Port Isaac: A Coastal Gem with Character and Charm
Tucked into a steep valley on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, Port Isaac is the kind of village that captures you instantly — with its winding lanes, whitewashed cottages, and panoramic sea views, it feels almost like stepping into a painting. Or, as many visitors might say, a television set.
Known to many as the filming location for the TV series Doc Martin, Port Isaac has long outshone its on-screen fame, offering an authentic and timeless Cornish experience with a quietly magnetic charm.
A Village of Narrow Streets and Big Views
Wandering through Port Isaac is a delight in itself. The village is a tangle of steep, narrow streets (locals call the tightest ones ‘squeezebelly alleys’), many of which were laid out long before the arrival of cars. It’s best explored slowly and on foot, pausing to admire the historic fisherman’s cottages, browse local shops, or simply watch the boats coming and going in the tiny harbour.
The harbour itself is the heart of the village — calm, picture-perfect, and ringed by cafés and pubs that spill out onto cobbled streets in warmer months. It’s easy to lose track of time here, watching the light change across the water and the gulls wheel overhead.
History and Heritage
Once a thriving fishing port, Port Isaac was known for pilchard fishing and coastal trading as far back as the Middle Ages. Today, the fishing industry is smaller but still present — and you might spot a catch of crab or lobster coming ashore if your timing is right.
Much of the village’s charm lies in how little it has changed. The historic architecture, slate roofs and traditional shopfronts have all been carefully preserved, giving Port Isaac an atmosphere that feels both lived-in and deeply rooted in Cornish heritage.
Dining with a View
Port Isaac has become something of a gastronomic destination, thanks in part to celebrated chef Nathan Outlaw, whose two restaurants — Outlaw’s New Road and Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen — celebrate local seafood with flair and finesse. Booking ahead is essential, and well worth it for those looking to sample Cornwall’s best.
For something more casual, there are several pubs and cafés serving hearty Cornish fare, including freshly baked pasties, cream teas, and locally caught fish and chips enjoyed with a view of the harbour.
Exploring the Coast
Port Isaac sits on the South West Coast Path, making it an ideal base for walkers. The stretch to Port Gaverne is a short, scenic ramble, while the longer route towards Polzeath offers dramatic cliffside views and a proper leg-stretch. Along the way, expect sea breeze, wildflowers and a good dose of salty air.
Nearby beaches and coves — some only accessible on foot — offer a quieter, more secluded alternative to Cornwall’s busier seaside spots.
On Screen and In Song
Fans of Doc Martin will instantly recognise the village’s quaint streets and coastal backdrops. But Port Isaac is also home to the Fisherman’s Friends, a renowned sea shanty group who occasionally perform in the harbour during summer months — a lively, foot-tapping reminder of the village’s strong maritime traditions.
Where Time Slows Down
Whether you’re visiting for the scenery, the seafood, the history, or simply the joy of slowing down, Port Isaac is a place that stays with you. There’s a quiet, enduring charm to this corner of the Cornish coast — one that invites you to pause, breathe, and watch the tide come in.
