This is the village where the TV series 'Doc Martin' was filmed. It's small, and quite breathtakingly beautiful.
Port Isaac, was a busy coastal port from the Middle Ages to the mid 19th. century when it was an active harbour where cargoes like stone, coal, timber and pottery, slate and corn were loaded and unloaded. In fact, the name 'Port Isaac' has nothing to do with 'Isaac' but comes from the Cornish 'Porth Izzick', meaning 'corn port'.
Fishing and fish-processing were also important and today there are still fishermen working from here although tourism plays an increasingly important role.
Most of the old centre of the village consists of 18th. and 19th. century cottages, many officially listed as of architectural or historic importance, along narrow alleys and 'opes' winding down steep hillsides.
If you drive down the main road into the village and bear right at the bottom, there is a small car park. In peak summer it is generally too full, so you are forced to use the 'park and ride' service from the road in. From this small car park however, you can either walk along the road into the main village, or, walk to the edge of the car park nearest the sea and you will find a footpath that hugs the stone wall above and rejoins the roadway further down. The path is well-worth taking, as it offers some stunning views of the harbour.
The area surrounding the harbour was declared at Conservation Area in 1971, preserving it from modern development and protecting the 90 listed buildings near the harbour
Where the pretty buildings crowd round the harbour slip, we found a lovely little cafe called 'Cupcakes'. Excellent coffee and bacon rolls.........
As well as the famed 'Doc Martin' TV series, Port Isaac has also been the scene of a cinematic film, 'Fisherman's Friends'. The film is based on a true story about Fisherman's Friends, a group of Cornish fishermen from Port Isaac who were signed by Universal Records and achieved a top 10 hit with their debut album of traditional sea shanties. The Group still performs regularly, and releases the occasional record. There has also been a film sequel. You can catch them on YouTube, but meanwhile, here's a sample of their talent
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