The swashbuckling drama Poldark launched last night on BBC to rave reviews by critics . What captured the attention of viewers was not only the tousle-haired Captain Ross Poldark , played by Aiden Turner , but the rugged Cornwall which served as a backdrop to the action . Tourism bosses are predicting a stampede of the show 's fans to be booking West Country hotels , guest houses and campsites , to experience the spectacular scenery . The swashbuckling Cornish drama , Poldark , debuted last night on BBC One , featuring Aiden Turner as the lead , ( left ) , and Eleanor Tomlinson as kitchen maid Demelza , ( right ) The drama is set in 18th century Cornwall , with filming locations Gunwalloe , Charlestown and Porthgwarra taking the spotlight . Pictured here is the coast near Gunwalloe Fishing Cove . Porthgwarro , near Land 's End , served as a backdrop to the passionate mining drama , which is set for an eight week run on BBC One . Spectacular scenery : Cliffs and sea at Porthgwarra Cove are featured in the drama which sees Captain Ross Poldark returning from war in America to find his father has died , his tin mines are in disarray and his house is a wreck . Holidaymakers are set to flock to filming locations such as Gunwalloe , Charlestown and Porthgwarra , which take their turn in the spotlight in the 18th century family drama . Malcolm Bell , head of Visit Cornwall for Cornwall Development Company said that if Downton Abbey can put Highclere Castle on the map , the West Country can expect similar hoards of crowds . The adaptation of Winston Graham 's book debuted last night on BBC One , and tells the story of Captain Ross Poldark , who has returned from war in America to find his father has died , his tin mines are in disarray and his house is a wreck . Tousle haired Captain Ross Poldark set pulses racing in the 18th century drama debut last night , which is set for an eight week run on BBC One . A passionate plot weaves around the 18th century mining history of the area , and Visit Cornwall is predicting tourists will be lining up to see the sights of the county where it is set . Mr Bell said : 'Prime-time coverage such as this can have substantial impact on a destination . 'If the initial reviews are anything to go by , Poldark looks set to be a massive hit , and with 12 novels in the Poldark series there is potential for it to run and run . 'The opportunity is there to be seized and I look forward to working with the tourism industry to turn the success of the production into a success for Cornwall . ' Charlestown was one of the filming locations for the family drama . It is estimated a production of the scale of Poldark can bring in £32,000 per day in the region through hotel stays for the team , food , transport and hiring local crew . The drama was filmed at various locations across Cornwall from Charlestown to Porthgwarra last summer and the series put the spotlight on the county 's breath-taking landscapes . The tourism service is preparing to maximise on exposure from the eight week series by creating Poldark-themed holiday ideas and competitions . Kaye Elliot , head of production services at Creative England agrees , saying : 'Filming can bring a huge amount of money into a region . 'When a production like Poldark comes to town , they can spend up to £32,000 per day in the region , on things like hotels , food , transport and hiring local crew . 'Over the last year , filming has brought £11 million of inward investment from on location spend into the South West - and that 's before you consider the impact of tourists visiting their favourite film locations . ' Love triangle drama ! When Captain Ross Poldark returns from war , he find his love interest Elizabeth , ( left ) , played by Heida Reed , thought he was dead and has married his cousin . Poldark hires the fiery Demelza to help out at his Nampara estate , kickstarting one of the most popular love triangles of modern fiction . Cornwall councillor Julian German , portfolio holder for economy and culture , said : 'Through Poldark , Cornwall has been offered a valuable showcase . 'With the series running until the end of April , the profile boost will coincide with the Easter break and when people are starting to make bookings . 'It is hoped that the stunning scenery will inspire viewers to visit for themselves and discover the mining heritage which plays a central role throughout the story . ' The original adaptation of the book series by Winston Graham was a huge success with the series being broadcast in more than 40 countries . If this is anything to go by , the remake is set to bring flocks of holidaymakers to its Cornish backdrop .
The 18th century drama began on Porthgwarra last night to positive reviews from critics . Cornwall is set to capitalise on its success by fans flocking to see the sights of filming locations . Locations such as Gunwalloe , Charlestown and BBC One are featured in the prime time show . Cornwall tourism is planning Poldark-themed holiday ideas and competitions .