Port Isaac
Porth YsekAlso known as Port Wenn
Port Isaac is a traditional fishing village in North Cornwall that is home to the TV series Doc Martin starring Martin Clunes and the Fisherman’s Friends shanty singers.
Port Isaac is a quintessential Cornish fishing village, known for its narrow, winding streets lined with charming whitewashed cottages that overlook a picturesque harbour, locally referred to as the Platt. Since 2004, it has gained fame as the fictional village of Port Wenn in the BBC series Doc Martin.
With a fishing heritage dating back to the early fourteenth century, Port Isaac has always been deeply connected to the sea, and fishing continues to play a significant role in the lives of its residents. The village’s name comes from the Cornish Porthysek, meaning 'corn port', a nod to its historic role in the grain trade.
Whilst the village sees an influx of visitors in the summer months, the spring and autumn shoulder seasons are a perfect time to explore, with milder weather and fewer crowds. Spring also hosts the Port Isaac Sea Shanty Festival, where you can catch live performances from local sea shanty choirs.
Despite its modest size, Port Isaac boasts some excellent dining options, including Nathan Outlaw's Fish Kitchen, offering fresh, local seafood in an unforgettable setting.
Did you know?
Fisherman’s Friends, a group of lobster fishermen and lifeboatmen from Port Isaac, began singing sea shanties together by the harbour in the 1990s. Their rise to fame came in 2009 when BBC Radio presenter Johnnie Walker discovered their CD whilst on holiday and passed it to his music manager. Since then, they’ve gained global recognition, performing at Glastonbury and inspiring two films about their story. Despite their success, they remain a cherished part of the local community, celebrating Cornwall’s maritime heritage through their music.
What to do in Port Isaac
Much of Port Isaac’s charm lies in wandering its historic streets, which feel like a step back in time to simpler days. The village’s atmosphere, with its stone cottages and winding lanes, is a true delight to explore. However, there are a few key attractions to enjoy as well.
At the heart of the village is the harbour, where local fishermen still bring in their daily catch. From here, you can stroll down the slipway to Port Isaac Beach at low tide, where you can walk along the sand and explore the large rockpools, home to various sea creatures.
Next to the harbour is the starting point of the popular Doc Martin Tour, a guided walk through the village’s well-known filming locations from the beloved TV show. The tour includes stops at iconic locations like the Doc’s house, the village school, and the Crab & Lobster, with plenty of behind-the-scenes facts and anecdotes.
Port Isaac is also home to a number of quaint galleries, pottery shops, and souvenir stores. Take time to browse these local businesses, where you can find unique artwork, handmade crafts, and keepsakes to remember your visit.
Did you know?
Squeezy Belly Alley is one of the narrowest passageways in the UK, measuring only 18 inches wide. It is a public highway and provides access to Fore Street to Dolphin Street in Port Isaac.
Further afield
Set within the stunning Cornish National Landscape (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), the South West Coast Path offers breathtaking scenery starting from Port Isaac. To the east, Port Gaverne provides a tranquil retreat with its sheltered beach, perfect for rockpooling and ideal for families seeking a quieter spot in Cornwall. To the west, you'll find Port Quin, a small, serene cove with a poignant legend of a storm in the 1800s that claimed the lives of the village’s fishermen.
If you prefer exploring by bike, head to Wadebridge and cycle The Camel Trail to Padstow. This scenic route takes you through beautiful landscapes, and once in Padstow, you can enjoy browsing its independent shops and savouring freshly caught fish and chips with a view of the bustling harbour.
For a more upscale experience, visit Rock, a neighbouring village known for its celebrity visitors, including the royal family. The beach at Rock, stretching along the Camel Estuary, is backed by impressive dunes and offers exceptionally scenic views.
Getting around
Port Isaac is a relatively remote village, best accessed by car. It’s easily reachable via the A30 and A39, both of which connect to the M5. The nearest train station is Bodmin Parkway, about a 40-minute drive away, offering direct services to London Paddington in around four hours. Whilst local bus services operate in the area, there are no direct routes from the station to Port Isaac. Due to the village's narrow, historic streets, parking within Port Isaac can be challenging. It's recommended to park at Port Isaac Main Car Park, which is a short 10-minute walk downhill to the harbour.
Plan your trip
Everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Port Isaac
From the M5 follow the A30 to Bodmin, Turn off here and head through the town taking the A389 towards Wadebridge. On reaching the A39 take the first left heading towards the town then right onto the B3314. Follow this until you see signs for Port Isaac.
Due to the nature of Port Isaac's narrow, windy streets, vehicle access is very limited. It is strongly recommended that you park in one of the two car parks, the Main Car Park or the New Car Park, both located at the top of the village and wander down to the harbour area on foot.
Port Isaac is served by the 96 local bus service from Wadebridge to Launceston (Summer 2022)
The nearest National Express stop is at Bodmin from where a bus runs to Wadebridge.
The nearest mainline railway station is Bodmin Parkway from where you can get a bus to Port Isaac by changing at Wadebridge.
FAQs
View allDue to the nature of Port Isaac's narrow, windy streets, vehicle access is very limited. It is strongly recommended that you park in one of the two car parks, the Main Car Park or the New Car Park, both located at the top of the village and wander down to the harbour area on foot.
Anytime, but try to avoid the height of summer when the village can be very busy. Spring and early summer are good months to visit, as they are to visit all of Cornwall. Or why not come down in the winter and brave the coast path watching the waves break against the cliffs?
The circular walk to Port Quinn along the South West Coast Path and back across the fields is about five miles in length, however it's not the mileage that you need to worry about, it's all the ups and downs and the steps!
But, it's a fantastic walk and well worth all the climbs. Take refreshments with uyou and make a day of it.
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