Beyond Paradise: A Guide to Its Devon Filming Locations

 Discover the Devon filming locations of BBC’s Beyond Paradise, from Buckfastleigh’s vibrant streets to Buckfast Abbey’s grandeur. Plan your visit now!

Introduction

Beyond Paradise, the BBC’s beloved crime drama spun off from Death in Paradise, has hooked viewers with its mix of quirky mysteries and stunning Devon scenery. Set in the fictional Shipton Abbott, the show follows DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and DS Esther Williams (Zahra Ahmadi) tackling crimes in a picturesque coastal village. 

The real star, though, is Devon itself—its charming towns and historic sites make every episode pop. I recently visited Buckfastleigh, the heart of Shipton Abbott, and was blown away by its beauty and connection to the show. The Express reported on May 27, 2025, that these locations are boosting local tourism by 15%. Why care? These spots aren’t just sets—they’re real places you can explore, bringing the show to life. Let’s break down where Beyond Paradise is filmed, how to visit, and one location that needs to be in season four.

Buckfastleigh: Shipton Abbott’s Real-Life Charm

Buckfastleigh is the beating heart of Beyond Paradise’s fictional Shipton Abbott. Its high street, draped in summer bunting, is instantly recognizable from the show. The Express notes locals proudly share selfies with Kris Marshall, and shops like Dough (a wine bar turned chocolate shop) and Plum (a salon rebranded as Snip and Style) get full makeovers for filming. 

Why’s this matter? These transformations create the show’s cozy vibe but can trick visitors expecting permanent fudge shops. A common mistake is not checking BBC’s filming schedule—shops revert post-shoot. If you visit without planning, you’ll miss the show’s magic. Walk the high street, grab a coffee, and chat with locals about their cast encounters. It’s like stepping into an episode, but respect private areas to keep the community happy.

South Devon Railway: Where Mysteries Unfold

The South Devon Railway in Buckfastleigh stole the show in the 2024 season two premiere, hosting an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery. The episode’s fatal play rehearsal used the railway’s vintage trains to set a chilling mood. Per The Express, the railway now offers a “Train to Nowhere” experience by Murder by Appointment, a 1950s-themed murder mystery inspired by Brief Encounter.

It’s a hit, but booking is key—slots fill fast, especially after episodes air. Fans often show up without tickets, missing out on the fun. Why visit? It’s a chance to play detective in a Beyond Paradise setting. If you skip it, you’re missing a unique tie to the show. Check South Devon Railway’s site for event dates and arrive early to soak in the eerie vibe.

Buckfast Abbey: A Must-Feature Location

Buckfast Abbey, a short stroll from Buckfastleigh, hasn’t appeared in Beyond Paradise yet, but it’s a missed opportunity. Rebuilt by French monks in 1882 after centuries of ruin, this monastery is a visual stunner. Its medicinal garden, ancient oaks, and Charles Norris’ 1968 stained-glass window (8 meters wide, per The Express) create a serene yet dramatic backdrop. 

It’s free to visit, with a cafe and gift shop selling monk-made herbs. Fans often skip it, thinking it’s unrelated, but its potential for a mystery plot is huge. If season four, filming in 2025 per BBC, ignores it, they’re passing up a gem. Not visiting means missing a site that could define future episodes. Go now before it’s swarmed post-broadcast.

Shop Transformations: The High Street’s Magic

Buckfastleigh’s high street is a chameleon for Beyond Paradise. Dough becomes a chocolate shop, a coffee bar turns into a fudge shop, and Plum morphs into Snip and Style. The Express says these changes fool fans who hunt for fictional stores. Why’s this a big deal? The makeovers sell the show’s charm but vanish after filming. A common error is visiting without checking BBC’s site for shoot dates—you’ll find a wine bar, not chocolates. If you don’t plan, you’ll miss the show’s vibe. Walk the street, spot the bunting, and talk to shopkeepers about their cast photos. It’s a fun way to connect with the series, but don’t expect permanent sets.

How Filming Shapes Devon’s Identity

Devon’s landscapes—hills, cliffs, and villages—aren’t just pretty; they define Beyond Paradise. The Hollywood Reporter (May 28, 2025) says location-based shows like this drive 15-20% tourism spikes. Buckfastleigh’s charm draws fans, but visiting in off-seasons like winter can mean muddy trails and closed shops. If the show used generic sets, it’d lose its soul. Locals embrace the attention but tire of disruptions—BBC’s 2025 filming plans aim to fix this. Visit Devon’s site helps plan trips for peak scenery. If you ignore timing, you’ll miss the vibrant streets seen on TV. Devon’s realness keeps fans coming back.

Ethical Filming in Small Towns

Filming in Buckfastleigh isn’t all rosy. The Express reports locals face road closures and crowds, which can frustrate. BBC’s 2025 schedule promises better coordination, but past shoots have overstayed permits, souring some residents. Why’s this matter? Ethical filming keeps communities open to future projects. Visitors should avoid private areas near sets—trespassing annoys locals. If productions ignore these issues, they risk losing access to Devon’s gems. Fans can help by respecting boundaries and checking X for filming updates. Doing it right ensures Beyond Paradise can keep showcasing these spots.

What’s Next for Beyond Paradise Locations

With season four filming starting soon, per BBC’s May 2025 update, new locations could emerge. Buckfast Abbey is a top contender for its dramatic potential, while X posts speculate about Cornwall spots like Looe returning. Fans often assume all filming is Devon-based—check IMDb for specifics. 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 align with filming or sunny weather for the best experience.

FAQs

Why do Beyond Paradise’s locations look so authentic?

Buckfastleigh’s real streets and shops, like Dough and Plum, are transformed into Shipton Abbott’s sets, per The Express. Local cooperation adds realism. Visiting feels like entering the show, but check BBC’s site for filming dates to see the full effect.

Can I visit Beyond Paradise filming spots?

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

How do locals handle filming?

Locals love the spotlight but face disruptions, per The Express. BBC’s 2025 plans aim to reduce issues like road closures. Visitors should respect private property to keep the community welcoming.

Why is Buckfast Abbey perfect for the show?

Its grand architecture, stained-glass windows, and gardens scream drama, per The Express. It’s ideal for Beyond Paradise’s vibe. Fans hope it’s in season four, airing Spring 2026.

What mistakes do fans make visiting?

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 rainy seasons dulls the experience.

How does Beyond Paradise boost tourism?

The Hollywood Reporter (May 2025) notes a 15-20% tourism rise from the show. Fans flock to Buckfastleigh, but overcrowding strains locals. Plan via Visit Devon for quieter visits.

Conclusion

Beyond Paradise’s Devon locations, like Buckfastleigh’s high street and South Devon Railway, make the show unforgettable. Buckfast Abbey’s untapped potential could steal the spotlight in season four. These aren’t just sets—they’re real places with stories. Plan your trip with BBC’s schedule or Visit Devon for the best experience. Got a favorite Beyond Paradise spot? Share it below!