Captivated by ITV’s psychological thriller Playing Nice, you’re not alone. Beyond the gripping performances and tense storyline, one element that truly stands out is the dramatic coastal backdrop. Viewers everywhere are searching for Playing Nice film locations to discover where this haunting series was brought to life. Although the original novel by JP Delaney is set in London, the television adaptation takes a bold creative turn by relocating the story to the rugged coastline of Cornwall, England. The result? Sweeping cliffside views, windswept beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and stunning seaside architecture heighten the drama’s emotional tension. In this complete guide, we’ll explore all the confirmed Playing Nice filming locations, why Cornwall was chosen, and how you can visit these beautiful sites yourself.
Where Was Playing Nice Filmed?
The ITV drama Playing Nice was filmed primarily in Cornwall, South West England. Production took place in late 2023 and early 2024, with much of the series shot on location rather than in studio settings.
Cornwall’s raw Atlantic coastline provides the perfect atmospheric setting for a psychological thriller. With its isolated beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming harbour towns, the region enhances the show’s themes of identity, trust, and emotional conflict.
Why Cornwall Was Chosen as the Main Filming Location
Although the book version of Playing Nice is set in London, the show’s producers deliberately chose Cornwall for the TV adaptation. The relocation wasn’t random — it was a creative decision that adds emotional depth and visual intensity.
Here’s why Cornwall works so well:
- Dramatic coastal scenery mirrors the characters’ emotional turbulence.
- Remote landscapes create a sense of isolation and vulnerability.
- Winter filming conditions provided moody skies and fewer crowds.
- Natural lighting and real environments enhance realism.
Cornwall has become a popular filming destination in recent years, but in Playing Nice, it feels uniquely atmospheric and integral to the story.
Major Playing Nice Film Locations in Cornwall
Let’s explore the most important filming spots featured in the series.
St Ives, Cornwall
One of the most recognizable Playing Nice film locations is St Ives, a charming seaside town on Cornwall’s north coast.
Why St Ives Was Used
St Ives offers:
- A picturesque harbour
- Narrow cobbled streets
- Panoramic ocean views
- Golden sandy beaches
These elements make it visually striking while still feeling intimate and enclosed — ideal for a psychological drama.
Scenes Filmed Here
Exterior street scenes and coastal shots were filmed around the harbour area. The town’s natural beauty contrasts sharply with the emotional tension unfolding in the story.
Visiting St Ives
If you’re planning a Playing Nice filming location tour, St Ives is easily accessible and packed with cafes, art galleries, and coastal walking routes.
Padstow Harbour
Another key filming location is Padstow, a well-known fishing port on the north Cornish coast.
What Makes Padstow Special
Padstow is famous for:
- It’s working harbour
- Fresh seafood restaurants
- Charming waterfront views
- Traditional Cornish architecture
How It Appears in Playing Nice
The harbour scenes help ground the story in an authentic coastal community. The natural working environment adds realism and texture to the series.
Padstow’s blend of beauty and functionality made it an excellent choice for grounding emotional scenes in everyday surroundings.
Mawgan Porth Beach
If you noticed powerful beach sequences in Playing Nice, they were likely filmed at Mawgan Porth Beach.
About Mawgan Porth
- Located between Newquay and Padstow
- Known for strong Atlantic waves
- Popular with surfers
- Wide open sands framed by cliffs
Why It’s Important
The vast openness of Mawgan Porth contrasts with the characters’ emotional confinement. The crashing waves and dramatic tides amplify moments of tension.
Filming here during winter enhanced the moody atmosphere, with grey skies and turbulent seas adding visual drama.
Porthcothan Bay
Another beach featured in the series is Porthcothan Bay, a quieter, more secluded location.
What You’ll Notice
- Sandy coves
- Rocky outcrops
- Expansive coastal views
- Less commercial feel
Porthcothan Bay’s relative isolation makes it perfect for emotionally intense or private scenes. Its natural beauty feels untouched and slightly wild — aligning perfectly with the show’s psychological themes.
Park Head (Clifftop Scenes)
For some of the most visually stunning shots, production moved to Park Head, a dramatic clifftop location near Padstow.
Why Park Head Stands Out
- Towering cliffs
- Sweeping Atlantic views
- Windswept grasslands
- Cinematic elevation shots
These scenes create a powerful sense of exposure and vulnerability. The height and openness of Park Head visually reflect emotional risk and instability.
If you love dramatic coastal photography, this is one of the most breathtaking Playing Nice film locations to visit.
Mevagissey Fishing Village
The series was also filmed in Mevagissey, a traditional Cornish fishing village on the south coast.
What Makes Mevagissey Unique
- Colourful boats
- Narrow winding streets
- Quaint harbour atmosphere
- Authentic fishing community
Mevagissey’s compact layout adds a sense of intimacy. Scenes filmed here feel personal and grounded in a close-knit environment.
It’s one of Cornwall’s most photogenic villages and an ideal stop for fans wanting to explore filming locations.
Jubilee Pool, Penzance
One of the most distinctive filming locations for Playing Nice is Jubilee Pool in Penzance.
About Jubilee Pool
- Art Deco lido built in the 1930s
- Iconic triangular seawater pool
- Located on the seafront in Penzance
This visually unique setting provides a striking backdrop for dramatic character interactions. The clean architectural lines contrast with the emotional complexity of the story.
Jubilee Pool is open to visitors seasonally and remains one of Cornwall’s architectural gems.
Tate St Ives
Yes, the famous Tate St Ives art gallery also appears in the series.
Why Tate St Ives Was Chosen
- Modern glass architecture
- Stunning sea-facing views
- Cultural sophistication
- Elegant interior spaces
The gallery setting adds a layer of refinement and contrast to the otherwise rugged coastal surroundings.
Visitors can tour the real gallery and enjoy contemporary art exhibitions while soaking in panoramic ocean views.
Zacry’s Restaurant, Watergate Bay
Some interior dining scenes were filmed at Zacry’s Restaurant in Watergate Bay.
About Zacry’s
- Located at the Watergate Bay Hotel
- Floor-to-ceiling ocean views
- Stylish modern interior
- Overlooks one of Cornwall’s best beaches
Using real restaurants instead of constructed sets enhances authenticity. Fans can actually dine here and experience a real Playing Nice filming location firsthand.
The Role of Cornwall in the Story
Cornwall isn’t just a backdrop — it becomes a character in Playing Nice.
How the Setting Enhances the Drama
- Isolation – Coastal remoteness increases tension.
- Natural Power – The Atlantic Ocean symbolizes unpredictability.
- Community feels – Small towns intensify interpersonal conflict.
- Visual Contrast – Beautiful scenery contrasts emotional turmoil.
By shifting the setting from London to Cornwall, the series creates a more intimate and visually striking experience.
When Was Playing Nice Filmed?
Filming took place during late 2023 and early 2024.
Winter filming provided:
- Moody skies
- Rough seas
- Fewer tourists
- Controlled shooting conditions
This timing helped achieve the dark and suspenseful tone that defines the show.
Can You Visit Playing Nice Film Locations?
Yes — and that’s one of the best parts!
All the major filming locations are real public places in Cornwall. You can:
- Walk the beaches of Mawgan Porth
- Explore Padstow Harbour
- Visit Tate St Ives
- Swim at Jubilee Pool
- Hike the cliffs at Park Head
- Dine at Zacry’s Restaurant
Many of these locations are within driving distance of one another, making it easy to plan a multi-stop filming location tour.
Planning Your Playing Nice Filming Location Tour
If you’re visiting Cornwall to explore the series’ filming sites, consider:
Best Time to Visit
- Spring and early autumn for fewer crowds
- Summer for warmer weather
- Winter for dramatic scenery (like the show)
Suggested Route
- Start in St Ives
- Visit Tate St Ives
- Drive to Padstow
- Explore Park Head cliffs
- Stop at Mawgan Porth Beach
- Visit Porthcothan Bay
- Head south to Mevagissey
- Finish at Jubilee Pool, Penzance=
Final Thoughts on Playing Nice Film Locations
The success of Playing Nice isn’t just about its performances or storyline — the breathtaking Cornish landscapes play a crucial role in shaping its tone and emotional impact.
From windswept beaches and towering cliffs to charming harbours and modern art galleries, the Playing Nice film locations showcase the best of Cornwall’s natural beauty.
