When Hollywood comes calling, it does not always head to Los Angeles. Sometimes, it discovers its most stunning backdrops right here in Devon. The brand-new film The Roses, starring Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, may be set in California, but its most breathtaking scenes were filmed along our very own South Devon coast.
A Story of Love, Rivalry and Coastal Charm
The Roses tells the tale of Ivy and Theo Rose, a couple whose marriage crumbles in spectacularly dramatic fashion. While the story unfolds in the world of California glamour, the true star of the film is Devon itself. From the pastel cottages of Salcombe to the golden sands of North Sands Beach, Devon’s scenery lends the film a warmth and beauty that no studio set could ever replicate.
Where to Spot the Film Locations
Film fans and curious visitors alike can walk in the footsteps of the stars.
- The Winking Prawn Café at North Sands was transformed into the film’s seafood hotspot “We’ve Got Crabs.” Today, you can stop by for a relaxed seaside meal and take in the same views captured on screen.
- North Sands Beach provides the perfect setting for both tender moments and stormy arguments. A stroll here reveals why filmmakers were drawn to its wide sands and sheltered waters.
- Cliff Road in Salcombe offers a glimpse of elegant waterfront living, complete with sweeping estuary views. Even without a camera crew, it is a picture-perfect walk.
Why Devon Shines on Screen
Devon is more than just a backdrop. The contrast between the tranquil setting and the turmoil of the Roses’ marriage only enhances the film’s tension. For visitors, that same contrast makes for a memorable escape. You can bask in serene coastal beauty one moment and dive into lively restaurants, harbours and walking trails the next.
Plan Your Own Devon Film Tour
If The Roses has left you inspired, why not create your own cinematic adventure? Spend a day wandering Salcombe’s boutique-lined streets, pause for fresh seafood with sea views, or take a ferry across the estuary for postcard-perfect panoramas. Devon delivers not just film-worthy scenery but also the chance to live your own story surrounded by coastal splendour.
The Roses may be making headlines, but Devon is the one leaving audiences breathless. Whether you come for the film connection or simply for the fresh sea air and charm, the South Devon coast is ready for its close-up.
