Playing Nice filming locations and lookalike homes in Cornwall

The I T V drama causing a stir in Mawgan Porth

Even if you haven't watched it, there's a good chance you've heard about it. New for 2025, ITV's four-part baby-swapping drama Playing Nice was filmed on the Cornish coast last year. Based on the book by JP Delaney, it shines a light on the beaches, restaurants and high-end homes that it brought to our screens.

Through our team of local concierge experts and good old-fashioned research, we've uncovered the filming locations that appear on the show. Think surf lessons with James Norton, fine dining in Watergate Bay, and sea-view homes that look oh-so-familiar...

Lookalike homes

Lucy and Miles' house

Let's start with the thing everyone's talking about: that house. We won't disclose the exact property used as Lucy and Miles' ultra-luxe home, but we can point you in the direction of some fabulous lookalikes nearby.

As Times Luxx points out, Red Cove is one of the most magical places to holiday in the UK: "It's big yet intimate and homely; low-profile, yet spacious enough to host large groups." Like a lot of the series, it's set in Mawgan Porth and affords sparkling views over the coastline. It sleeps 12 guests and our team are on hand from the moment you book for all your surf lesson, restaurant reservation, and taxi booking needs. Our concierge hub will have the ideas flowing in no time.

If you're looking for similarities with the on-screen home, Red Cove shares the beachfront location, sweeping ocean views, glass-fronted facade, private hot tub, and ample social space to cook and dine. Plus, with a clifftop sauna and heated outdoor pool, it promises the perfect escape for wellbeing retreats.

Take a closer look around Red Cove with our concierge case studies, or discover our sea-view properties in Mawgan Porth: Panorama, Trevenek, Owls, Prennek House, Gabriel's View, The Lookout, Headlands and The Hideout.

Mawgan Porth

Pete and Miles go surfing

We'd recognise the Mawgan Porth coastline anywhere - it's one of the most striking in the county. The rugged cliffs and tumbling swell provide the backdrop for an overjoyed Pete (James Norton) and seemingly supportive Miles (James McArdle) as they take to the waves for a surf in episode one.

One of the main locations used in the series, you'll find Mawgan Porth between Porthcothan and Newquay. As well as some of our favourite wild sauna experiences, it's home to first-class restaurants like Ogo, and beach-view pubs like The Merrymoor.

Between filming, our local concierge contacts at Kingsurf welcomed actor James Norton for some off-camera coaching. For those holidaying in Mawgan Porth, tailored surf lessons are the perfect way to immerse yourself in Cornish life. Ask our Concierge team for more of their favourite local schools.

Watergate Bay

Maddie's restaurant

We've been recommending this sea-view restaurant to our guests since the beginning, so we were thrilled to see Zacry's make an appearance in the series. With rattan pendants overhead, and golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see, the view from here is just as special in real life as it is on-screen. That's why we recommended it as one of our must-visit restaurants in 2024.

Having been home to some equally incredible eateries like Emily Scott and Watchful Mary in the past, Zacry's is now headed up by Chris Eden. Niamh Algar plays owner and head chef, Maddie, who was often seen on the restaurant's terrace against a dark and stormy Cornwall sky in episode one.

Aside from the restaurant, Watergate Bay is a popular surfing beach that's not far from Newquay, and dog-friendly all year round. It's also a breath-taking venue for the annual Boardmasters Festival. We love it for winter walks just as much as summertime picnics, and picking up a coffee from No.1 Cubs on your walk down to the beach is a must.

© Zacry's on the Sea Wall

Penzance

Maddie and Lucy's confrontation

Penzance's geothermal Jubilee Pool provides the backdrop for the start of episode two, where Maddie and Lucy (Jessica Brown Findlay) take their boys for a swim. It's not long before a fractious scene unfolds, which sees David ushered away when Lucy makes a hasty exit.

The saltwater lido's triangular shape and distinct outlook of the Penzance War Memorial will have been instantly recogniseable to Mount's Bay locals. The pool closes in winter but is due to reopen for Easter 2025. You'll find a sauna for "Cold Water Club" on Wednesday and Friday mornings, plus a café with live music happening most weekends. There's also a calendar of events to look forward to, from the monthly "Full Moon Swim" to poolside pizza nights. 

© Benjamin Elliott (left) and Nathan Staz (right) via Unsplash

St Ives

The charity gala

It's the Tate gallery in St Ives where Lucy and Miles host a charity gala for their son, David. As they take to the stage with stories of their journey into parenthood, we see the rolling waves of Porthmeor Beach in the background, coupled with an early evening sky.

One of the most iconic venues in the county, the West Cornwall gallery overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is home to modernist works by St Ives locals Barbara Hepworth and Wilhelmina Barns-Graham.

Tempted by your own St Ives adventure? Don't miss our restaurant guide, our sea-view holiday home Shun Lee, and our cocktail bar recommendations. 

© Ian Kingsnorth via Visit Cornwall (left)

Mevagissey

Theo's disappearance

With some of the bigger named towns like Newquay, Rock and Padstow featuring on our screens more often, it was lovely to see some South Cornwall representation in Playing Nice. While the scenes filmed in Mevagissey took a turn as Pete (James Norton) frantically searched for his son during episode three, the real life harbourside village offers tranquility in spades. You'll find quaint cobbled streets lined with seafood restaurants, a miniature aquarium on the harbour wall, and boat trips that set off every few hours for Fowey. 

If you're visiting South Cornwall this year, we'd also recommend day trips to Falmouth and St Mawes, where you'll find brilliant restaurants, must-try bakeries and stunning coastal walks. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are just around the corner from Mevagissey and promise a brilliant family day out. With wheelchairs and mobility scooters available to hire, plus a farm park that the children will love, it's a must-visit for this summer.

Plan your trip

If you love what you see and feel inspired to visit Cornwall yourself, start planning your trip to one of our luxury holiday homes. As well as oceanfront escapes like Red Cove, you'll find architectural triumphs like Noordhoek, historic homes like Shun Lee, and cosy cottages like Laflouder Thatch. Whichever's your favourite, our Concierge team are right there with you to take the stress out of holiday planning.

Left: Noordhoek in Porthcothan | Middle: Shun Lee in St Ives | Right: Laflouder Thatch in Mullion

Image credits: © Zacry's on the Sea Wall | © Ian Kingsnorth via Visit Cornwall | © Benjamin Elliott via Unsplash | © Nathan Staz via Unsplash | All other images are our own.