Port Isaac- North Cornwall
Port Isaac - North Cornwall

Newquay | Padstow |Wadebridge | Polzeath & Rock | Tintagel | Boscastle

Port Isaac
Port Isaac

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Some ideas on
what to do

For the active there are numerous golf courses nearby, surfing at Polzeath, water sports on the Camel Estuary, cycling on the Camel Trail, and riding over Bodmin Moor.

Beaches - Port Isaac is a working harbour and not recommended as a recreational beach, although the rock pools at low tide are worth exploring .

Port Gaverne's small sandy beach is best at low tide. It is probably the safest beach in North Cornwall for small children. There is seclusion, safe bathing plus fascinating rock pools and caves. Limited free parking. Toilets.

The wide sandy beach at Polzeath (5 miles) is with popular with surfers. Boards and wet suits can be hired. A number of pay car parks, cafes, shops etc. Easy disabled access from the beach car park. Dogs are prohibited in summer. Toilets.

The vast expanse of sheltered sandy beach at Daymer Bay (6 miles) is popular with families and dogs. The walk over the sands to Rock is recommended. Large pay car park, refreshments available in summer. Toilets

At Trebarwith Strand (7 miles) there is a dramatic sandy beach at low tide, with high cliffs and enormous caves. Swimming can be dangerous check with lifeguards. Pay car park, pub, toilets.

Coastal path between Port Quin and Port IsaacWalks - The most popular walks follow the well maintained coastal footpath. The keen walker will be rewarded with spectacular views, rugged cliffs and secluded coves. The walks can vary from an easy stroll to very strenuous walks with steep inclines. In some areas there are high unprotected cliffs so care is required with children and dogs.

Inland, there are some fine walks over Bodmin Moor and through the woods of the Camel Valley.

The Heritage Coast Service organise regular guided walks, for details see the free 'Coastlines' newspaper, widely available.

Maps and Guides: - There is a good range of maps and guides available from local newsagents, The Blackthorn Press and Heritage Coast Visitor Centres.

Ordnance Survey Landranger No. 200 'Newquay and Bodmin' covers the whole area, Pathfinder SW87/97 'Padstow and Wadebridge' covers Port Isaac and area to the west and south, and Explorer 9 'Bodmin Moor' covers Port Gaverne, Tintagel, Boscastle, and the moor.

Golf Courses -With our mild climate, golf in Cornwall is popular all year. There are a number of 18 hole courses within 10 miles of Port Isaac.

  • St. Enodoc (Rock). two well established links.
  • Bowood Park (Camelford) long parkland course.
  • Roserrow (St. Minver).
  • St. Kew (off A39). Friendly and welcoming to visitors. Ideal for a quick holiday round. Club hire, tuition, driving range.

Houses and Gardens -

During the Cornwall Garden Festival in May a number of private gardens are open to the public.

Cycling - The Camel Trail is a 15 mile cycle track and footpath along the disused railway line up the valley of the Camel river from Padstow, via Wadebridge, to Bodmin and beyond. It is free from traffic and relatively level. The Wadebridge to Padstow section follows the Camel Estuary with wonderful views, but can be busy in summer. Inland the trail follows the wooded Camel valley and is much quieter. Cycles may be hired in Wadebridge and Padstow.

Bodmin and Wenford RailwaySteam Railways

Bodmin and Wenford Railway (15 miles)- standard gauge, and Launceston Steam Railway (20 miles) - narrow gauge.

What's On -Port Isaac is a thriving community and events are held regular throughout the year, including the Port Isaac Regatta (gig racing), Lifeboat Larks, and the annual Raft Race it Port Gaverne. See posters on the notice boards, or the diary page in trio' - the village monthly newsletter - available from newsagents.

Where to Eat -For such a small village, there is an outstanding range of restaurants, cafes and pubs. Many of the restaurants, particularly near the harbour, specialise in local seafood, and there are restaurants and cafes to suit most tastes and budgets. Most hotels are open to non-residents and often offer a wide variety of dishes. Whether you want a full English breakfast, a bar lunch, a lobster sandwich, a Cornish cream tea or a gourmet dinner, it is available .

If you would rather eat 'at home', a number of restaurants and cafes offer take-away service .

People come from far and wide to eat in Port Isaac and it can be very busy, particularly in summer evenings. To avoid disappointment, or a long wait, you are advised to book in advance.

Museums and Galleries

North Cornwall Museum, Camelford: A museum of rural Cornish life over the past 100 years. There are also exhibitions of paintings and crafts.

The Museum of Historic Cycling: 1 mile north of Camelford. is 'The Nation's Foremost Museum of Cycling History'.

Art Exhibitions -Regular exhibitions are held by local artists at the Church Rooms in Port Isaac and at the Green Door in Port Gaverne (opposite the Port Gaverne Hotel).

Music - The internationally famous St. Endellion Music Festival of classical music, opera, etc., is held in our parish church, St. Endellion church, at Easter and in early August.

There are also choral concerts by the local singers and Port Isaac Chorale .

Band Night -Every Thursday evening from May to September the St. Breward Brass Band play on The Platt followed by a floral dance through the village.

Leisure Centres - The Camelford Sports Centre (8 miles), Wadebridge Sports Centre (10 miles) and Bodmin Leisure Centre (15 miles).

Where to stay locally

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