To fans of the Lost Crown, Polperro should need no introduction. It features in-game as the fictional coastal town of Saxton, complete with many of the local landmarks doubling as some of the more intriguing locations. In reality, Polperro village is just as attractive and interesting as any fictional counterpart. It's got winding streets (The Warren), smelly dank caves (Willy Willcox on the beach), a couple of 'local' harbour pubs, a Smuggling Museum, teashops with clotted cream and other indulgences, etc etc. The fact is, a wander around Polperro is a close to being in an adventure game as you are likely to get. It's small, compact, ageless and real. I always recommend Spring and Autumn for visits. It's quiter and more atmospheric. That's what we all want, don't we?

Water, water, everywhere! The name Polperro is thought to derive from the word 'Porthpyra', which in old Cornish means Pyra's Cove. Pyra is thought to be the old name for the river, which formed the natural cove (along with the crashing waves) and still passes under ancient bridges in the town to this day. In fact, it doesn't always flow quite so well! Now named the Pol, it is often a cause for concern as it floods part of the town. You really are never very far from water, in Polperro, something that contributes hugely to the way the town evolves.

The old fisherman's cottages that nestle around the harbour are as cute as any you would see on a fudge box or postcard. The picturesque quality of the harbour has led many to state that tourism has had a negative impact on such a small community. This is a theme explored during many missions undertaken by Nigel and Lucy in The Last Crown. Is the 'honesty' of a place is lost when big business moves in, and is there a middle-ground that can be found, a balance, before it's too late?

Saxton still has a few shops, as many will have seen in The Lost Crown, but Polperro has many. If you are in need of arty glassware or a chocolate cowpat, Polperro is definitely the place for a browse on a foggy winter afternoon. It's a nick-nack theme park. Food and essentials can be harder to find, as many turn to out of town supermarkets for their groceries. Saxtonian's are not quite so mobile, so sourcing local produce and making sure the town 'ticks along' will form much of the side-mission stories in the Last Crown. It's likely a few ghost stories and strange tales will be encountered along the way, whether they be on land or at sea. Having to work for a living creates all sorts of new opportunities, and unlocks some doors, for the ghost-hunting duo.

Old locations feature too, re-photographed in Polperro and rebuilt, each has a new story or a conclusion to an existing enigma. For example, the The Old Net Hut is a very recognisable Lost Crown location, when looking seaward. Perched among the ragged stony claws that form Peak Rock it is the most iconic building in the village. If you are visiting, it's a National Trust building now, well worth a look, after climbing the steps alongside The Blue Peter Inn. It's a steep but short climb, with breathtaking views (literally, the wind can be wonderfully brisk up here).

If spending some time, or holidaying, the walk to Talland Bay is highly recommended for a day out exploring. You pass Lost Crown locations, along the way, including Celtic Corner, The Old Lighthouse, War Memorial and Ulcombe Church (in reality, the beautiful church above the bay). Locations making their debut, along this walk, include the North Harbour Hotel, Chip Ahoy! Fish & Chip Shop and Reubans' Arcade, complete with ghost train, but I won't spoil any surprises by stating where they are. Just yet.