Port Isaac
Port Isaac is a quintessential fishing village nestled on a rugged stretch of Cornwall’s north coast, celebrated for its exceptionally well-preserved granite cottages and narrow, winding alleys.
Historically, the village served as a busy port from the Middle Ages through to the 19th century, acting as a vital hub for the export of Cornish slate and the import of coal and timber. The heart of the community remains its picturesque working harbour, where a small fleet of local boats still lands catches of crab and lobster as they have for generations.
Port Isaac gained international fame as the fictional village of “Portwenn” in the long-running television series Doc Martin, and it is also the ancestral home of the world-famous shanty singers, the Fisherman’s Friends. Visitors can explore the famously cramped “Squeezy Belly Alley”—one of the narrowest thoroughfares in Britain; or hike the dramatic coastal paths that offer sweeping views across the Atlantic.
Today, the village seamlessly blends its deep maritime heritage with a sophisticated culinary scene, making it one of the most iconic and beloved destinations in the county.
Port Isaac Guides
- The best places to park in Port Isaac
- The best things to do in Port Isaac
- The best places to stay in Port Isaac
- The best places to eat in Port Isaac
- 10 fascinating facts about Port Isaac