Port Isaac is a village best explored on foot. Its narrow, winding streets (known as “opes”) are too tight for cars, which preserves its old-world charm. It is a place to get lost in history, watch the fishing boats land their catch on the Platt, and explore the rugged coastline that surrounds the harbour.

Whether you want to find Doc Martin’s house, go coasteering in hidden caves, or listen to sea shanties on the harbour wall, here is our curated guide to the best activities in Port Isaac.

To keep this site free, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you book through our live maps or links.

Our Top Picks

These three experiences are the highlights of any trip to the village.

1. Find “Doc Martin’s House” (Fern Cottage)

For fans of the show, this is the holy grail. The fictional surgery is actually a holiday cottage called Fern Cottage, perched on the cliff overlooking the harbour.

The Visit: It is located up Roscarrock Hill. While you can’t go inside (unless you rent it), the spot offers the most iconic photo opportunity in the village.
Good to Know: The hill is steep! Take your time and enjoy the view back towards the village.

2. Adventure at Port Gaverne

Just around the corner (a 10-minute walk) is the quieter cove of Port Gaverne. This is the hub for water sports.

The Activity: Cornish Rock Tors operates from here. They offer incredible sea kayaking, paddleboarding, and coasteering trips. It is arguably the best way to see the coastline—exploring caves and coves you can’t reach by land.

3. The Platt & The Fisherman’s Friends

The “Platt” is the harbour slipway area. It is the heart of the village.

The Experience: In the summer, on selected Friday evenings, the original Fisherman’s Friends often perform live here for free. Even when they aren’t singing, it’s the perfect spot to sit with a drink and watch the tide come in.

Coastal Walks

The Coast Path to Pine Haven

Head west from the harbour (up the side opposite Doc Martin’s house) towards Pine Haven.

The Walk: This is a rugged section of the South West Coast Path. The cliffs are high and dramatic, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic. It is a great spot to escape the crowds in the village centre.

Tours & History

Port Isaac Walking Tours: Run by locals (often extras from the show), these tours give you the inside scoop on filming secrets and the true history of the village’s smuggling past.
The Old Schoolhouse: Another key filming location (the school in the show, now a hotel/restaurant). It’s worth the climb up the hill just for the view from their terrace.

Parking Tips

The Big Walk: We will say it again—park at the top! Use the “New Road” Car Park. It is large and easy to access.
The Walk Down: There is a scenic path from the car park that cuts through the cliffside gardens down to the harbour, avoiding the cars on the main hill. Look for the signs near the car park entrance.

View our guide to the best places to park in Port Isaac.

The best things to do in Port Isaac

Our Top Picks