BBC’s Beyond Paradise has prompted fans to flock to a beautiful rural coastal town, with local businesses seeing a surge in bookings and tourism, according to recent reports
Beyond Paradise has earned a legion of fans since its debut in February 2023, quickly becoming one of the BBC’s most popular new crime dramas.
As a spin-off of the popular Death in Paradise, the series follows DI Humphrey Goodman – played by Kris Marshall – after he traded the Caribbean for the quaint English town of Shipton Abbott in Devon. Joined by his fiancée Martha (Sally Bretton) and a lovable new team, including Zahra Ahmadi, Dylan Llewellyn, and Felicity Montagu, Humphrey tackles quirky small-town cases in the much-loved episodes.
But Beyond Paradise isn’t just fun to watch, it’s had a real impact on the area where it’s filmed. Residents in the stunning Cornish town of Looe have said the series has brought an influx of visitors, helping local businesses to thrive. And according to a BBC report, tourism is booming and business is better than ever.
One local, Ben Palmer, chef and owner of the Sardine Factory in Looe, told the news outlet: “Beyond Paradise has had a very positive impact on the town. People are visiting us more here, which is great. At the restaurant, we have seen a massive uptake in bookings, which is fantastic.”
The business was even featured in an episode of Beyond Paradise, although it was renamed the “Ten Mile Kitchen”. Reflecting on the experience, he added: “It was quite funny to see our restaurant turn into something else. People are coming down to visit us to see the set they saw on the episode, so we are very lucky and privileged to have featured.”
Looe, located 45 minutes from Plymouth, is home to ‘hidden treasures’, including beautiful woodland, cobbled streets with independent shops and local restaurants, and sandy beaches that are safe for swimming. The town is divided into east and west by its river and connected by the famous Looe Bridge. While the two halves are different, they both boast charming views.
Meanwhile, Adam Hackett, owner of Choklet, a cocktail bar in Looe, shared how Beyond Paradise has also brought “amazing” changes to his business. “We’re seeing a huge footfall off the back of the programme,” he said. “We’re seeing more customers, including a lot more foreign tourists, actually.”
It comes as DI Humphrey star Kris Marshall opened up about his favourite filming locations, revealing his love for the seaside. “I’m a big fan of getting my ‘vitamin sea’—whether it’s surfing or swimming, being by the water makes me happy,” reports Cornwall Live.
He added: “One of my favourite filming locations is Rame Head in Cornwall. It offers stunning views and has a fascinating abandoned military site, complete with old tanks and artillery steps. It’s a great spot for filming and after work you can head down to a secret cove for a swim.”
The actor also revealed another cherished location, describing it as a peaceful escape. “Another favourite is Mothecombe Beach, which is a secluded spot only accessible on foot,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zahra Ahmadi, who plays Detective Sergeant Esther Williams, particularly enjoyed filming in the picturesque village of Charlestown. She shared how much she loved the location, staying nearby in St Austell at the time.
Dylan Llewellyn, known for his role in Derry Girls, echoed the sentiment, sharing his love for filming in Looe. The actor, who plays PC Kelby Hartford, spoke fondly of the town, saying, “Looe is always one of my favourite locations.”
He added: “It’s such a lovely spot and the people there are so accommodating, always great sports when we’re filming. There’s just something about filming in such beautiful parts of Devon and Cornwall that makes it all feel even more special.”
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