Top 12 Things To Do In Port Isaac, Cornwall

Port Isaac has given us many memorable family holidays over the last few years, a beautiful British seaside holiday destination. Port Isaac is a traditional fishing village in north Cornwall and home to the television series Doc Martin starring Martin Clunes. It is a truly picturesque village with narrow winding streets lined with whitewashed cottages that head down to the harbour where you can watch local fishermen landing their daily catch of fish, crab and lobsters. From the Middle Ages until the middle of the 19th century, Port Isaac was a busy port handling various imports and exports, including coal, timber, pottery and Delabole slate. In fact the name Port Isaac is derived from the Cornish Porth Izzick meaning the ‘corn port’.

Over recent years Port Isaac has become a popular location for the filming of television series. The village is possibly best known as the fictional Portwenn from the ITV television series Doc Martin starring Martin Clunes. Much of the television series Poldark was also filmed in the village.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN PORT ISAAC

1. Walk the cliff top path from Port Isaac to Port Gaverne

The coastal path takes you between the beaches at Port Isaac and Port Gaverne, a distance of about a mile. There are spectacular views along this section of the coastline, and out to Tintagel, across the sea, on a sunny day.

2. Take your photo outside the TV series home of Doc Martin

Doc Martins house can be found a short way up Roscarrock Hill on the left. There are a number of sights throughout the village where scenes from the television series are filmed. 

3. Wander through the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways of this historic fishing village

Visit the local galleries and arts and craft shops. Squeeze through one of the narrowest thoroughfares in Britain, aptly named Squeezy Belly Alley! Stop for a coffee or a pasty at one of the local cafes.

4. Eat or have a drink at the Mote

This beachside bar and restaurant is the perfect spot for a drink or meal. Located right on the slipway to the harbour beach the Motte serves great food in a traditional setting. Alternatively grab a drink and head outside to sit on the beach or slipway.

5. Go crabbing and rock pooling

Both the Port Isaac and Port Gaverne beaches provide the perfect setting for crabbing and rock pooling when the tide is out. We’ve spent many an hour catching crabs at Port Issac with some ham or bacon in a crabbing net! Skim stones and jump over the waves in the sea, whatever the tide or weather.

6. Listen to the now famous Fisherman’s Friends

The Fisherman’s Friends, now famous in this part of the world, have met on the Platt (harbour) in their native Port Isaac to raise money for charity, singing the traditional songs of the sea handed down to them by their forefathers, for many years. You may be lucky to see them perform on a Friday through the summer. Check their Facebook page for more details on their Port Isaac performance dates.

7. Walk the cliff path from Port Isaac to Port Quinn

This beautiful walk follows the Cornish Coastal Path with spectacular coastal views. The walk is just over 3 miles one way, taking about 2 hours. This walk is typical of a coastal path being very up and down. Take a picnic and stop and enjoy the view.

8. Visit the popular neighbouring beaches of Rock, Polzeath and Daymer Bay.

There are a number of fantastic beaches within an easy drive of Port Issac. Rock, with its long stretch of sand and dunes, for exploring. Polzeath, with its waves, perfect for body boarding or surfing. And Daymer Bay, perfect for families with its wide sandy beach and sheltered waters.

9. Cycle the Camel Trail from Wadebridge to Padstow.

The popular Camel Trail is a 18 mile, largely traffic-free, cycle trail which provides access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. We frequently cycle the section between Wadebridge and Padstow which follows the Camel Estuary. At 5.5 miles in distance it is an easy, flat ride, for children of all ages. Cycle to Padstow and stop for fish and chips or ice cream, before returning to Wadebridge.

Bikes, suitable for all (including tag-alongs and cycle trailers), are easy to hire at both Wadebridge and Padstow.

Read all about cycling the Camel Trail with kids.

10. Explore the historic remains of Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle, has long been steeped in mystery and myth, with its association with the legend of King Arthur. Located high on the rugged North Cornwall coast, the sea views from here are breathtaking. Explore the castle remains, said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Enter the cave on the beach, thought to be the home of Merlin. Gaze at the stunning coastal views from high on the cliff tops.

Read our experience visiting the historic ruins at Tintagel.

11. Visit the nearby Eden Project

12. Go coasteering

Port Issac is the start point for many coasteering adventures on this part of the North Cornwall coast. Port Gaverne is the perfect spot for sea swimming, kayaking and cliff jumping.

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN PORT ISAAC

There are some fantastic restaurants in Port Isaac. Here are a selection of our favourites:

The Mote A delightful restaurant in the heart of Port Isaac Village, located right on the harbour side. We love this place and always visit at least once every time we’re in Port Isaac. Fantastic lobster and crab linguine. It is also the place to buy drinks and sit on the slipway or beach during the late afternoon or evening, in fact anytime of day.

Port Gaverne Hotel and Restaurant Another lovely restaurant, this time overlooking Port Gaverne beach. Another place we always visit while in Port Isaac. Fine dining in a relaxed setting. Pilchards, a beachside cafe (just opposite the hotel), is a new offering from the Port Gaverne Hotel and Restaurant.

The Angry Anchovy This relatively new addition to Port Isaac is a pizza restaurant, really good quality pizzas made from fresh tasty ingredients.

Nicky B’s Pasty Shop For the best pasties in Port Isaac head to Nicky B’s. Buy a famous Cornish pasty and head to the beach to eat it. Beware of the seagulls! There’s nothing better than eating a pasty on the beach on a sunny day.

Chapel Cafe This cafe housed in an old chapel is perfect for breakfast or lunch. We visited for breakfast on our last trip and it was fantastic. A great cafe in the heart of Port Isaac.

Restaurant Nathan Outlaw The two Michelin starred Restaurant Nathan Outlaw is found in Port Isaac. It offers a seafood tasting menu for lunch and dinner. The menus highlight the finest sustainable seafood caught off the Cornish coast by small day boats. It’s Nathan’s unique approach to seafood cookery, coupled with the respect given to every tail and scale that hits his board, which provides a truly memorable dining experience.

Many of the restaurants in Port Issac get booked up in peak time, particularly during the  school summer holidays, so be sure to book ahead.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PORT ISAAC

Apartment 1 The Halcyon Beautiful sea views in this two bedroom, two bathroom property, located in Port Isaac.

Port Gaverne Hotel and Restaurant Located right next to the beach at Port Gaverne (just a short walk to Port Isaac itself) this charming 17th-century inn has light, airy rooms. The hotel restaurant is worth a night at this Cornish Inn.

ADVICE FOR VISITORS

Visitors are advised to use the large car park at the top of the hill and to walk down to the village, as the narrow streets can be difficult to negotiate. There is a stunning view of the coast from this car park.

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