Visit Port Isaac: Walk in the Footsteps of Doc Martin

Port Isaac is a delightful fishing village on the North Cornwall coast that has become widely known as the filming location for the hit British TV series Doc Martin. This picturesque village is located along steep winding roads about 7 miles from Wadebridge and 15 miles from Bodmin. Port Isaac offers visitors stunning coastal scenery, quaint cottages perched on cliffs, narrow winding streets, and excellent dining options focused around the historic small harbour and slipway.

The village has a fascinating history and was once a bustling port exporting corn and importing coal, wood and luxury goods. The population boomed in the 18th and 19th centuries to over 1000 people supporting a strong fishing industry exporting pilchards. Several remnants from its maritime heyday remain including net sheds, coastguard buildings, and a lifeboat station. Today Port Isaac has reverted to a sleepy fishing village with a population of around 700, but its photogenic qualities and connection with Doc Martin have made it an extremely popular tourist destination receiving over 150,000 visitors per year.

The pretty and tranquil village of Port Isaac in Cornwall has become the unlikely star of the hit British TV series Doc Martin which has aired for 10 seasons since 2004. This charming village features prominently in the show as the fictional village of Portwenn with the natural harbour, slipway, winding streets and stone cottages providing a perfect backdrop. As a result, Doc Martin fans flock to explore the village and view the exterior filming locations featured on the show.

Some of the main filming sites in the village which star in the show include Fern Cottage High on Roscarrock Hill which serves as the exterior for the home and doctor’s surgery of the grumpy Doctor Martin Ellingham played by actor Martin Clunes. In reality, the cottage interior set was constructed at a studio in London. The historic 15th-century Golden Lion pub on the harbourfront also features regularly as the exterior of The Crab and Lobster pub in the show.  Meanwhile, the steep winding road running from Roscarrock Hill down to the main village is featured in the iconic opening credits as the Doc drives to attend to his patients.

Fern Cottage (Doc Martin's Surgery and Home)

Nestled along Roscarrock Hill overlooking the village, Fern Cottage serves in exterior shots as the quaint stone home and surgery of the irascible Doc Martin Ellingham. Visitors can hike up the steep sloping footpaths from the harbour to glimpse the iconic building framed by flowers and Cornish palms. Backdropped by the Celtic Sea, this location suits the solitary doctor struggling to adjust to country life in Portwenn after leaving his successful London surgical career. While interior shots occur at a studio, fans still eagerly pose for photos beside the famous green wooden door with its tiny sign reading "Dr M. Ellingham, GP". Peeking through lower windows, visitors have spied production equipment hinting at its off-camera role. When filming breaks, crowds collect hoping to spot Martin Clunes strolling the hills with his dog. Imagine the views that greet the Doc each morning striding this lane - perhaps they account for his marginally less grumpy manner when arriving to attend to patients in early scenes. Regardless, Fern Cottage has become the quintessential filming landmark representing the show's essence.

Golden Lion Pub (The Crab and Lobster)

An inn has operated on Port Isaac's harbour since the 1500s, known today as The Golden Lion. This stone-walled pub frequently features as the exterior setting of The Crab and Lobster patronised by local eccentrics and visitors in the show. Popping inside, fans recognise the layout's cosy snugs with window seats perfect for coastal views while nursing pints of ale or wine. During periodic week-long on-location shoots, set designers to transform the exterior into The Crab and Lobster with signboards and fishing nets. Visitors might even glimpse film crews capturing bar scenes through doorway peeks. Observation windows allow discreet behind-the-scenes views of prominent stars Martin Clunes and Caroline Catz socialising during breaks in filming. With such a starring role on Britain’s favourite medical show, the Golden Lion surely ranks among the UK’s most iconic television pub sets.

Winding Lane to Fern Cottage

This impossibly narrow sloping lane carries visitors down past charming stone cottages towards Port Isaac’s fishing harbour. Walking the uneven granite pavers which connect the village with Fern Cottage surgery higher up invites comparisons with opening sequence clips showing Doc briskly striding this route. Echoing camera angles which display the harbour growing nearer with each switchback turn make clear why producers selected this lane for the show's signature opening sequence. It encapsulates the essence of Portwenn village’s improbable steep lanes and coastal views which greet Doctor Ellingham on house calls. Visitors can pose for selfies beside pastel-coloured cottages also visible in the background journey down into Port Isaac. But do take care not to inadvertently block a Land Rover hurriedly turning the blind curve!

Lifeboat Station & Slipway

Below Fern Hill, Port Isaac's RNLI lifeboat station clings dramatically onto cliffs along the working fishing harbour. Its red door features in background scenes including Louisa Glasson's almost wedding. Visitors appreciate its lifesaving form silhouetted amid untamed ocean vistas while listening to waves crashing directly below its launching platform. Descending sets of steps lead down past the historic structure to the sand-strewn harbour beach and adjoining slipway of stone worn smooth by centuries of ocean tides and fishermen's boots. This slipway also has cameo roles where the Doc motors in aboard small water taxi boats to reach patients residing across the bay in remote areas only accessible by sea. Holiday goers can recreate similar scenes by posing proudly dockside for nostalgic photos before setting out to explore the coastline walking paths threading towards neighbouring fishing villages of Port Gaverne and Tintagel.

While Port Isaac village has maintained its historic fishing harbour and buildings remarkably intact, the range of shops and amenities available has adapted to cater to the growing influx of tourists. Visitors wandering along Fore Street or Middle Street will discover an eclectic array of art galleries, souvenir outlets and cafes awaiting. Memorable keepsakes featuring works by local artists or iconic Cornwall scenes make popular gifts to take home for family and friends. Many pieces showcase Port Isaac itself with photographic prints, paintings and drawings capturing the charming harbour views and architectural details on display.

Souvenir and Gift Shops

Along Fore Street and Middle Street, visitors will discover a wide selection of gift shops offering memorable keepsakes featuring works by local artists or iconic Cornwall scenes to take home. Many pieces showcase Port Isaac itself with photographic prints, paintings and drawings capturing the charming harbour views and architectural details. Popular shops such as The Captain's Shop and The Old Custom House stock nautical-themed gifts like engraved slate plaques or ceramic lighthouses. The Cornish Ware Pottery sells vibrant kitchenware handmade in traditional Victorian moulds. Those searching for a personalised memento can request custom woodcarvings of Port Isaac cottages and harbour scenes from sculptor Denis Templeton's workshop.

Art Galleries

Several galleries in the village also offer fine art prints and paintings themed around Port Isaac or coastal Cornwall to suit more discerning tastes. The Salthouse Gallery occupies a converted 16th-century pilchard warehouse with creaking timber floors and beams. Light-filled rooms showcase seascapes in oil, pastel and watercolour by renowned regional artists like Jolomo, Steve Tanner, Colin See-Paynton and Nick Wyke. Nearby, the Albaston Gallery focuses specifically on pastel paintings capturing the essence of Cornwall's harbours and beaches. On Middle Street, Port Isaac Paintings stands out for its exclusive exhibition of works by self-taught artist Michael Sowa who translated his passion for the village and surrounds into intricate drawings and etchings sold worldwide. Visitors may even recognise some Port Isaac scenes from the hit television series Doc Martin amongst its 400-piece collection.

Cafés and Dining

Those exploring the winding streets will also discover enticing cafes and restaurants offering sustenance during shopping excursions. Establishments like the Harbour Seafood Restaurant, Golden Lion Pub and Café Mango tempt hungry patrons to sample locally caught seafood, classic cream teas, or traditional Cornish pasties baked on site. Menus offer both vegetarian and gluten-free options to accommodate most dietary needs. After refuelling, visitors can easily continue hunting for the perfect holiday memento along Middle Street and Fore Street.

The heart of the village at Port Isaac centres around its historic small harbour featuring a slipway located just off Church Hill. In the heyday of the pilchard fishery during the 1800s, millions of fish were caught and processed here before being exported across Europe. Remnants of the extremely prosperous industry remain in place names around the harbour such as Squeeze Gut Alley where fish were packed into barrels. While pilchards are rarely found anymore, today Port Isaac Harbour still operates as a working fishing port where a small fleet of boats bring in daily catches of crab, lobster and other locally sourced seafood. These fresh catches can be sampled at several restaurants in the village.

The tidal Harbour Beach located just next to the slipway is a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy swimming, sunbathing and crabbing during warmer low tides. At high tide, waves crash dramatically against the sea walls which surround the harbour. Next to the beach, the historic lifeboat station building perched onto the cliffs also makes for iconic photo images. Above the harbour, several narrow winding streets lead up the hillsides to quaint cottages, shops, inns and tea rooms. This tangle of sloping walkways provides scenic vantage views over the harbour. Many feature as locations in the popular TV series Doc Martin.

Accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets abound in Port Isaac village ranging from luxury hotels and restaurants with fine dining to self-catering cottages, friendly B&Bs and campgrounds. Numerous quality establishments boast unrivalled views over the picturesque harbour and surrounding coastline. Properties managed by Cornish Horizons agency such as Harbour Heights or Elgin House offer boutique guest rooms with 4 and 5-star luxuries. Visitors looking to pamper themselves should check availability at the iconic Nathan Outlaw Restaurant which also manages a half dozen beautiful cottages and suites in the village centre. Most rooms directly overlook Port Isaac Harbour.

Budget-conscious travellers still have charming options like Slipway Hotel positioned above the beach or Mrs Janes Guest House on Roscarrock Hill Road. These family-run establishments provide clean, comfortable rooms just steps from the village heart. Rental cottages like Lobster Pot Cottage or Twenty Main Street also immerse guests into the cosy Cornish lifestyle featuring beamed ceilings, Cornish range stoves for warmth and private hidden courtyards. Self-catering accommodations allow visitors to take advantage of the amazing local produce and seafood available in Port Isaac’s restaurants, bakeries and fishmongers.

Slipway Hotel

Positioned directly on Port Isaac’s historic harbourfront, the Slipway Hotel offers wonderful relaxing accommodations paired with the Fountain Spa’s rejuvenating treatments. Originally a Pilchard processing building, this Port Isaac accommodation perfectly blends traditional charm with modern comforts in its cosy rooms with stunning views. Friendly staff provide genuine hospitality which keeps visitors returning year after year to the family-owned hotel. The Slipway Hotel offers affordable rates for singles, couples and families looking to experience the magical atmosphere of Port Isaac.

All rooms feature harbour views with the ground floor garden rooms also opening to a shared grassy area - perfect for families travelling with dogs. Guests wake up to the cries of seagulls, glimpses of fishing boats landing the daily catch, and the scent of saltwater carried on sea breezes. Just steps from the hotel entrance, the harbour beach provides a lovely spot to enjoy the sunset or search rock pools for crabs when the tide goes out. The Fountain Spa massage menu tempts guests to schedule relaxing treatments like coastal hot stone massages, seaweed wraps or beauty facials during their stay. Packages combine muscle-easing massages with access to the spa’s hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, aromatherapy steam room and relaxation lounge. It provides the ultimate escape after exploring miles of stunning cliffside footpaths surrounding Port Isaac village.

Restaurant Nathan Outlaw

Position high above Port Isaac's historic fishing harbour, Restaurant Nathan Outlaw provides exceptional locally sourced seafood paired with sublime views which makes it the perfect special occasion venue. Dedicated chef Nathan Outlaw built his culinary reputation on showcasing the diverse sustainable fish and shellfish caught just off the Cornish coastline. His tasting menus meticulously match every inventive seafood dish to regional wines and local Port Isaac Ale. This ensures guests enjoy a multi-sensory experience celebrating the essence of Cornish coastal life.

The restaurant interior pays tribute to its setting with driftwood sculpture installations, wave-patterned slate walls and accents in sea glass green and ocean blue hues. The neutral palette allows the vibrant colours of the cuisine to take centre stage. Cornish heat retaining stone flooring keeps visitors comfortable whatever the weather while windows overlooking the harbour frame gorgeous nautical vistas. Alfresco patio seating offers an even closer perspective to watch fishing boats landing daily catches on Port Isaac's historic slipway.

Passionate food critics and guides consistently recognise Restaurant Nathan Outlaw as one of the UK's top destination venues. Notable achievements include 2 coveted Michelin stars plus a perfect 10 rating from the Good Food Guide. This spot earns such acclaim by wowing guests with exquisite culinary feats without pretension or stuffiness. Diners can relax over exceptional meals showcasing unique seafood sourced within miles paired beautifully with local ingredients and wines. It provides lasting holiday memories for both special occasions and the ultimate night out.

The pretty fishing village of Port Isaac on the rugged North Coast of Cornwall enjoys a subtropical microclimate which allows palm trees and exotic plants to thrive. The summer months from June to August see average temperatures peak around 19°C making it the perfect destination for sunny coastal holidays. Locals boast about the mild weather allowing them to keep their gardens blooming into late October most years. Even during the winter months from November to February, average temperatures only plummet to about 9°C so heavy snowfalls are rare. However being an exposed coastal village, Port Isaac is vulnerable to extreme winds and stormy conditions which can arise suddenly off the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors planning trips to Port Isaac should be prepared for changeable weather and monitor the local weather forecasts provided by the BBC or Met Office. These will give detailed hour-by-hour predictions on temperature, rainfall and wind speeds. Over a single day, it is quite common for weather in Port Isaac to shift from sunny blue skies to torrential downpours blown in by Atlantic storms. The village main car park on New Road also provides a handy weather station readout for guests. Those planning coastal walks are advised to prepare clothing layers which can be added or removed quickly as conditions dictate. Locals also swear by always keeping an umbrella close at hand when enjoying the great outdoors.