The most beautiful Salt Path filming locations

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The most beautiful Salt Path filming locations

Ah, The Salt Path. For pure cinematic beauty, it's unbeatable. And believe it or not, those gaspingly gorgeous Salt Path filming locations are even more impressive in real life.

It's no wonder the Radio Times praised its 'glorious landscapes' – or that the Daily Mail highlighted its 'spectacular' coastal scenery. This tear-jerking travelogue is as much a love letter to England's southwest coast as a tale of love's endurance through adversity.

But what a tale it is. Based on the bestselling The Salt Path book by Raynor Winn, the 2024 film follows the author's journey through poverty, homelessness and new beginnings. Faced with financial ruin and a devastating medical diagnosis, Winn and her husband leave their family home behind to walk the South West Coast Path. As they trudge the 630-mile route through Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, they learn valuable lessons about life, about freedom and about themselves.

The Salt Path film won rave reviews for its screenplay, its cinematography – and, especially, for the sympathetic performances of stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.

Fancy retracing their steps? We're five strides ahead of you. Here are our picks of the five most beautiful Salt Path filming locations – all set within England's stunning southwest.

Minehead

We have to start somewhere, so let's start at the beginning. Minehead plays a poignant role in both The Salt Path book and film. After all, this Somerset town serves as the starting point of the South West Coast Path.

Why it's beautiful

Minehead is the perfect example of a thriving British coastal town. It has it all – a charming harbour, a long, sandy beach and a busy modern high street that's alive with heritage character.

What to see

It's easy to while away a day exploring Minehead. But if you can only see one local sight, visit the South West Coast Monument. This giant sculpture of two hands holding a map marks the beginningof Winn's journey of self-discovery.

How to get there

Minehead is only a short drive from the M5 and is served by regular bus services from Taunton.

Valley of Rocks

With its towering cliffs and mighty sandstone monoliths, the Valley of Rocks is among the most distinctive Salt Path filming locations. It's also one of the most dramatic sights in all of North Devon.

Why it's beautiful

Asking why the Valley of Rocks is beautiful is a bit like asking why salt is salty. It just is. You'll see something stunning in every direction. A hair-raising cliff edge here, a ragged rock formation there and above all, the indomitable Bristol Channel stretching to the horizon.

What to see

The landscape, of course. But keep an eye out for wild goats, too. These local stalwarts enjoy a memorable if fleeting – star turn in the film.

How to get there

The easiest way to reach the Valley of Rocks is to follow the A39 and stop at the car park nearby. If you fancy a hike, you can take the South West Coast Path from Lynton instead.

Hartland Quay

Take a short westward hop from Clovelly and you'll find yourself at Hartland Quay. The local village shop appears in The Salt Path film – but it's the gorgeous coastal surroundings that steal the show.

Why it's beautiful

Visit Hartland Quay and you'll experience nature at its capricious best. When you look inland, you're treated to a tapestry of soft green hills and tranquil, hedge-trimmed farmland. But cast your gaze over the coast and it's pure drama – saw-edged rocks, angry waves and chiselled cliffs that crash theatrically into the churning waters below.

What to see

The Hartland Quay Viewpoint is a must-visit. This observation deck delivers the best views of the quay and its dramatic cliffs.

How to get there

The South West Coast Path is a rewarding way to see Hartland Quay and Clovelly in one fell swoop. If you'd prefer to drive, take the A39 before turning off at the B3248 and following the signs

Clovelly

If you've watched The Salt Path, you'll recognise Clovelly in a heartbeat. It's the village where our
intrepid trudgers pass a fudge shop – then enjoy a bag of leftover pasties donated by a kindly
waitress.

Why it's beautiful

Built into the side of a 400-foot cliff, this delightful North Devon fishing village is quite unlike any other place on Earth. But perhaps its most notable feature is its lack of cars. Instead, Clovelly residents use sledges to pull provisions up the village's steep main street. Delightful.

What to see

Clovelly is tiny – but it still has plenty of sights worth seeing. Why not visit the Victorian kitchen gardens, take a coastal walk, or just stroll to the top of the street and enjoy the view?

How to get there

Despite its lack of vehicles, Clovelly has a car park that's easily accessible from the A39. Alternatively, you can walk the path to or from Hartland Quay.

Newquay

Finally, we head to Cornwall to visit the busy seaside town of Newquay. You'll spot several Salt Path filming locations nearby, including Fistral Beach and a local surf shop.

Why it's beautiful

In The Salt Path movie, Winn and her husband get a rude wake-up call from civilisation after several weeks on the trail. But, for the rest of us, that's all part of Newquay's charm. It's a thriving – and busy – tourist town, complete with golden beaches, clifftop houses and plenty of things to do.

What to see

No visit to Newquay is complete without stopping at Fistral Beach. Winn didn't hang around in the film – but you'll want to spend at least a few hours here.

How to get there

Newquay is well served by transport links. You can drive (via the A30 or A39), take the train (changing at Par) or hike a very picturesque section of the South West Coast Path.

Start your Salt Path movie tour at Northcote Manor

If you're a fan of the film, visiting these Salt Path filming locations is a real treat. And if you have a taste for coastal views, it's doubly delightful. This isn't just a cinematic sightseeing tour – it's a wow-by-wow journey through some of England's most awe-inspiring landscapes.

You'll need more than a day to visit them all. That's why we'd like to cordially invite you to stay here with us at Northcote Manor. Set among the tumbling hills of North Devon, our manor house hotel puts you in the perfect position for a Salt Path movie tour. Clovelly? Fifty-five minutes by car. Hartland Quay? Just over anhour. Newquay? A little short of two hours – with some incredible rural scenery along the way.

Best of all, you'll have a warm welcome, a comfy bed and perhaps a few homemade treats to enjoy when you return. It feels like Devon luxury at its finest – especially if you've walked a mile or six. Browse our boutique rooms to get started.