How to spend a week in Port Isaac

Port Isaac is the archetypal ancient Cornish fishing village. Charming, beautiful and steeped in history, its higgledy-piggledy collection of homes, shops and eateries, blended together by cute winding streets, offer a haven from Cornwall’s dramatic north coast. In the summer, it’s bunting, buckets and spades and ice cream; by winter, it’s wind-ravaged, sea-sprayed and surf-pounded. And although this little harbour is small, there’s plenty going on. From its global fame as home of hit TV series Doc Martin and birthplace of ‘buoy band’ Fishermen’s Friends to its simply stunning surroundings of sweeping beaches, wild landscapes and rugged coastal walks, make the most of your cottage break by bringing a sense of adventure. Here’s our guide to what to see, do and eat if you’re lucky enough to spend a week in Port Isaac.

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Walk the Doc Martin trail

Port Isaac is famously used as the location of fictional village Portwenn in TV show Doc Martin. Apart from the village itself, you can visit the grumpy GP’s home and surgery, Fern Cottage, and Mrs Tishall’s pharmacy at Buttermilk Confections. Book a walking tour here and pick up all sorts of Doc Martin merch at bakery May Contain Nuts. 

Head to the pretty harbour to see the catch of the day

From the Middle Ages until the mid-19th century, Port Isaac was busy handling various imports and exports, including coal, timber, pottery and Delabole slate. The name Port Isaac is derived from the Cornish ‘Porth Izzick’ meaning ‘corn port’. These days, half a dozen trawlers reign supreme and you can watch the local fishermen landing their daily catch of fish, crab and lobsters. 

Potter around the shops, galleries and cafes

You could spend hours winding your way through Port Isaac’s tiny alleyways and cobbled streets. Keep your eyes peeled for one particularly narrow thoroughfare known as ‘Squeezy Belly Alley’. Pop into Port Isaac Pottery, a creative haven featuring a range of handmade ceramics, gifts and photography, which is moving from the old Roscarrock Hill Methodist Chapel to the former Sunday school next door in 2022. On Fore Street, more gifts and prints can be found at the Boathouse while contemporary lifestyle store the Port Isaac Trading Co stocks woollen jumpers, beanies and hoodies. At the top of the village, the Peapod offers homewares and clothes. 

Hike the cliff-top path from Port Isaac to Port Gaverne

Port Isaac nestles in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as well as a heritage coast area, so walking the South West Coast Path in either direction is a must. Go from the village up past the harbour for about a mile. There are spectacular views of Tintagel along this section of the coastline and Port Gaverne will reward you with an unspoiled cove, a sandy beach and rock pools.

Go crabbing and rock pooling at low tide

Port Isaac beach is perfect for crabbing and rock pooling when the tide is out. Skim stones, jump over the waves and scour the beach for treasure whatever the weather. Follow the path along the right side of the harbour and explore the rocks and inlets of the cove. At the harbour wall, climb the iron ladder to the top and go crabbing, or just take in the spectacular view.

Cycle the Camel Trail

The 18-mile Camel Trail is popular with families because it’s flat, traffic free and provides plenty of places to stop and take a break. From Port Isaac, head to Wadebridge and pedal the section to Padstow, following the Camel Estuary. This 5.5-mile cycle is an easy ride for children of all ages. Stop at Padstow for fish and chips or ice cream, before returning to Wadebridge.

Check out Rock, Polzeath and Daymer Bay

Head out of Port Isaac to a range of stunning nearby beaches. For surfing and bodyboarding, head to the waves at Polzeath. Families will love Daymer Bay’s wide sandy beach and sheltered waters, while Rock, with its long stretch of sand and dunes, is perfect for exploring. You can also go sailing and powerboating. Don’t forget to seek out the sunken church of St Enodoc, where former poet laureate Sir John Betjeman is buried.

Go on a coasteering adventure

For an exciting and action-packed way to explore north Cornwall’s rocky coastline, head to Port Gaverne for a coasteering adventure. Cornish Rock Tors will take you to an otherwise inaccessible stretch of coast and guide you through swimming into caves and leaping from rocks. Port Gaverne is also a great spot for sea swimming and kayaking.

Experience the sights of the nearby Eden Project

Travel the world via the Eden Project – a collection of global gardens, housed in huge biomes on the site of a former quarry near St Austell. A jungle flourishes in the Rainforest Biome, while orange and lemon trees, olive groves and gnarled vines thrive in the Mediterranean Biome. There are loads of seasonal family-friendly activities, too.

Explore myth, legend and mystery at Tintagel Castle

Head north-east along the coast for about 20 minutes to discover stunning views, a mystical past and oodles of local history. Tintagel, perched high up on the cliffs of Cornwall’s north coast, is a fabulous day out. Explore the remains of the castle, said to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur, and check out the cave on the beach, rumoured to be the home of wizard Merlin.

Eat delicious, locally sourced food 

Most of the eateries in Port Isaac are dedicated to the catch of the day. Try Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen for affordable small plates of seafood from celebrated chef Nathan Outlaw and Fresh From The Sea for crab and lobster caught and cooked by a local husband-and-wife team. Port Isaac’s beautiful 18th-century pub the Golden Lion overlooks the sea, is bursting with original features and traditional Cornish charm and is the perfect place to stop after a brisk coastal walk. Eat and drink in front of the crackling fire and imagine days bygone. Pizza aficionados will love the Angry Anchovy, while summer beach action can be found at Pilchards in Port Gaverne – a seasonal cafe offering tapas, cocktails and music. Settle in for romance and rustic fare at the Mote. 

Walk the cliff tops to Port Quin and Doyden Point

Head south along the South West Coast Path round the corner to the abandoned fishing village of Port Quin, taking in the stunning cliff-top views. Now a tranquil near-deserted cove, it’s quietly eerie, given its tragic history. In the 19th century, a huge storm drowned all the village’s men, who were out fishing, leaving the women destitute. The village was deserted and the homes fell into disrepair and the sea. You can still see the fish cellars. From here, you can backtrack or take a circular walk inland. If you want something more challenging, continue on the path and complete the stretch to Padstow. To the left of Port Quin is Doyden Point, home to the very small, picturesque Doyden Castle.

In summer, head to the Platt to hear Fishermen’s Friends 

This group of Port Isaac menfolk are well known locally for their port-side concerts featuring sea shanties and Cornish folk songs. They have been performing locally since 1995, signed a record deal with Universal Music in March 2010 and their story was made into a film in 2019. Fishermen’s Friends performances were cancelled in 2021 due to Covid but the band may yet make a return to the Platt in 2022.