Humphrey and Martha in action:

• Looe, Cornwall: The heart of Shipton Abbott, Looe’s fishing harbor and winding Fore Street scream coastal charm. The Guildhall and Quayside Fresh often pop up as backdrops. Filming here, like on August 12, 2024, at St Nicholas Church, draws crowds of excited locals. Mistake to avoid: blocking Looe’s narrow streets without warning residents—productions have faced grumpy locals before.

• Port Eliot House & Gardens, St Germans: This grand estate adds a touch of history to scenes, often used for stately homes or eerie settings. Its sprawling grounds can be tricky to film in if weather turns sour.

• Liskeard, Cornwall: Kris Marshall was spotted here, likely filming at High Street or nearby. It’s a market town with a gritty, real feel—perfect for Humphrey’s investigations. Productions sometimes forget to coordinate with local businesses, causing disruptions.

• Weir Quay Boatyard, Devon: A rare Devon location, this boatyard on the Tamar River adds nautical vibes. Filming here requires precise timing with tides, or you’re stuck with unusable shots.

• Neon Nightclub, Bodmin: Renamed “Bounce” for the show, this club featured in Season 3’s nightlife scenes. Indoor shoots here avoid weather issues but need careful crowd control to keep fans at bay.

These locations aren’t just pretty—they ground the show’s small-town vibe. If crews don’t plan around local schedules, they risk delays or annoyed residents, which can sour community support.

What’s New for Season 4: Cast and Plot Updates

Season 4 is shaping up to be a big one. Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton are back as Humphrey and Martha, with their romance taking center stage after Season 3’s emotional rollercoaster. The couple opted not to marry but embraced fostering, only to face heartbreak when their foster daughter, Rosie, returned to her biological mother. Fans are dying to know: will they foster again? Tie the knot? Posts on X and Facebook are buzzing with speculation, with one fan saying, “Kris Marshall is by a mile the best DI!”

The core cast returns, including Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford, and Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins. Hugh Dennis is rumored to guest star, adding star power. Filming kicked off in August 2024, with scenes shot in Looe and Liskeard, as confirmed by fan photos on social media. 

The show’s expected to air in early 2026, likely with a Christmas special. Plot details are hush-hush, but expect more quirky cases and local superstitions. One mistake to avoid: overloading the plot with too many guest stars, which can dilute Humphrey’s charm. If the writers stray too far from the Death in Paradise vibe, they risk alienating fans.

How Filming Impacts Local Communities

Filming Beyond Paradise in Cornwall isn’t just about pretty shots—it’s a big deal for locals. Productions bring money to towns like Looe, with crews spending on hotels, food, and services. A 2022 Cornwall Live report noted that Beyond Paradise boosted local businesses during filming. But it’s not all rosy. Narrow streets get clogged, and parking can be a nightmare. In Looe, the land train even advertised “celeb spotting” to capitalize on the buzz, showing how communities lean into the hype.

Mistakes happen when productions don’t communicate. Forgetting to warn residents about road closures or loud night shoots can spark complaints. In St Mellion, fans spotted “BP Unit” signs at the golf club, where trailers park, but unclear signage can confuse locals. Done right, filming builds goodwill—Sally Bretton’s chats with fans in Looe left them glowing, with one saying, “Such a lovely lady and made our day.” Done wrong, it’s a PR headache.

Challenges of Filming a Crime Drama in the UK

Shooting a crime drama like Beyond Paradise in the UK comes with unique hurdles. Unlike Death in Paradise’s predictable Caribbean weather, Cornwall’s rain and fog can derail schedules. Kris Marshall called Kynance Cove a “smuggler’s paradise,” but its beauty hides logistical nightmares—think slippery cliffs or sudden storms. Crews must plan meticulously, or they’re stuck reshooting. Another challenge? Balancing the show’s cozy vibe with gritty cases. Writers risk making crimes too dark, clashing with the light tone fans love. Humphrey’s bumbling genius, honed in Death in Paradise, must stay intact, or the show loses its heart. Data point: Beyond Paradise Season 1 averaged 7 million viewers, proving its formula works when done right. Mess it up, and ratings could dip.

FAQs

Where is Beyond Paradise filmed?
Mostly in Cornwall, with Looe as the main stand-in for Shipton Abbott. Other spots include Liskeard, Port Eliot Estate, and Bodmin’s Neon Nightclub. Devon’s Weir Quay Boatyard also features. These locations give the show its coastal charm but require careful planning around weather and tides to avoid delays.

Who stars in Beyond Paradise Season 4?
Kris Marshall returns as DI Humphrey Goodman, with Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd. Zahra Ahmadi, Dylan Llewellyn, and Felicity Montagu are back, too, with Hugh Dennis rumored as a guest star. Their chemistry, especially Marshall and Bretton’s, is a big draw, but overloading with guest stars could dilute the focus.

When will Beyond Paradise Season 4 air?
Filming started in August 2024, with a release expected in early 2026, likely on BBC One and iPlayer. Previous seasons aired in February or March, so expect a similar timeline. Delays could happen if weather or logistics slow production.

What’s the plot of Beyond Paradise Season 4?
Details are scarce, but it’ll continue Humphrey and Martha’s romance after Season 3’s fostering journey. Expect quirky cases with local flavor, like Cornish superstitions. Fans hope for more fostering or wedding developments, but too many subplots could overwhelm the cozy vibe.

Why is Cornwall used instead of Devon?
Though set in fictional Shipton Abbott, Devon, Cornwall’s Looe was chosen for its vibrant community and scenic beauty. Producers felt Devon was underexplored in TV, but Cornwall’s fishing towns fit better. Mistaking the two can annoy locals, as they’re distinct counties.

Conclusion

Beyond Paradise Season 4 is shaping up to be another hit, with Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton back in Cornwall’s stunning landscapes. From Looe’s bustling harbor to Liskeard’s gritty streets, the filming locations bring Shipton Abbott to life, even if they come with weather woes and logistical headaches. Fans are thrilled, sharing snaps of the cast on social media, and the show’s mix of cozy crime and heartfelt romance keeps them hooked. With a 2026 release on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to catch up on BBC iPlayer. Got thoughts on Humphrey and Martha’s next chapter? Share them in the comments