Port Isaac cottages

Just what the doctor ordered

It’s easy to imagine life in Port Isaac as it was 700 years ago. Whitewashed cottages sit snug on sleepy streets and cobbled alleys, which wind their way down to the working harbour where fishermen land their catch. Yet don’t be fooled by the slow pace of the seaside village – Port Isaac is home to a vibrant community, with a bustling shopping and dining scene, and its own film-star reputation as the film set for the iconic TV series Doc Martin. The famous sea shanty singers, The Fisherman’s Friends, also call Port Isaac home. 

Up for a challenge? Try the walk from Port Quin back to Port Isaac, passing rugged headlands and rocky coves. The shimmering pastel-blue vistas will take your mind off the path's steep inclines. The neighbouring beaches at Port Gaverne, 2 miles along the coast, and Port Quin, a little further along, offer quiet beach days, with the fun of Polzeath, Rock, and Padstow a short drive away.

The details 

Food and drink 

Nathan Outlaw is to Port Isaac as Rick Stein is to Padstow. Dine on cured mackerel and spider crab at Outlaw’s New Road, or peel shells off prawns in the laid-back, tapas-style bistro Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen. For more casual eateries, try the charming 18th-century Golden Lion pub or the Chapel Cafe. 

Can I bring my dog? 

Dogs are welcome in Port Isaac, where you’ll find a small beach at low tide. Its neighbouring beach, Port Gaverne, accessed via the dog-friendly coastal path, offers a larger stretch of sand to play on. 

Accessibility 

Port Isaac’s narrow, winding streets are beautiful but make vehicle access tricky, particularly in the summer. The two car parks at the top of the village are the best option from which to wander on foot down to the harbour. 

Interested in alternative locations in Cornwall? Discover our selection of holiday cottages in Rock near stunning beaches, perfect for your next coastal escape.