Beyond Paradise’s Devon filming history revisited after Yelverton sightings
Recent filming activity at RAF Harrowbeer has fuelled speculation about the BBC series, prompting a look back at the Devon locations that have helped bring fictional Shipton Abbott to life
Recent filming activity in Yelverton has renewed interest in the BBC drama’s links to Devon, where locations from Dartmoor to a heritage railway have featured in previous series.
Production vehicles and filming equipment were spotted at the former RAF Harrowbeer airfield near Yelverton last week, while temporary road closures were in place from October 19 to 21 for filming, according to Devon County Council.
The RAF Harrowbeer Facebook page suggested the site could feature in an upcoming episode of Beyond Paradise, mentioning a stone circle.
However, production company Red Planet Pictures has not confirmed the location.
In response to an enquiry from The Moorlander, a spokesperson said: “We cannot currently confirm the series filming locations, but have noted your interest and will be back in touch closer to launch.”
The fifth series is expected to air on BBC One in 2027.
From Dartmoor to the South Devon Railway
The apparent activity in Yelverton follows previous filming visits to the area.
In November 2024, crews filmed at Cox Tor on Dartmoor, while Tavistock’s Duke Street, Market Road and Pannier Market have also been reported as filming locations.
As reported by The Moorlander at the time, The South Devon Railway featured in the opening episode of the drama’s second series, with scenes filmed aboard a steam train.
In March 2024, the heritage railway announced its involvement in the production.
The episode centred on a murder mystery rehearsal that took a deadly turn.
South Devon Railway general manager Ernest Elsworth-Wilson said the team had been delighted to welcome Red Planet Pictures, describing an intensive week of filming that had to fit around the railway’s public timetable.
The production also used Staverton station.
Plans were later announced for an exhibition featuring props from the programme, including the fictional Shipton Abbott Station sign.
Why Cornwall stands in for Devon
Although Beyond Paradise is set in the fictional Devon coastal town of Shipton Abbott, much of the programme is filmed in Cornwall.
The series follows DI Humphrey Goodman, played by Kris Marshall, who leaves the Caribbean island of Saint Marie, the setting of Death in Paradise, to move to the West Country with Martha Lloyd, played by Sally Bretton.
The Cornish town of Looe is a key filming location, with its harbour, streets and coastal setting helping to create the fictional community.
Other locations across the wider region have also featured.
The University of Plymouth’s Portland Square and Nancy Astor buildings have served as the South West Police Headquarters, while Pentillie Castle and Estate on the River Tamar has provided settings including Anne Lloyd’s house, the houseboat and the quay.
The latest sightings in Yelverton add to the drama’s established links with West Devon, although viewers will have to wait for confirmation of whether the former airfield will appear in the fifth series.