Port Isaac is a picture-postcard fishing village on Cornwall’s north coast. Whitewashed cottages crowd round a tiny harbour where boats still land crab and lobster, and the village is famous as “Portwenn” in ITV’s Doc Martin. Here are the best things to do in Port Isaac, plus walks, food and tips for parking.

Top things to do in Port Isaac

• Explore the harbour and lanes. Wander the steep, narrow streets, including Squeeze Belly Alley, one of the narrowest lanes in Britain, and watch the fishing boats come and go.
• Find the Doc Martin locations. Fans can spot Doc Martin’s surgery (Fern Cottage) on the hill above the harbour, the school and many of the village streets used in the series.
• Hear the Fisherman’s Friends. The village’s famous sea shanty group often sing on the Platt by the harbour on summer evenings, so check locally for dates.
• Eat local seafood. From crab sandwiches on the harbour to fresh fish at the village’s acclaimed restaurants, Port Isaac is a great place for seafood.
• Visit Port Gaverne. A small, sheltered cove just round the headland, a few minutes’ walk east of the village.

Walks from Port Isaac

The South West Coast Path west of the village to Port Quin is one of the best walks in north Cornwall, around 4 miles of steep, beautiful cliffs. Return inland for a circular walk, or carry on towards Polzeath and the Rumps. East, the path runs past Port Gaverne towards Tintagel. See our top 50 walks in Cornwall for more.

Beaches near Port Isaac

• Port Isaac harbour beach: a small, sandy and pebbly beach at low tide, good for rock pooling.
• Port Gaverne: a sheltered cove for paddling and kayaking.
• Polzeath: a big, popular surf beach about 20 minutes’ drive west.
• Trebarwith Strand: a dramatic beach near Tintagel, only uncovered at low tide.

Things to do near Port Isaac

• Tintagel Castle, linked to the legend of King Arthur, about 20 minutes away.
• Boscastle harbour, about 30 minutes north.
• Padstow and the Camel Trail, about 30 minutes south-west.
• Rock and Polzeath across the Camel Estuary.
• Camel Valley Vineyard near Bodmin.
• Camel Creek Adventure Park near Wadebridge for families.
• Bude, about 45 minutes north.

Where to stay in Port Isaac

Port Isaac has small hotels and inns with sea views, B&Bs and plenty of holiday cottages, many in the older part of the village near the harbour. Port Gaverne and nearby Polzeath and Rock offer more choice. See our guide to where to stay in Cornwall.

Parking and getting to Port Isaac

Port Isaac is off the B3314, about 15 minutes from Wadebridge. Don’t try to drive down into the old village: the streets are steep and very narrow. Use the large car park at the top of the village and walk down (about 10 minutes); at low tide some visitors park on the harbour beach, but check the tide times carefully. The nearest railway station is Bodmin Parkway.

Frequently asked questions

Is Port Isaac where Doc Martin is filmed?

Yes. Port Isaac played the village of Portwenn in ITV’s Doc Martin, and many locations, including Doc Martin’s surgery, can be seen around the village.

Is Port Isaac worth visiting?

Yes. Port Isaac is one of the prettiest fishing villages in Cornwall, with a working harbour, seafood, coastal walks and the Doc Martin filming locations.

Where do you park in Port Isaac?

Use the main car park at the top of the village and walk down to the harbour. The old village streets are too narrow for most cars.

How long is the walk from Port Isaac to Port Quin?

The coast path from Port Isaac to Port Quin is about 4 miles. It is steep in places, so allow two to three hours.

Who are the Fisherman’s Friends?

The Fisherman’s Friends are a sea shanty group from Port Isaac whose story was told in the 2019 film Fisherman’s Friends. They often perform in the village in summer.