The beloved BBC crime drama ‘Beyond Paradise’ is set to grace our screens once again, with its fourth season officially slated to premiere on March 27, 2026. For fans of the show and travelers alike, the big news is the expansion of its stunning West Country backdrop, promising to unveil even more of the scenic beauty that has become a hallmark of the series.
Background: The “Shipton Abbott” Effect
A successful spin-off of the long-running ‘Death in Paradise,’ ‘Beyond Paradise’ follows DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) as he solves crimes in the seemingly tranquil, fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbott. While set in Devon, the charming Cornish port town of Looe has served as the primary filming location, its picturesque harbour and winding streets captivating millions of viewers.
This has inevitably sparked a wave of “film tourism,” with fans flocking to Looe to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters. This phenomenon is a powerful driver for regional tourism. The original ‘Death in Paradise’ is credited with significantly boosting tourism to its filming location of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean. Similarly, ‘Beyond Paradise’ has put Looe and the surrounding Cornish coast firmly on the map for international visitors, creating a tangible economic benefit for local businesses.
Exploring New Corners of the West Country in Series 4
While Looe will continue to feature, the production for series 4 is venturing further afield, weaving new real-world locations into the fabric of its fictional world. This move will not only provide a fresh visual palette for the drama but also shine a spotlight on other gems across both Devon and Cornwall.
Confirmed new filming locations include:
- Buckfastleigh and Tavistock: These historic towns are situated on the dramatic edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon. Viewers can expect to see rugged moorland landscapes, ancient market towns, and the wild beauty that defines this iconic area.
- Mothecombe: Located in South Devon, this area is known for its secluded, pristine sandy beaches and estuary. This addition suggests the series will continue to leverage the region’s stunning coastline, offering a different but equally breathtaking seaside aesthetic.
Future Outlook: A Tourism Boost for Devon
The decision to feature more locations in Devon is a strategic move that is likely to have a significant positive impact on the region’s tourism industry. By showcasing places like Tavistock and Mothecombe to a large national and international audience, ‘Beyond Paradise’ is effectively acting as a multi-million-pound advertisement for Devon.
We can anticipate a surge in interest from “set-jetters” eager to visit these newly featured locations. This will likely lead to:
- Increased bookings for local hotels, B&Bs, and holiday cottages.
- A rise in footfall for pubs, cafes, and shops in and around the filming areas.
- The potential development of new guided tours focusing on ‘Beyond Paradise’ filming sites, mirroring the successful tours already established for shows like ‘Poldark’ and ‘Doc Martin’ in Cornwall.
For travelers, season 4 of ‘Beyond Paradise’ offers more than just compelling mysteries. It serves as a beautifully curated travel guide to the unspoiled landscapes of England’s West Country, inspiring future trips and revealing hidden corners of Devon and Cornwall waiting to be explored.
