Port Isaac Doc Martin Map
Introduction
Port Isaac is a small fishing village on the north coast of Cornwall, England. It rose to fame as the filming location for the popular British TV show “Doc Martin”. The picturesque village with its narrow streets, whitewashed cottages, and the stunning harbor attracts visitors from all over the world. This comprehensive travel guide will help you explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, outdoor adventures, and so much more in and around Port Isaac.
Top Attractions
Port Isaac Harbour
The harbor is the heart of the village and is surrounded by whitewashed cottages. It is the perfect spot to take a stroll, soak up the atmosphere, and watch the fishing boats come and go. You can also take a boat tour along the coast to see the stunning scenery from the sea.
St Endellion Church
The church is located on a hilltop overlooking the village and the sea. It is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and dates back to the 15th century. The church hosts regular concerts and events throughout the year.
Port Isaac Pottery
The pottery is located in an old fisherman’s cottage and offers a range of handmade pottery. You can watch the potters at work and even try your hand at making your own pottery.
Hidden Gems
Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle is located about 20 minutes drive from Port Isaac and is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The castle ruins are perched on a cliff overlooking the sea and offer stunning views of the coastline.
The Rumps
The Rumps is a headland located about 10 minutes drive from Port Isaac. It offers breathtaking views of the coastline and is a great spot for a picnic.
Food Scene
The Mote
The Mote is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the heart of Port Isaac. It offers a range of dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is small and intimate, so booking is essential.
The Golden Lion
The Golden Lion is a traditional pub located on the harbor front. It serves a range of pub classics and local beers.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Coastal Walks
Port Isaac is surrounded by stunning coastal walks that are free to explore. The South West Coast Path runs through the village and offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
Free Events
The village hosts a range of free events throughout the year, including the Port Isaac Music Festival and the Fishermen’s Friends singing group.
Outdoor Adventures
Surfing
The north coast of Cornwall is well known for its surf beaches, and there are plenty of surf schools in the area. Polzeath beach is a popular surf spot located about 15 minutes drive from Port Isaac.
Kayaking
You can explore the coastline by kayak with one of the local kayak companies. It’s a great way to see the village from a different perspective.
Historical Landmarks
St. Piran’s Oratory
St. Piran’s Oratory is located about 30 minutes drive from Port Isaac and is thought to be the oldest Christian building in Britain. The oratory dates back to the 6th century and is located in a stunning location on the coast.
Camel Trail
The Camel Trail is a disused railway line that has been converted into a cycle path. It runs from Padstow to Wenfordbridge and is a great way to see the Cornish countryside.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Eden Project
The Eden Project is located about 45 minutes drive from Port Isaac and is a must-visit attraction for families. It is a series of biomes that house a range of plants from around the world.
Trethorne Leisure Park
Trethorne Leisure Park is located about 30 minutes drive from Port Isaac and offers a range of family-friendly activities, including go-karting, ten-pin bowling, and a soft play area.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Rock Beach
Rock Beach is located on the other side of the Camel Estuary and is accessible by ferry from Padstow. It’s a quieter beach than some of the others in the area and is a great spot for a picnic.
Padstow Harbour
Padstow Harbour is a bustling fishing port located about 30 minutes drive from Port Isaac. It’s a great spot to watch the fishing boats come and go and to sample some of the local seafood.
Natural Wonders
Tintagel Caves
The Tintagel Caves are located below Tintagel Castle and can only be accessed at low tide. They offer a glimpse into the geological history of the area and are a must-visit attraction.
Bodmin Moor
Bodmin Moor is located about 30 minutes drive from Port Isaac and is a wild and rugged landscape. It offers stunning views of the Cornish countryside and is a great spot for a hike.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Old Coastguard
The Old Coastguard is a pub located in the nearby village of Mousehole. It hosts regular live music events and offers a range of local beers.
The Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is located on the beach in Perranporth and is a great spot for a drink while watching the sunset.
Local Markets
Padstow Farmers Market
The Padstow Farmers Market is held every Friday and offers a range of local produce, including fresh seafood and artisan cheeses.
St Ives Farmers Market
The St Ives Farmers Market is held every Thursday and offers a range of local produce, including fresh fruit and vegetables.
Beaches and Mountains
Polzeath Beach
Polzeath Beach is a popular surf spot located about 15 minutes drive from Port Isaac. It offers a long stretch of sandy beach and is a great spot for a swim.
Brown Willy
Brown Willy is the highest point in Cornwall and is located on Bodmin Moor. It offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Cultural Immersion
The Minack Theatre
The Minack Theatre is an open-air theatre located on the coast near Penzance. It offers a range of performances throughout the year and is a must-visit attraction for culture lovers.
The Tate St Ives
The Tate St Ives is located in the seaside town of St Ives and offers a range of contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year.
Art and Music Scene
The Port Isaac Music Festival
The Port Isaac Music Festival is held every August and offers a range of live music performances from local and national acts.
The Fishermen’s Friends
The Fishermen’s Friends are a group of local fishermen who sing sea shanties. They perform regularly in Port Isaac throughout the summer months.
Walking Tours
Doc Martin Walking Tour
The Doc Martin Walking Tour takes you around the locations used in the TV show. It’s a great way to see the village and to learn about the history of the area.
South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path runs through the village and offers stunning views of the coastline. It’s a great way to explore the area on foot.
Architectural Marvels
Pencarrow House
Pencarrow House is located about 30 minutes drive from Port Isaac and is a beautiful Georgian mansion surrounded by parkland. It offers a range of architectural styles and is a must-visit attraction.
St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount is located near the town of Marazion and is a stunning castle perched on a tidal island. It offers a range of architectural styles and is a must-visit attraction.
Historical Sites
Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur and offers a glimpse into the history of the area. The castle ruins are perched on a cliff overlooking the sea and offer stunning views of the coastline.
Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail is located about 30 minutes drive from Port Isaac and is a former prison that dates back to the 18th century. It offers a range of exhibits and