Where was Playing Nice filmed? Our Guide to the Drama’s Filming Locations in Cornwall

You became a parent. You built a life around your tiny human. It’s been three years of unconditional love and bedtime stories. And then, suddenly, life shatters.

He’s not yours. He was switched with another baby at the hospital. And that’s just the first episode…Watch the trailer below.

The heart-wrenching story of Playing Nice, ITV’s new drama, was set on the dramatic shores of Cornwall. The wild Cornish coast brings to the show a feeling of being in too deep; of being out of control. The drama starring James Norton and Niamh Algar showcases the sublime scenery of our peninsula. In this post, we round up the top filming locations of Playing Nice.

Playing Nice film location in Cornwall include:

  • The Jubilee Pool in Penzance: the confrontation between Lucy and Maddie in Playing Nice was filmed at Penzance Jubilee Pool. It’s the largest seawater pool in the UK, and there’s also a warm geothermal pool on site.

  • Park Head near Porthcothan: National Trust’s Park Head was used as a filming location for Playing Nice. The dramatic clifftops of Park Head feature in a crucial scene in the final episode of the series.

  • Mawgan Porth in North Cornwall: Many of the beach scenes in Playing Nice were filmed in Mawgan Porth. This holiday hot-spot on Cornwall’s North Coast is also where Miles and Lucy’s impressive home is set.

If you’re looking for a place to stay near to the Playing Nice filming locations, and ideas for what to do in and around the ITV drama’s impressive backdrops, read on and gain local insight from our team of Cornish locals…

1. The Cliff Tops of Park Head: The Final Scenes of Playing Nice

The National Trust area of Park Head, near Porthcothan Beach and Bedruthan Steps, is where the dramatic final scenes of Playing Nice are set. A striking backdrop to the emotionally charged scene, Park Head showcases views of towering sea stacks and often stormy seas.

The sea stacks of Bedruthan - a filming location of Playing Nice

Take the National Trust walk from the carpark, through the way-marked field tracks and towards the coastline, where you’ll see the famed Bedruthan Steps. Legend has it, a giant named Bedruthan used the stacks as stepping stones!

What to do near Park Head

  • Picnic at Porthcothan: Near to the Playing Nice filming location of beautiful Park Head, you can visit Porthcothan Bay, a sandy beach perfect for picnics and exploring tidal rock pools.

  • Tea overlooking the sea: If you’re exploring Bedruthan Steps, stop by Carnewas for its National Trust tea rooms for a cream tea outside or a hearty lunch in the winter months.

  • Star-studded surfing: If you’re looking for water sports adventure on your holiday in North Cornwall, stop by Mawgan Porth for surf lessons (the cast of Playing Nice had surf sessions at Mawgan Porth whilst not on set).

  • Old Macdonald’s Farm: In the Spring and Summer, you can visit this family-friendly farm. Chill out in the cafe, enjoy animal encounters, a playground and space to run around just moments from Porthcothan Bay.

A luxury holiday home for two, close to Playing Nice filming locations in North Cornwall

The Calf House is a pristine and private couples escape, complete with a bubbling hot tub and parking. From this quiet location, drive 10-15 minutes to Park Head, 15 minutes to Porthcothan beach, or 10 minutes to the wide and breathtaking beach of Watergate Bay, also featured in Playing Nice. Click here to view other beautiful homes in this idyllic area of North Cornwall.

A family home, close to National Trust’s beautiful Park Head

Eco-Conscious, spacious, and with a modern design, Little Spring is just minutes from beautiful Porthcothan Bay, and a five-minute drive to Park Head. You can often watch horses up close from the huge windows. A truly magical spot.

2. Penzance Jubilee Pool: Maddie and Lucy’s Confrontation

With vast Art Deco architecture and a stunning coastal location, the Jubilee Pool in Penzance served as the striking backdrop for the intense confrontation between Lucy and Maddie in Playing Nice. The iconic lido is the largest seawater pool in the UK.

Constructed in 1935, the pool is filled with seawater directly from Mount’s Bay, offering a unique swimming experience that feels deeply connected to the ocean. In addition to the main pool, the site is home to a geothermal pool, a rarity in the UK. Heated sustainably by natural geothermal energy sourced from deep underground, this warm pool provides a more indulgent, year-round option.

What else can you do near the Jubilee Pool?

  • Explore St. Michael’s Mount: Take a short drive or coastal walk to Marazion and visit the iconic tidal island, accessible via a causeway or boat, with a medieval castle and stunning views of Mounts Bay.

  • Experience Chapel Street: Mooch around this historic street lined with quirky shops and cosy cafés, rummage though the antiques and marvel at the eclectic mix of buildings.

  • Visit Newlyn: Newlyn is a living, breathing working port, where life is shaped by the sea. It’s not a picture-perfect postcard, but its charm lies in its authenticity. Beauty is woven into its industry, heritage and purpose.

The Carthouse: A Stunning Eco-Conscious Holiday Home in St Buryan

The Carthouse is a luxury, dog friendly home, sleeping 4 and less than 15 minutes from Penzance Jubilee Pool. If you’re looking for a eco-mindful retreat where luxury is not compromised, here a wood fired hot tub tempts with big starry skies, and the interior design is gorgeous.

Ferry Cottage: A tranquil home in Mazazion

Cosy, charming and calm, this idyllic home is moments from Marazion village and beach. Bring your dog and head out on the coastal paths!

3. Watergate Bay: The Beach & Maddie’s Restaurant

Watergate Bay is featured in the drama Playing Nice. In fact, the scenes set in Maddie’s restaurant were filmed at Zacry’s Restaurant on Watergate, where you can dine with a view, enjoying seasonal, local, and creative dishes.

Watergate Bay is a fabulous beach year round. It’s dog friendly, great for surfing, and offers breathtaking sunsets. Plus, at Watergate Bay you are in a plum position to explore the North Coast – either down to Porth, Newquay, Crantock and beyond, or up to Constantine, Harlyn Bay and Padstow.

What to do near Watergate bay…

  • Rock pooling at Watergate Bay: This beach is a wonderful place to discover the weird and wonderful creatures that hide on our shores. There’s a lot to uncover when you stand in the shallow pools, and wait for maritime life to settle around you.
  • Explore the famous seven… Head up the coast and visit the famous Seven Bays – a collection of much-loved beaches located around the village of St Merryn. Beginning at Porthcothan Bay, close to Newquay, and ending at Trevone Bay, near Padstow, the bays are connected by scenic coastal trails, offering breathtaking views and abundant wildlife.

Whipsy, Porth: A Sea View Apartment Moments From Watergate Bay

Take advantage of the central location of Whipsy and walk to Whipsiderry Beach (via the 130 steps leading down) and Porth Beach in under 5 minutes. Or join the coastal path and walk to Watergate Bay in around 15 minutes. The town of Newquay has so much to offer, with artisan cafes, delis, and bars putting Newquay on the foodie map of Cornwall. 

Seashell, Pentire: Ocean views and romance

Sleeping 2, this sea view apartment is just moments from some of the best -loved surfing beaches of North Cornwall. Discover the world-renowned water and first-class fine dining in and around Fistral, Watergate and Holywell Bay.

4. Mawgan Porth: Surfing Scenes

Mawgan Porth’s idyllic surfing beach not only acts as the setting for relationships unfolding, but also left a lasting impression on those involved in the production. This picturesque beach of Mawgan Porth serves as the setting for many surfing scenes in the drama. But the allure of the stunning beach captivated the cast during their off-screen time too, when they took the opportunity to learn to surf with local instructors at King Surf School. Why not book a surf session with them on your next North Cornwall adventure?

Experience Mawgan Porth…

  • Retail therapy: Right beside the beach, Roos Beach is an award-winning fashion and lifestyle shop, showcasing the goods of Ganni, Damson Madder and more.
  • The local pub: The Merrymoor is a family run locals favourite, serving classic dishes right on the beach front, often with live music.

Stargazey, near Mawgan Porth

Nestled near Mawgan Porth, Stargazey offers rustic charm with modern interiors, local artwork, reverse-living design, and space for four—perfect for a serene North Cornwall escape.

Tresaldon, near Mawgan Porth

Immerse yourself in the colours, sights and sounds of coastal Cornwall. This luxury holiday home in Mawgan Porth has been transformed to offer a first-class haven set high above the rolling surf and golden sands of Mawgan Porth.

View our luxury homes in North Cornwall, perfect for visiting the Playing Nice filming locations.