Chances are you’ve seen Port Isaac. Perhaps not in person, but if you’ve ever watched a Doc Martin episode, Poldark, The Shell Seekers or Swept from the Sea, you’ve had a glimpse of this historic fishing village.

If you are heading to Cornwall anytime soon, the following photos offer proof that this wee village is truly worth a visit:

And this little suggestion is for your feet: slip on your comfortable shoes. There are steep, cobblestoned roads galore. Incredibly charming for the eyes, but not so nice for high-heeled wearers.

Drivers will want to know about parking. There are two main car parks and I wish I would have known about the one closest to the main area when we first went! Check out details here for information on both of them. Something to bear in mind if you would like the closer one (New Road Car park), it fills up fast, so you may want to start your day early.

So you’ve arrived. As with St Ives, it is another one of those villages where wandering around is highly recommended. I.e. get lost, meander, throw away the map, find things by accident. I always think it is nicer sharing memories of a holiday when you can add things like – ‘oh, yeah, we found that little café with the best hot chocolate when we turned down that lovely alley with the pretty hanging baskets’. Not going to places everyone goes to. Don’t get me wrong, it is nice to find out about a great place to get a supreme coffee, but I think it’s even better to add a sweet memory to it.

There are art galleries, cafés, pubs, gift shops and fishermen homes from the 1700’s dotted all around. There is a little harbour with those Cornish trademark blue-green waters. But this small, stony shore is more for a wee picnic or simply sitting on the stone wall to enjoy the beauty, not necessarily a day at the beach spot. For sand spots, I would recommend the lovely sand beaches of nearby Polzeath or Daymer Bay. And if you didn’t bring a picnic to enjoy on the harbour, you can still enjoy the Port Isaac’s sea views from the cozy 18th century pub, The Golden Lion.

If you’re here because you really love the series Doc Martin, you still won’t need a map as there are signposts to his house and chances are you will see it right away up on the hill anyway. I have to admit, I haven’t watched the series, but I took a photo of one of my daughters in front of the Doc’s house, at least i think it’s his house. ;)

So you’ve eaten way too much Cornish ice cream, taken pictures of film locations and explored the beautiful, little alleyways. Now all that is left to do is look forward to when you will return to this charming village. :)

Happy Travels.

Like Port Isaac? You will love St. Ives!