Port Isaac, Cornwall

Port Isaac is a quaint and picturesque Cornish fishing village on the north coast of Cornwall, England, known for its stunning coastal scenery, quaint cottages, and the popular TV series "Doc Martin." It's a fantastic destination for a relaxing holiday filled with scenic walks, water activities, and local cuisine. The unspoilt, and virtually traffic-free village still has a small but very vibrant fishing fleet and you can buy freshly caught crab, lobster, and fish at the cellars, just by the harbour. Nearby are the equally attractive hamlets of Port Gaverne and Port quin.

Port isaac offers a variety of holiday accommodation, you can choose from a range of options such as cozy cottages, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and camping sites. Many of the accommodations offer sea views and are within walking distance of the village center.

The centre of the village dates from the 18th and 19th centuries, and the narrow streets and alleys contain a wealth of pretty cottages and other interesting historic buildings (about 90 of which are listed grade 2). There are Art and Pottery Galleries within the village itself.

You can visit the nearby beaches like Port Gaverne Beach, Port Isaac Beach, and Polzeath Beach for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. These beaches are also great for families and dog-friendly.

Fans of the TV series can visit the house used as Dr. Martin Ellingham's surgery and enjoy a guided tour of the filming locations. Port Isaac has served as an ideal natural backdrop to various television productions, including Poldark, the Shell Seekers, the Nightmare Man, Oscar and Lucinda, several Daphne du Maurier novels, and, more recently, the TV series Doc Martin, in which it is called Port Wenn. In addition, it is home to the Fisherman's Friends, the internationally renowned sea-shanty singers, who often perform live at the harbour, as do the St Breward Silver Band. The film Saving Grace was also produced there, and the well renowned St. Endellion Music Festival takes place in the parish twice a year.

In and around the village, there are a number of restaurants and other eating establishments , as well as traditional pubs, where high quality meals are served, locally caught seafood being a speciality. Try the local seafood at one of the many restaurants and pubs in the village, such as the Slipway Hotel, The Old School Hotel, and The Golden Lion. Don't miss the famous Port Isaac Fish and Chips!

There is a lifeboat station in the centre of the village, and Port Isaac's crew and shore helpers man the station 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing full coverage of part of the rugged north coast of Cornwall. The current lifeboat is called 'Copeland Bell'; in 2012 the lifeboat crew received gallantry medals following a dangerous rescue.

The Port Isaac Museum has information about the village's maritime history and its connection to the film locations in the area.

This is an ideal location to explore the South West Coast Path, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline. You can also take a leisurely stroll through the village's narrow streets and discover its history and charm. You can also experience traditional fishing with local boat tours that offer mackerel fishing, crabbing, and even deep-sea angling.