Cornwall is full of small picturesque fishing villages, but none come close to the unique character of Port Isaac. Nestled in the wild north coast of Cornwall, this place continues to attract people searching for something authentically Cornish. Unsurprisingly the place has also been attracting the film crews too, with the series Doc Martin and the film Fisherman’s Friends being shot here. To persuade you to visit this special place, take a look at our 8 reasons to visit Port Isaac.
1. Doc Martin filming locations
The town played the fictional town of “Port Wenn” in the series about the cantankerous London doctor in the midst of quintessentially Cornish village life. Why not take a tour of the town and find these filming locations for yourself?
2. Watch Fisherman’s Friends sing
The 2019 film Fisherman’s Friends (pictured above) was based on a real sea shanty band from the village, and they still sing in the harbour today for charity. They aim to put on these performances every week from the end of May to the end of August, but can cancel due to weather. The best way to stay up-to-date is through their Twitter and Facebook page.
3. Nearby beaches
The coast around Port Isaac has some of the best beaches on the north coast. Travelling further south you can get to Polzeath Beach, which is lifeguarded at certain times of the year, great for surfing and with plenty of space to relax. Going down the Camel estuary, you can find the more sheltered beaches of Daymer Bay and Rock Beach.
4. Walking
The dramatic cliffs of the north coast make for great scenery, and for even better walking. Try our walk, the Port Isaac Rollercoaster Path, between Port Quinn and Port Isaac — however, be warned, this can be challenging!
5. The food
It’s safe to say that Port Isaac is a very fishy place, and a visit wouldn’t be complete with some first-class seafood. The most famous being Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, which holds two well-deserved Michelin stars.
6. Pubs
Whilst we’re talking about the food, it would be a shame not to mention the places you can get a good tipple! Port Gaverne has the award-winning pub, Port Gaverne Hotel. Seconds from the water’s edge, it’s the perfect place to go after a long day at the beach or rambling on the coast path. Another good establishment is the Golden Lion in Port Isaac, great for a harbourside G&T with some seafood.
7. Watersports
The secluded cove at Port Gaverne is a great space to be adventurous on the water. Our friends Cornish Rock Tors can take you for a spot of paddleboarding, kayaking or even coasteering. This is by far the best way to explore the wild north coast.
