The Roses: All About the New Blockbuster Filmed in Salcombe

Curious about The Roses filming locations in Salcombe? Here’s what we know — and how to visit them yourself.

If you’ve noticed camera crews weaving through Salcombe’s streets or caught wind of celebrities enjoying the South Devon sunshine, you’re not alone. The town was buzzing with excitement last spring, as Searchlight Pictures filmed The Roses, right here along the South Devon coast. With filming now wrapped and a star-studded cast led by Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, anticipation is building ahead of the film’s 2025 release.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at The Roses filming locations in Salcombe, explore what the film is about, and share tips for visiting some of the picturesque spots featured in the production.

What is The Roses about?

The Roses is a darkly comic drama based on the 1981 novel The War of the Roses by Warren Adler, which was famously adapted into a cult classic film in 1989. This fresh take, produced by Searchlight Pictures and directed by Jay Roach (Bombshell, Trumbo), reimagines the story for a modern audience.

At its core, The Roses is a tale of a marriage gone spectacularly wrong. What begins as a seemingly perfect relationship between a couple spirals into an increasingly chaotic, and often absurd, battle over their home and shared life. Expect razor-sharp wit, emotional highs and lows, and a gripping dynamic between its lead characters.

When is The Roses’ release date?

The Roses is due in UK cinemas on 1st September 2025, with a slightly earlier US release date of 29th August. Filming took place in early spring 2024, with scenes shot in both South Devon and Los Angeles, USA.

The film is being produced by Searchlight Pictures, in collaboration with South of the River Pictures (Olivia Colman’s production company) and SunnyMarch (Benedict Cumberbatch’s production company). With the buzz already surrounding the production, The Roses is expected to be a major theatrical release — and a brilliant showcase for South Devon on-screen.

Who is in The Roses’ cast?

The Roses boasts a truly stellar cast, headlined by two of the UK’s most respected actors:

• Olivia Colman (The Favourite, The Crown) as one half of the battling couple
• Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, The Imitation Game) as her on-screen husband

The supporting cast includes Ncuti Gatwa, known especially for Doctor Who and Sex Education, as well as Andy Samberg, of Saturday Night Live and Brooklyn Nine-Nine fame. With such strong names behind it, the film is set to be as gripping for its performances as it is for its storyline.

The Roses filming locations in Salcombe

One of the real stars of The Roses is Salcombe itself. With its vibrant harbourside, candy-coloured cottages and sweeping sea views, the town is an ideal backdrop for a drama that balances the domestic with the dramatic.

With the film yet to be released, we can only base our knowledge of specific filming spots on the trailer and local reports of filming, but here’s what we know so far…

The Winking Prawn, North Sands Beach

A standout filming location is the ever-popular Winking Prawn, just above North Sands beach. This beloved beach café was temporarily closed during filming and transformed into a cheekily-named fictional restaurant, complete with colourful signage and seaside props.

Known for its laid-back vibe and just a stone’s throw from the shore, the Winking Prawn is a local favourite for seafood platters, sunny outdoor seating and family-friendly charm. Its beachfront setting makes it instantly recognisable on-screen, and likely to be a hit with film fans keen to visit.

Read our blog for more great restaurants in Salcombe.

Cliff Road, Salcombe

Home to the Winking Prawn and featured in The Roses’ official trailer, Cliff Road runs along the coast with panoramic views across the estuary. This scenic stretch links Salcombe’s town centre with North and South Sands, and offers some of the best viewpoints in Salcombe.

The road is lined with elegant holiday homes, each one perfectly positioned to capture the light bouncing off the water. It’s not hard to imagine why a film director would choose this route to bring a coastal story to life.

Visiting The Roses filming locations in Salcombe

Whether you’re a film enthusiast or just looking for an excuse to visit stunning South Devon, exploring The Roses filming locations makes for a wonderful day out.

Take in views from the South West Coast Path

Start your Salcombe adventure with a peaceful stroll along the South West Coast Path, including The Roses’ Cliff Road. This scenic stretch runs beside the water and offers stunning views across the Salcombe Estuary — especially beautiful in the soft morning light. Whether you’re out for a gentle walk or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this picturesque location caught the attention of filmmakers.

Visit North Sands and the famous Winking Prawn

Just a short walk from the town centre, North Sands Beach is one of Salcombe’s most beloved coastal spots, and home to the Winking Prawn.

While its on-screen cameo may be brief, the real-life Winking Prawn is a local institution, known for its seafood platters, laid-back vibe and family-friendly feel. Grab a table outside, enjoy a scoop of ice cream, and take in the same seaside setting that features in The Roses.

Browse the boutiques on Fore Street

Back in town, Fore Street is the heart of Salcombe’s shopping. Lined with independent boutiques, gift shops and galleries, it’s a great place to find local crafts or pick up coastal-inspired homewares. Though unconfirmed, several sources suggest nearby streets were used during the filming of The Roses, and it’s easy to imagine the cast and crew weaving through Salcombe’s narrow lanes and pastel-painted shopfronts.

Explore Island Street

A short stroll away, Island Street blends creativity with a working harbour atmosphere. Home to artists’ studios, watersports outlets, and the famous Salcombe Gin distillery, it’s a vibrant area to explore at your own pace. Pop into the distillery’s shop or bar for a tasting session, or simply enjoy watching the comings and goings on the boat-lined creek.

Hop on the ferry to East Portlemouth

For a different perspective of Salcombe, hop aboard the passenger ferry to East Portlemouth. The short crossing rewards you with unbeatable views back towards the harbour, town and waterfront — a cinematic scene in its own right. Once ashore, explore quiet sandy beaches and peaceful coastal paths, offering a glimpse of South Devon’s more tranquil side.

Looking for more local inspiration? Check out these Coast & Country guides:

• Top Salcombe Walks
• Things to Do in South Devon
• Salcombe’s Best Beaches

Holiday Accommodation near The Roses filming locations

Quayside, Salcombe

If The Roses has inspired you to see Salcombe for yourself, there’s no better way to do it than with a stay in one of our portfolio’s beautiful holiday cottages.

At Coast & Country Cottages, we offer an exceptional range of accommodation in and around Salcombe—whether you’re looking for a couple’s retreat with sea views, a dog-friendly base near the beach, or a spacious family home just minutes from the town centre.

Many of our portfolio’s properties are within walking distance of The Roses filming locations, meaning you can enjoy your own movie moment each morning as you wake up to South Devon’s unforgettable scenery.

Start planning your stay by browsing our Salcombe holiday cottages today.

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