Period drama named 'Channel 4's top-rated drama ever' hailed 'compulsively watchable'

Period drama enthusiasts are set for a real treat as a breathtaking Second World War series can be streamed completely free of charge.

Channel 4 hosts the programme, which first broadcast in the early 1990s, and received a BAFTA nomination for Best Drama Serial in 1993.

Located at Helena Cuthbertson's Cornish manor house, the programme's name derives from a patch of countryside situated between the residence and the coastal cliffs where pivotal moments unfold.

Cornwall has established itself as a premier destination for exceptional period dramas.

Helena Cuthbertson is portrayed by The Good Life star Felicity Kendal, alongside Toby Stephens as Oliver Ansty, Jennifer Ehle as Calypso and Tara Fitzgerald as Polly.

Taking place immediately before and throughout the Second World War, with consequences extending into the mid-1980s, The Camomile Lawn has been hailed by viewers as "ingenious".

Mary Wesley's novel opens with a family getaway in Cornwall during the final summer of tranquillity before the Second World War.

The relatives gather once more for a funeral nearly five decades later and discover the profound effect the conflict has had upon them.

Poignantly, the writer commenced penning The Camomile Lawn following her second husband's death, which left her in financial ruin.

Elements of the novel drew from Wesley's formative years, with the Cornish property inspired by Boskenna - the ancient medieval settlement - where Wesley devoted considerable time during her younger days.

Viewers have been vocal about their thoughts on the adaptation, with Antony Taylor praising: "Simple and ingenious story, wonderful cast, perfect direction and a script full of sparkle. Watch it and love it."

The Camomile Lawn made quite an impression when it first aired, drawing in over seven million viewers and becoming Channel 4's highest-rated drama - a record it still holds as of 2022.

One enthusiast shared on IMDb: "The Camomile Lawn is one of my favourite British TV adaptations."

A user named Notmicro described it as "Compulsively watchable and great fun", adding: "I'd been curious for years to see this thing, both because of the very interesting actors, and the period setting.

"Now I've just watched the British DVD, and found that its absolutely brilliantly done, and compulsively watchable.

"It takes some time getting accustomed to the affected and presumably somewhat archaic upper-middle-class accents assumed by some of the actors."

The Camomile Lawn is available to watch on Channel 4's streaming service.