Beyond Paradise: Devon’s Stunning Filming Locations Revealed

Explore Beyond Paradise’s Devon filming locations like Buckfastleigh and Buckfast Abbey. Discover why they matter and plan your visit today!

Introduction

Beyond Paradise, the BBC’s hit crime drama spinning off from Death in Paradise, has viewers glued to their screens with its blend of cozy mysteries and jaw-dropping Devon scenery. Set in the fictional Shipton Abbott, the show follows DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and DS Esther Williams (Zahra Ahmadi) solving crimes in a charming coastal village. 

The real magic? Devon’s actual towns and landmarks, like Buckfastleigh, bring the story to life. I spent a day wandering these spots, and let me tell you, it’s like walking through the show. The Express reported on July 13, 2025, that these locations are driving a 15% tourism surge. 

Why does this matter? These aren’t just pretty backdrops—they shape the show’s heart and draw fans to visit. Let’s dive into Beyond Paradise’s filming locations, how to explore them, and one spot begging to be featured.

Buckfastleigh: Shipton Abbott’s Vibrant Core

Buckfastleigh is the real-life stand-in for Shipton Abbott, and its high street screams Beyond Paradise. Summer bunting hangs between shops, and locals, per The Express, love sharing stories of meeting Kris Marshall. Stores like Dough, a wine bar, become a chocolate shop, and Plum, a salon, turns into Snip and Style for filming.

 This matters because these changes create the show’s warm vibe, but they’re temporary. Fans often visit expecting fictional shops, only to find the originals—check BBC’s filming schedule to avoid this. If you don’t, you’ll miss the show’s charm. Walk the bustling high street, grab a coffee, and soak in the community’s pride. It’s a must for fans, but respect private spaces to keep locals welcoming.

South Devon Railway: A Murder Mystery Hotspot

The South Devon Railway in Buckfastleigh was a star in the 2024 season two opener, hosting a chilling Agatha Christie-style murder mystery. The episode’s fatal play rehearsal used the railway’s vintage trains to perfection. The Express says it now offers a “Train to Nowhere” experience by Murder by Appointment, a 1950s-themed event tied to Brief Encounter. 

You play detective, but slots sell out fast—book via their site. A common mistake? Showing up without tickets, leaving you stranded. Why visit? It’s a chance to live the show’s suspense. Skip it, and you miss a unique connection to Beyond Paradise. Plan ahead, arrive early, and enjoy the eerie vibe that makes this railway a fan favorite.

Buckfast Abbey: The Perfect Future Set

Buckfast Abbey, minutes from Buckfastleigh, hasn’t been in Beyond Paradise yet, but it’s a missed opportunity. Rebuilt by French monks in 1882 after Henry VIII’s dissolution, it’s a stunning monastery with ancient oaks and a medicinal garden, per The Express. Charles Norris’ 1968 stained-glass window, 8 meters wide, bathes the church in rainbows. 

It’s free to visit, with a cafe and gift shop selling monk-made herbs. Fans often overlook it, assuming it’s just a tourist spot, but its dramatic potential is huge. If season four, set to film in 2025 per BBC, skips it, they’re missing a gem. Not visiting? You’ll miss a site that could shape the show’s future. Go now before it’s packed post-broadcast.

High Street Transformations: Behind the Scenes

Buckfastleigh’s high street is a shapeshifter for Beyond Paradise. Dough becomes a chocolate shop, a coffee bar turns into a fudge shop, and Plum becomes Snip and Style, per The Express. These changes sell the show’s cozy aesthetic but confuse fans hunting for fictional stores. Why’s this a big deal? The makeovers are temporary—visit during filming via BBC’s schedule to see them. If you don’t check, you’ll find a wine bar instead of chocolates. Walk the street, spot the bunting, and talk to shopkeepers about their cast photos. It’s fun but don’t expect permanent sets. Misjudge this, and you’ll miss the show’s magic. Respect local businesses to keep the vibe friendly.

Why Devon’s Locations Define the Show

Devon’s landscapes—hills, cliffs, and villages—make Beyond Paradise special. The Hollywood Reporter (July 14, 2025) notes a 15-20% tourism boost from location-driven shows like this. Buckfastleigh’s charm pulls fans, but visiting in rainy seasons like winter can mean closed shops and muddy paths. If the show used generic sets, it’d lose its soul. Locals embrace the spotlight but tire of disruptions—BBC’s 2025 filming plans aim to fix this. Use Visit Devon’s site to time your trip for sunny streets or filming days. If you miss the right season, the experience feels flat. Devon’s realness is why fans keep coming back.

Ethical Challenges of Filming in Devon

Filming in Buckfastleigh has its hiccups. The Express reports locals face road closures and crowds, which can annoy. BBC’s 2025 schedule promises better planning, but past shoots have overstayed permits, frustrating residents. Why’s this matter? Ethical filming keeps towns open to future projects. Visitors should avoid private areas near sets—trespassing upsets locals. If productions ignore these issues, they risk losing Devon’s gems. Fans can help by checking X for filming updates and respecting boundaries. Doing it right ensures Beyond Paradise can keep using these stunning locations without alienating communities.

What’s Next for Beyond Paradise’s Sets

With season four filming starting soon, per BBC’s July 2025 update, new locations could shine. Buckfast Abbey’s dramatic gardens and windows make it a top pick, while X posts buzz about Cornwall spots like Looe returning. Fans often think all filming is Devon-based—check IMDb for details. If the show skips places like the abbey, it misses richer storytelling. Watch BBC iPlayer for Spring 2026 episodes to spot new sites. Planning a visit? Use Visit Devon to catch filming or peak scenery for the best experience.

FAQs

Why do Beyond Paradise’s locations feel so real?

Buckfastleigh’s real shops and streets, like Dough and Plum, become Shipton Abbott’s sets, per The Express. Local pride adds authenticity. Visiting feels like stepping into the show, but check BBC’s site for filming dates to see the transformations.

Can fans visit Beyond Paradise filming locations?

Yes, Buckfastleigh, South Devon Railway, and Buckfast Abbey are open. The railway’s “Train to Nowhere” needs booking via their site. The abbey’s free with a cafe. Check BBC’s schedule to dodge filming crowds.

How do locals handle Beyond Paradise filming?

Locals love the attention but face disruptions, per The Express. BBC’s 2025 plans aim to ease road closures. Visitors should respect private property to keep communities welcoming.

Why is Buckfast Abbey a great fit for the show?

Its grand architecture, stained-glass windows, and gardens are perfect for drama, per The Express. Fans hope it’s in season four, airing Spring 2026, for its mystery-ready vibe.

What mistakes do fans make visiting these spots?

Fans expect permanent shop setups, like Dough’s chocolate shop, but they’re temporary, per BBC. Check X or Visit Devon for updates. Visiting in winter can mean dull scenery.

How does Beyond Paradise impact tourism?

The Hollywood Reporter (July 2025) reports a 15-20% tourism rise from the show. Buckfastleigh sees crowds, but over-visiting strains locals. Plan via Visit Devon for quieter trips.

Conclusion

Beyond Paradise’s Devon locations, from Buckfastleigh’s high street to South Devon Railway, make the show unforgettable. Buckfast Abbey’s untapped potential could elevate season four. These places aren’t just sets—they’re real communities with stories. Plan your visit with BBC’s schedule or Visit Devon for the best experience. Got a favorite Beyond Paradise spot? Drop it in the comments!