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.
Walks
-
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.
Steam
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).
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