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SELF CATERING COTTAGE, PORT GAVERNE, CORNWALL

Torca Cottage

A comfortable cottage with lots of character, near the beach

Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms (+ cot) Friday arrival Up to 2 well behaved dogs welcome Short breaks available
Check rates and dates
The Retreat

Torca Cottage is a cosy space of grand proportions sleeping four guests. Its open vaulted ceilings, original sloping wooden floors and wood burning stove add to its lovely character. Two coastal-chic bedrooms are downstairs, whilst the upstairs is dedicated to light, airy open-plan living. The beach is a skip away, and there is a lovely shared and enclosed garden for you to enjoy.

Short breaks are available on selected dates between September – April. (Friday or Monday arrival, 3 night minimum). If your desired dates are not bookable online please contact the team here. 

Tucked away at the end of our little row of cottages, Torca is still very much at the heart of the cove. It has direct access to the shared courtyard – great for chilling out with friends and family. It’s perfect for one or two couples or a family, and like all our holiday cottages at Port Gaverne it’s dog friendly.

Take a look at our webcam, it provides stunning live views of Port Gaverne beach.

In and around Torca Cottage

Take the slate steps up to the property from the small lane that runs alongside, and step into a wonderfully bright and spacious living area. Attractive wooden furniture and a beamed ceiling complement the open plan arrangement of kitchen, dining room and lounge. Whitewashed walls accentuate the local artwork, whilst inviting sofas to create a snug atmosphere around the wood burning stove. The open plan kitchen-dining area is very well equipped with a dishwasher and washing machine —  and a good sized dining table seating four completes the space.

Forever Cornwall Torca Green Door Cottages Port Gaverne Cornwall8

Down the carpeted stairs you will find the two spacious bedrooms, both airy and full of natural light due to large windows; one with twin beds, and the other with a double. The master bedroom gives direct access to the courtyard outside. Garden furniture and sun loungers make the slate terrace outside an ideal place to catch some sun on your doorstep — and parking is conveniently available in a private space nearby.

Out and about

Torca Cottage is one of ten delightful ‘Green Door’ properties nestled in the beautiful, secluded cove of Port Gaverne on the north Cornish coast. Owned by the National Trust, this sheltered inlet on the North coast of Cornwall has a small sandy beach at low tide, rock pools and caves, cliff walks with magnificent views and stunning sunsets. Port Gaverne is a popular destination come rain or shine. Take a look for yourself with our live Port Gaverne webcam. It’s just a short stroll from the famous 14th century fishing village of Port Isaac which you may recognise as Portwenn, the location of the famous TV series ‘Doc Martin’.

The South West Coast path is immediately behind the property, and this entire stretch of coast has been designated both Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Heritage Coast status.  You can walk east towards legendary Tintagel, or west past Port Isaac and tiny Port Quin cove to Pentire headland, Polzeath and the Camel estuary. Or simply stroll out to the dramatic headland right here for a perfect evening view. Port Gaverne is also one of the top wild swimming spots in Cornwall, and you can hire kayaks and SUPs on the beach, so pack your wetsuit, wellies and sunscreen, and we’ll provide the fishing nets, bodyboards and walking maps!

For eating out, the multi award-winning Port Gaverne Restaurant & Hotel is just next door, dating back to the 17th century and specialising in local produce — particularly seafood and delicious local ales. Or there are the seasonal “Pilchards” right by the beach with plates for sharing, teas and coffees.  Or stroll into Port Isaac with its growing foodie credentials, given that it’s home to famous celeb chef Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen.

Things we love…

Torca oozes character with its quirky sloping floor, exposed beams and reverse level layout. Seaside village life is on the doorstep, with the beach and pub just down the lane. Enjoy an evening BBQ with friends and family in the shared courtyard garden. Imagine curling up in the lovely lounge with its whitewashed walls peppered with lovely local artwork, comfy coastal furnishings, and crackling wood burning stove… how cosy! The original stripped floorboards gently slope from one end of the open plan living room to the other, accentuating the unique character of this inviting cottage.

Just next door to Torca Cottage are Courtyard, Marigold and Venus — all of which sleep four guests. Each is a unique retreat, but with a similar layout. Have a look at all of our Green Door cottages and apartments in Port Gaverne here.

Great charm
Port Gaverne is ideally located, with the small bay right on your doorstep, along with the hotel/restaurant a stone's throw from the front door. Port Isaac is just a short walk up the hill, offering plenty of restaurants. It's ideally located for day trips to some great locations, with plenty of dog friendly beaches. The accommodation felt spacious and clean, with the bedrooms and big bathroom located on the lower floor. The cottage has a great charm about it and it certainly felt like home.
Simon, Claire, Evie & Obi — July 2023
Features

Retreat Features

  • Private parking
  • Free Superfast Wifi
  • Access to shared garden
  • Moments from the beach
  • Miles of coastal walks on doorstep
  • Rustic cottage feel
SLEEPING
Principal bedroom: double bed
Bedroom two: twin beds

All bed linen and bath towels provided
LIVING & RELAXING
Open plan lounge/kitchen/diner
Smart TV
Superfast WiFi available
Bluetooth speaker
COOKING & DINING
Well equipped kitchen
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Dining table and chairs for four
Tea towels provided
BATHROOM
Bathroom with shower over bath, hand basin, toilet
Bathroom towels provided
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Friday changeover
Short breaks available, September — April. Changeover days are Monday and Friday.
Check in after 3pm
Check out before 9:30am
OUTDOORS
Access to shared, enclosed communal garden
Outdoor seating
HEATING
Gas central heating throughout
Woodburner (free logs provided)
BABIES & TODDLERS
Travel cot and highchair on request (cot linen on request)
PETS
Up to two well behaved dogs welcome
PARKING
Allocated parking for one car
Communal EV charging point
ACCESSIBILITY
These properties are two storey and are ‘reverse level’
Access to the front door is via steps
Stairgates are fitted at the top of each staircase
Please contact us for more information
Location

PORT GAVERNE

Port Gaverne is right next to Port Isaac, of Doc Martin and Poldark fame. However this little cove has an intimate  charm all of its own, away from the crowds of its neighbour. Although the beach is small, it’s dog-friendly all year round — and wait for the tide to go out and you’ll be rewarded with sand between your toes, rockpools to search through and caves to discover. Take a look for yourself with our live Port Gaverne webcam. For those with a taste for adrenalin, this sheltered cove offers some excellent coasteering too – get hold of Cornish Rock Tors who will guide you safely along the rocky shore and through the water. They also offer wild swimming sessions, kayaking, and stand up paddle-boarding, as well as plenty other land-based activities – so if it’s an active holiday you’re after then look no further.

More about this area

Travel times

  • Port Gaverne is about 17 miles from the nearest mainline station at Bodmin Parkway. Regular and convenient services run from all over the UK.
  • Port Gaverne is 20 miles from the A30, with a driving time from London approximately 5 hours with good traffic and Exeter is roughly an hour and a half away. Full details to plan your route will be available on booking.

Things we love

  • The property is seconds away from the nearest beach, which is dog-friendly all year
  • Nearest shop for amenities is located in picturesque neighbouring Port Isaac, 10 minutes up the road
  • Port Gaverne Inn is moments away, a great gastropub
  • Miles of glorious coastal walks await, right from your doorstep

The port gaverne guide

Port Isaac Outlaw's Fish Kitchen close to Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

A foodie's favourite

In the heart of the hamlet, the Port Gaverne Hotel and Restaurant serves up Cornish produce — and it’s delicious. Try a range of gins, taste local ales and let the bar staff recommend a fine wine, as there are plenty to choose from.

Stroll from the Port Gaverne holiday cottages along to Port Isaac and experience exquisite dining at Restaurant Nathan Outlaw. Famed for its seafood taster menu, this Michelin starred restaurant is the perfect place for a celebration or romantic treat for two. If you’re accompanied by children, who may not appreciate Mr. Outlaw’s finest cuisine, follow your nose to the Angry Anchovy for excellent pizza and Cornish craft ale. There are also plenty of other places serving fresh seafood, such as Fresh From The Sea at the top of town.

 

Port Gaverne Cove - near Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

Sheltered cove right on your doorstep

Port Gaverne’s dog friendly beach is a small one, but wait for the tide to go out and you’ll be rewarded with sand between your toes, rockpools to explore and caves to discover. See for yourself with our Port Gaverne webcam with live footage of the cove. For those with a taste for adrenalin, this sheltered cove offers some excellent guided coasteering too — get hold of Cornish Rock Tors who will guide you along cliffs and through the water. They also offer wild swimming sessions, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding, as well as plenty other land-based activities. The cove is moments away from our cottages and apartments in the area, so walk sandy footsteps back up to your retreat, or wrap up in a towel and get the wood burner going to dry out.

Walking Holidays in Port Gaverne Cornwall

Coastal footpaths and clifftop walks

North Cornwall is famous for its dramatic, rugged coastline and Port Gaverne is no exception. Whether you head east or west, you’re greeted with stunning coastal walks — or head inland for circular strolls. Take the coastal footpath and walk east up the coast towards Tintagel, which will take you past some fantastic beaches, often requiring a walk down to their sandy shores but certainly worth the trip. Head west along the coast in the opposite direction and up the footpath to Port Isaac for a great coastal walk that’s not too long or strenuous, just up to Port Quin and back again.

Between Port Quin and Polzeath is a fabulous stretch of the coast path, jutting right out into the Atlantic and offering some really spectacular views. All of the coastal footpaths are dog friendly, but there are some steep sections so make sure you keep the lead handy.

Beaches
Port Isaac harbour as seen from Forever Cornwall holiday cottages nearby

Port Gaverne and Port Isaac

With Port Gaverne beach literally on your doorstep, and Port Isaac beach just a 20-minute stroll, there’s no shortage of sheltered coves within walking distance. These beaches are small, picturesque and family and dog friendly — a great way to while away an afternoon at any time of year. Port Gaverne beach is flanked by Port Isaac headland and ‘The Main’ (Port Gaverne’s headland), which tend to protect the beach from the big Atlantic waves. Port Isaac beach has a breakwater, so is generally a calm harbour with picturesque fishing boats dotted around.

Beaches Padstow Area Polzeath 26 August 2016 2. Matt Jessop

Polzeath

An inspiration for poet Sir John Betjeman, Polzeath is a wide sandy beach about six miles from Port Gaverne. The village of the same name has plenty of restaurants and amenities to fuel a fun-filled day at the beach. With lifeguards on duty during summer days, a surf school on hand and plenty of rockpools to explore, Polzeath is the ideal place for a beach day.

Beaches Padstow Area Daymer Bay 26 August 2016 2. Matt Jessop

Daymer Bay

Daymer Bay is a very sheltered beach about 8 miles from Port Gaverne. It sits in a sheltered spot at the mouth of the Camel Estuary, with calm waters and a long stretch of golden sand, and was one of poet John Betjeman’s favourite locations in Cornwall — it’s not hard to see why. One of this beaches great features is that it’s dog-friendly all year round too — and the wide open space makes it perfect to tire a four legged friend out!

Trebarwith, Adamgibbard

Off the beaten track

Follow the coastal footpath to the east, or drive the road out of Port Gaverne and park up at Tregardock Farm. From here, it’s around a 20-minute walk and a bit of a scramble over some rocks to reach the sandy, quiet beach of Tregardock — be sure to check the tides beforehand! If you don’t fancy the walk, keep driving until you reach Trebarwith, with pub, shop and carpark, making it a little more family friendly and accessible — but a bit busier too. Both have an air of the undiscovered about them though, with waterfalls, caves and rockpools to explore, as well as being a little quieter than the likes of Polzeath.

Food & drink
Pub at Port Gaverne near Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

Port Gaverne eateries

Port Gaverne has an extremely good food offering given the size of this tiny hamlet. Two of the best are in the heart of the hamlet — The Port Gaverne Restaurant and Hotel and The Pilchard’s Cafe, both of them are just off the beach. The Port Gaverne Restaurant and Hotel serves up excellent gastropub food and fine wines, or rinse off sandy feet and call in at The Pilchard’s for some tapas-style light bites and freshly made lunches.

Port Isaac Outlaw's Fish Kitchen close to Forever Cornwall holiday cottages

Michelin-starred food

Neighbouring Port Isaac is filled with brilliant restaurants, but the most famous perhaps are those of Michelin-starred Cornish chef, Nathan Outlaw. The seafood tasting menu at Outlaw’s New Road is a real experience for anyone who appreciates good food — make sure you book in advance! If you’re after something a little more relaxed, wander down into the town to Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, where fishermen and local growers dictate the menu daily. Housed in a 15th century fisherman’s cottage, you can still expect white tablecloths and superb service but with a more relaxed atmosphere.

Angry anchovy Port Isaac Pizza

Laid-back dining

Follow your nose to popular Angry Anchovy and take a seat for excellent pizza and Cornish craft ale. This dog friendly restaurant serves freshly made pizza, and despite its name, offers plenty of non-seafood options, too. If you’re hankering after a crab sandwich, head to the top of the hill to Fresh From The Sea. Husband and wife team Callum and Tracey catch crab, lobster, mackerel and Cornish varieties of fish from their own boat and have been championing sustainable fishing practices since 2003.

Buying local in Port Isaac

This little town with two Michelin-starred restaurants is, unsurprisingly, one of the best places to get hold of fresh seafood. There are several fishmongers in this tiny village where you can pick up freshly landed fish, as well as delis in the centre and farm shops in the surrounding area.

Find out more about buying local in with our handy Local Food Guide to Port Gaverne and Port Isaac

Things to do
Port Gaverne Stand up paddleboarding Rock tors

Coasteering

If you’re after an injection of adrenaline, you’ll need to speak to Ben at Cornish Rock Tors. North Cornwall’s coastline lends itself particularly well to coasteering and other adventurous sea sports like kayaking, paddleboarding and wild swimming. Cornish Rock Tors have equipment to hire if you know what you’re doing, but we’d recommend getting Ben to show you around the Port Gaverne waters.

Matt Jessop VCL Statue Tintagel North Cornwall

Tintagel Castle

The English Heritage Site of Tintagel Castle is often portrayed as King Arthur’s birthplace, with its Dark Age ruins, rich history of royals and mystical feel. Cross the footbridge and climb the 148 steps up to the island and walk through the wooden door that opens out to the Grand Hall, built by the fist Earl of Cornwall. Immerse yourself in the legend of King Arthur with the story slabs in the medieval garden, the bronze statue on the headland and search for the wizard Merlin’s face carved into the cliffs on the beach below.

St Nectans Glen

St Nectan’s Glen

With an unmistakeable air of magic, this woodland walk with three waterfalls and hermitage are a must visit at any time of year and in any sort of weather. Park your car and walk 20 minutes into the woods to discover the first and biggest waterfall — at 60ft, this impressive waterfall has carved its own path through the rocks and tumbles down into the pool next to the pathway. Walk into the pool (if you forgot your wellies, the shop will lend you some for free) to really experience the magic of this waterfall – and make sure you don’t miss St. Nectan’s Kieve, the sacred hermitage next to the pool.

North Cornwall Padstow 24 August 2016 5. Matt Jessop

Padstow Foot Ferry

Port Gaverne to Padstow is a good 30-minute drive. Head to Rock, however, on the other side of the estuary and marvel at the millionaire’s playground. Hop onto the Padstow foot ferry that carries its passengers across the mouth of the Camel Estuary, past the Doom Bar and on to Padstow. The ten-minute journey is much shorter than driving to the town, and a much more entertaining mode of travel. The ferry goes every twenty minutes, usually from Rock but sometimes from Daymer Bay on a very low tide.

Guests Say
  • Location is just perfect

    Our family of 4 (+2 dogs) had an amazing stay over the Easter holidays. The location is just perfect for walking, swimming in the sea and easily accessible shops and things to do. The cottage was ideal for our family and the host was super proactive and helpful. A great stay all round.

    James & family — April 2024
  • Wonderful

    I had a wonderful week in this cosy cottage. The kitchen is well equipped, the bed is very comfortable and the heating adjustable — handy for me as it was the off season and I was there in the day quite a bit. It is just steps from the beach and cliff walks, and Port Isaac is half a mile away. Highly recommended.

    Sandra — March 2024
  • Perfect location

    Cosy, well equipped cottage. Perfect location for local walks along the coast. Beautiful views, weather was kind, friendly folk everywhere.

    Kesh, Steve, Loll & Alan — October 2023
  • Comfy, clean and well equipped

    Another fantastic Cornish holiday. Thank you Will and Pip for providing a comfy, clean and well equipped cottage. Torca met all our needs. We really enjoyed the store and appreciated the extra logs! Port Gaverne was as lovely as ever, the sea was amazingly calm enabling some wonderful swims. Enjoyed numerous coastal walks and despite storm Babet only got caught in one shower! All in all a fantastic, beautiful and very relaxing holiday.

    Helen & Andy — October 2023
  • Fantastic

    We've had such a fantastic time staying at Torca. Well needed break for all the family. Hope to stay again soon.

    Andrew & Janell — August 2023
  • Great charm

    Port Gaverne is ideally located, with the small bay right on your doorstep, along with the hotel/restaurant a stone's throw from the front door. Port Isaac is just a short walk up the hill, offering plenty of restaurants and the famous Golden Lion pub, which overlooks Port Isaac. It's ideally located for day trips to some great locations, with plenty of dog friendly beaches. The accommodation felt spacious and clean, with the bedrooms and big bathroom located on the lower floor. The cottage has a great charm about it and it certainly felt like home.

    Simon, Claire, Evie & Obi — July 2023
  • Our 5th time

    Our 5th time in these cottages and as lovely as ever! We look forward to the next time.

    The Thorps — January 2023
  • Very comfortable

    Our first visit here and we were very comfortable. Facilities had everything we needed and we felt warm and welcomed. We will be back!

    Ruth & Peter — October 2022
  • Phylly the border terrier pup (age 6 months) — September 2022
  • Fabulous

    Another fabulous holiday in Port Gaverne at the Green Door Cottages, glorious sunshine every day - we have been lucky! Looking forward to our next stay at New Year's.

    Katie, Viv & Andy — August 2022
  • Lovely few days escape

    A lovely few days escape to Cornwall. Cottage was as expected, but lovely new bathroom and fluffy white towels made it extra special. The dog loved the beach and walks.

    Julian, Penny & Barnie the dog — February 2022
  • Everything we hoped it would be...and more!

    What a wonderful week! The cottage was everything we hoped it would be...and more! Perfect location, very well equipped and comfortable. So many attractions and beautiful places to visit without having to travel too far; it made for a very relaxing holiday which was just what we needed. Loved walking down to the beach at Port Gaverne each morning with our pup. Thank you for a great stay.

    Kirsten & Keith — November 2021
  • Very welcoming

    Everyone was very welcoming. Good food and drink, and walking. Weather much better than the forecast - what could be nicer?

    Richard — July 2021
  • Very well appointed

    A return to Port Gaverne after 30+ years. Torca was excellent - very well appointed and equipped. Thanks to all.

    Neil & Alison — May 2021
  • Fabulous

    Second time year at Torca. Just a fabulous, wonderful week of sunshine and fun. Back soon!

    Heidi & Jonathan — April 2021
  • Very comfortable and peaceful

    We have had a fabulous week down here in Port Gaverne. Weather has been fantastic and cottage is very comfortable and peaceful. Have visited Rock, Daymer Bay, Padstow and Trevose Head for wonderful beaches, especially for our dogs. We love this part of Cornwall and will definitely return. Thank you for the goodies. Hope to be back soon.

    Alison, Steve, Yogi & Billy — April 2021
  • Wonderful

    We have had a wonderful, relaxing time in this lovely cottage. On wet days we went to the Tate in St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and the Eden Project. We've done a lot of the south west coast path and really loved the path from Rock around the headlands. We felt so comfortable here and will be back in February we hope!

    Annie & Mike — October 2020
  • Soul-soothing

    Just what we needed post lockdown! Such a beautiful, soul-soothing spot. We've had sunshine and showers, cycled, swam in the bay and held our breath while the kids leapt in from the rocky ledges. Fell in love with Pilchards which we completely recommend - nearly managed to drink the cocktail menu - will have to return to complete! Thank you to all who look after these cottages and to Port Gaverne for the lovely, warm welcome.

    Rachel & family — August 2020
  • We will be back soon!

    We've had a lovely time staying in Torca after three months in lockdown. We will be back soon!

    Katie, Viv & Andy — July 2020
  • Wonderful!

    Our family and pooch had a fantastic time in Torca cottage and it has been great to explore the bay and surrounding areas! Had a lovely trip with "boaty" out of Port Issac. We were fortunate to see some of Doc Martin being filmed and we also enjoyed seeing "Fisherman's Friends" singing in the port last night! Wonderful, thank you!

    The Harkness family — July 2019
  • Couldn't be better

    This is the first time we have stayed in Torca as we normally stay in Jasmine! However it was lovely and couldn't be better. The weather has been on our side this week, sunny every single day! It has been a fantastic holiday and we hope to return next year.

    The Wells family — July 2019
  • We will return

    Finding Torca on the internet has led to a very short but extremely enjoyable stay! We were just thrilled to be here during the filming of Doc Martin and being able to experience this has been brilliant! The weather has been superb and we will leave feeling that Cornwall is always like this. We know this is not the case but in our minds it will always be sunny and reminiscing of our beautiful walks along the cliffs and the green paddocks, the cheeriness of everyone we met and the laughter of the similarities and difference between our cultures! We shall endeavour to return.

    Nicholls & Livingston families — June 2019
  • Fantastic area!

    What a great cottage in a fantastic area! This is our first visit but would definitely come back! Loved the harbour and the restaurants in Port Issac. The views and walks have been amazing, very enjoyable holiday.

    The Awbery family — June 2019
  • Home from home!

    We have stayed at the Green Door cottages on many occasions but this is our first time in Torca. As ever, this cottage has been a home from home for us! Not the best weather but our trips out in the local area and many walks proved most enjoyable! A tour around the Camel Valley vineyard proved to be excellent! Thank you for our tea and the welcome pack was much appreciated. Hopefully we will return in the future!

    The Perkins family — June 2019
  • 100% satisfied

    Beautiful, well equipped and homely place in wonderful location. We very much enjoyed our time at Torca, it felt like a home away from home. Would recommend it to anyone and hope to be back again. 100% satisfied.

    Mrs Carolus — October 2017
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View our Terms and Conditions here, which includes our dog policy, cancellation policy, and more.

Please note, we only release dates 11 months ahead, so please check back or enquire for more availability.

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