Port Isaac is a traditional fishing village nestled in a valley on Cornwall's north coast.
Port Isaac’s popularity has exploded over recent years largely due to its association with the TV series Doc Martin, where it is known as ‘Port Wenn’ and also for the Sea Shanty group and film; Fisherman’s Friends.
This attractive village is built around the equally picturesque historic harbour which also serves as the beach. Once a busy port shipping slates from nearby Delabole and importing coal from Wales, the harbour itself is much quieter today. There is still some fishing from Port Isaac and the crab pots around the harbourside are testament to this.
The beach at Port Isaac stretches out to the twin piers at low tide revealing an expanse of sand. As the harbour is still active you will have to share it with the small fishing fleet which is left stranded at low tide. There is a small stream and plenty of rockpools which provide endless entertainment for children. Port Isaac is sheltered from the prevailing winds by high cliffs to the west.
Visitors are advised to use the large carpark 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 carpark, in addition to easy access to both Port Isaac and Port Gaverne.
Apart from its beauty and tradition, Port Isaac is also popular amongst foodies with chef Nathan Outlaw having two restaurants in the village; Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen and Outlaw’s New Road.
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- Carpark (Charges apply)
- Public Toilets
- Cafés (Open all year)
- Cafés (Seasonal)
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Hazard: Tides (Rising / Falling)
- Limited access for wheelchairs
- Lifeguards not available
- Dogs allowed (All year)
- 15 minute walk from carpark
History of Port Isaac
Port Isaac is a village steeped in maritime history, dating back to the Middle Ages. Its name, derived from the Cornish “Porth Izzick,” meaning ‘corn port,’ reflects its historical significance as a bustling port. In the 14th century, Port Isaac emerged as a busy coastal hub, primarily for the shipping of stone, coal, timber, and pottery. The village’s prosperity in the medieval period was significantly attributed to the pilchard fishery, which flourished from the 16th to the late 19th century, fostering a community deeply connected to the sea.
The narrow, winding streets of Port Isaac are lined with whitewashed cottages and granaries, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, serving as a testament to the village’s enduring architecture. These buildings, historically used for processing pilchards, are now cherished landmarks. The harbor, protected by two prominent breakwaters, provided safe anchorage for fishing boats and was the heart of the village’s economy, facilitating trade and transportation.
Over time, the decline of the fishing industry led to a shift towards tourism, with visitors drawn to Port Isaac’s picturesque scenery and its preservation of a quintessential Cornish fishing village ambiance. Additionally, the village gained international fame as the filming location for the TV series “Doc Martin” and the film setting for the sea shanty-singing group, the Fisherman’s Friends, further encapsulating its cultural and historical significance. Today, Port Isaac continues to celebrate its rich heritage while welcoming visitors fr
Travel / Parking information for Port Isaac
Directions to Port Isaac
Port Isaac can be reached by taking the A39 from Wadebridge, then turning onto the B3314, and finally, the B3267 leads directly down to the village.
Parking for Port Isaac
Parking in Port Isaac is limited due to its very narrow streets. The main car park is located at the top of the village, with a moderate walk down to the harbour. This car park serves both short-term and long-term parking needs, with fees applicable throughout the year. During the busy summer months, it's advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot. You can drop passengers further down the road if they have accessiblity needs and then turn around at the junction.