Nothing inspires a visit to Cornwall more than seeing the stunning coastal scenery on the big screen. The film Summer in February is based on the book and true story of an intriguing love triangle between three artists in the Lamorna Group, part of the Newlyn School of Artists which flourished in the early 20th century.
Artist Sir Alfred Munnings, played by Dominic Cooper, falls deeply in love with aspiring fellow artist Florence Carter-Wood (Emily Browning) in a moving story further complicated by the additional love angle of Gilbert Evans (Dan Stevens), land agent of the Lamorna Valley Estate.
This touching romantic drama is played out to great effect in the approaching shadow of the Great War, but what is sure to have the critics raving is the stunning coastal scenery of Cornwall in which the film is set.
Visit Lamorna Cove and Porthcurno Beach
If you want to relive the film setting, or simply get there before the rest of the world “discovers” Cornwall, here are some of the idyllic coves and clifftop walks that bring to life this touching drama Summer in February.
Filmed in various locations along the West Cornwall coastline, visitors will soon be descending in coachloads to the pretty fishing village of Lamorna on the Penwith peninsula, between Mousehole and Land's End.
Many of the romantic trysts are filmed on beautiful Porthcurno Beach, below the well-known open-air Minack Theatre which is carved out of the clifftop. The film's name was taken from Gilbert's diary in which he wrote about a coastal walk he enjoyed with Florence on a summer-like day in February. Retrace their Summer in February walk from Lamorna to Mousehole along the South West Coast Path, a challenging 5.3 mile hike which a century later gave the film its enchanting name.
Summer in February walks along the South West Coast Path
Those wanting a longer challenge can do the whole coastal walk from Lamorna to Marazion (9.2 miles) which also takes in Mount's Bay and St Michaels Mount. This is the home of the St Aubyn family who have lived in the castle since the 17th century and still retain private apartments in this stunning National Trust property.
A gentler 3-mile walk can follow the film's characters from Penberth to Porthcurno, with the added incentive of a cream tea and a guided tour of the Minack Theatre with its inspirational history.
Cape Cornwall is used for the filming of events that actually took place outside Jory's Hotel in Lamorna Cove. This interesting walk starts in the historic Market Square of St Just, passing the 1334 church and numerous relics of the area's tin mining past. The 4.8 mile circular walk returns through the subtropical landscape of Nanquidno. This interesting walk is ideal for dog owners as it passes a dog friendly pub and beach, and children will love the Coastguard Lookout and old mining chimneys along the route.
Cornish history of the King of Prussia
Finally, visit the strangely named Prussia Cove, named after a smuggling hero, John Carter, who was known as the King of Prussia. He and his brothers ran a very lucrative contraband business and local legend has it that when customs officials confiscated a cargo of tea, Carter broke into their store and reclaimed his booty!
Take the easy 4.7 mile walk from Praa Sands to Kenneggy Sands, passing the 12th century St Germoe Church and St Germoe's Chair in the graveyard. You will eventually reach Prussia Cove, another glorious setting from this British film.
Have you seen the film Summer in February? Do you think it did justice to the beautiful scenery in West Cornwall? If you've enjoyed some of these walks or locations we'd love you to add your comments to our article below.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.