Real tragedies of Beyond Paradise’s Looe as spin-off filming locations revealed
The D.e.a.t.h in Paradise spin-off series is filmed right here on the British coastline compared to its Caribbean twin, and it already has a dark history.
Fans of Beyond Paradise have flooded to the Cornish seaside town (Image: BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Joss Barratt )
Beyond Paradise fans have been flocking to the Cornish seaside down after the hit BBC detective series impressed them with its stunning costal views and gripping m.u.r.d.e.r.o.u.s tales. The series, which first aired back in 2023, is a spin-off of the immensely popular crime drama Death in Paradise which has proved a hit with viewers over the course of its two series.
It follows detective inspector Humphrey Goodman (played by Kris Marshall), who moved from the Caribbean to the fictional town of Shipton Abbott after becoming engaged to Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton). Since its launch, fans have been desperate to visit the picturesque filming locations for themselves, which boasts stunning scenic woodland, independent boutique shops and, of course, the idyllic Cornish coastline.
However, the dazzling locations for the hit BBC drama is also known for a much more sinister story behind the scenes. As fans make their holiday plans to the hugely popular tourist destinations, let’s take a deep dive inside some of the town’s dark history.
A horrific landslip hit Looe in 2013 (Image: ITV West Country)
Landslip devastation
In March 2013, a horrific landslip k.i.l.l.e.d a neighbour on Sandplace Road. After 72 hours of terrible weather and torrential rain, the downpour caused a landslip above the street in Looe which saw a mound of debris engulf a building below.
One neighbour described to ITV News how he fought to escape from the wreckage, explaining that he initially thought he was the only one in the building. But a few hours later, Susan Norman was found d.e.a.d.
Dwayne Brown said: “I just broke down completely. Pretty much isolated myself from everyone. I still have flashbacks.” Another neighbour said he warned the council three months before the tragedy that there was a risk of loss of life from landslips.
Tim Topham told the outlet: “Goodness knows I didn’t want to be proved right.” He claimed that he’s seen several landslips in the area since 2005.
After the tragedy, he and his wife moved out for 18 months. When they moved back in, he explained that he was given no safety assurances from the council.
Looe Land Train injured three children last year (Image: Cornish Times)
Tragic train crash
Tragedy struck the seaside town 11 years later when three children were injured when a land train “tipped over” during a crash. The Looe Land Train was carrying multiple passengers when it overturned while at an event at Tregoad Holiday Park on October 30.
Emergency services, including a Cornwall Air Ambulance and two Coastguard helicopters, rushed to the scene at approximately 7pm. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that seven people, including three children, were taking to Derriford Hospital.
The family who owns the attraction said at the time in a statement that 10 people were taken to hospital. None of their injuries proved to be critical or life-threatening. Emergency services discharged a further 11 people from the scene with either minor or no injuries.
On October 31, Looe Land Train said in a statement: “On Wednesday 30th October, Looe Land Train was sadly involved in an accident, not involving any other vehicles, whilst at an event at Tregoad Holiday Park. As a small, family owned & run business we are still in shock and our thoughts go out to all of those injured & impacted.”
In January 2025, the company announced that the Looe Land Train – which has been a popular attraction in the town – announced that it will not be returning. In a statement, they said: “It is with great sadness that as a family, we have made the difficult decision to no longer operate Looe Land Train.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our passengers and our amazing community for the huge amount of love and support over the last few years. We will forever have fond memories of helping visitors and locals to explore our beautiful corner of Cornwall.”
A seven-year-old girl sadly d.i.e.d in a snowy accident (Image: DevonLive UK)
Snowy disaster
In March 2018, after a seven-year-old schoolgirl d.i.e.d in a devastating crash on a snow covered road. Emergency services were called to Bodrigan Road in Looe at about 2.30pm following reported a Nissan had collided with a house on Bodrigan Road.
Police said the youngster named Maisie, who is believed to have been walking by when the incident took place, d.i.e.d at the scene. It is understood a brave plumber, named Colin Smith, rushed to help the child and was himself hospitalised with a leg injury.
Neighbours living on the road where Maisie d.i.e.d described the street as “extremely dangerous” and said it had been the worst weather they could remember. The MailOnline reported at the time that “terrified children playing in the snow” witnessed the horrific scene.
Marion Drewett, 77, told DevonLove: “We knew something was up as there was a fire engine parked right outside our house for a long time. The whole road is covered in snow. I would not fancy driving on it and have seen a couple of cars really struggling. It is unusual for us to get snow this bad.”
Chief inspector Adrian Leisk of Devon and Cornwall police highlighted the tragedy as a warning for motorists to stay off the roads sue to the appalling weather. He said: “Officers are now dealing with the d.e.a.t.h of a seven-year-old child in Looe, Cornwall following a collision with a vehicle. Thoughts and prayers are with the gamily. Truly devastating news.”
Following Maisie’s d.e.a.t.h, friends of the devastated family launched a crowdfunder to raise £5,000 to support them through the difficult time. The fundraiser successfully raised £17,665, more than £12,000 over their target.
Fatal Farmland incident
Her d.e.a.t.h came months before a 10-year-old girl d.i.e.d following a tragic accident on farmland in Sourth East Cornwall. Lily McCormick was airlifted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth following the incident in Looe. Police said at the time that the youngers was thrown from a quad bike which had overturned.
Lily was a passenger on the vehicle and sustained life-threatening head injuries. She was airlifted to Derriford by air ambulance but was sadly pronounced deceased hours later. The male rider of the quad bike was treated for minor injuries.
