Port Isaac: Fact Meets Fiction
All of those features which make up the classic look of a Cornish fishing village are magnified in the stunning little town of Port Isaac, 12 miles or so north of Padstow on the Atlantic coast. Its sea inlet is narrower, its sides are steeper, its streets tighter, its older buildings more charming, and its whole appearance is one of extreme attractiveness. It has a kind of impossibly quaint perfection.
The only slight downside is that Port Isaac is so appealing that it was used as the location for a popular and rather fatuous TV series, Doc Martin, in which it became the fictitious Port Wenn, a theme which is just a little overplayed in the town itself these days. Still, not even that can spoil what is a wonderfully pleasing little town.
An aimless wander along the cliff path to the north of the town brings us to Port Gaverne, Port Isaac’s hamlet of a neighbour, where we spy some well placed tables in the sun. We climb the spectacular cliffs, look over sheer drops to the still calm Atlantic below and marvel at both the expansive views and the bounce in the springing grasses beneath our feet. Returning to Port Gaverne we grab one of those sunshine tables to enjoy a pint of Tribute and an unexpectedly sumptuous lunch of lamb with devilled kidneys from the small inn.
So sheltered by its colossal cliffs is Port Isaac’s shingle beach, that there is sufficient warmth in the afternoon sun for us to wile away an hour or so resting on the rocks and just enjoying being away.
If you are a fan of words, there is endless fun to be had with Cornish place names, regularly so different from the rest of England. Unusual words (Trenonce, Trebetherick, Lelizzick) are joined by the quaint (Little Petherick, Morwenstow, Mevagissey) and the downright bizarre (London Apprentice, Indian Queens, Playing Place, Come To Good). With place names like those to conjure with, how could you not love exploring this county?
23 Comments
Andrew Petcher
I remember going there years ago. I rather like Doc Martin I have to say.
normareadtalktalknet
Have spent time there and it’s so quaint so have happy memories.. fab photo’s again as always 😍
Monkey's Tale
Such a cute town and another gorgous coast! The only thing I’d pass on is the kidney pie.
Phil & Michaela
Ah no don’t pass on that kidney – it was delicious! Although not everybody’s favourite I guess..
grandmisadventures
Quaint perfection should be the tagline of this lovely city! Such beautiful streets and views of the water. I recently started watching Doc Martin and it’s become a favorite show now. 🙂
Phil & Michaela
It really is so perfect. No surprise it was chosen for TV really. Thanks for taking the tine to comment – it’s great to get feedback.
wetanddustyroads
Port Isaac is such a beautiful place … and must admit, I’m a huge fan of Doc Martin (glad this BBC TV series found it’s way to South Africa 😉).
Your lunch looks really delish … and the views, once again splendid!
Phil & Michaela
So many delightful places in Cornwall. Port Isaac is yet another!
Annie Berger
Port Isaac looks like quaintness personified – another place to add to a Cornwall trip which is getting longer the more posts you write!
Phil & Michaela
Hi Annie, we do hope you get a trip to Cornwall, there are so many lovely places to visit. All of these Cornish fishing villages are tiny and so quaint and surrounded by such dramatic coastline. Its great to enter these villages via the coastal path and see them nestled into a tiny bay as you turn a corner. So beautiful 😊
Gilda Baxter
I really enjoyed this post, particularly because Port Isaac is on my list of places to visit in May, we have booked a site very near this town. I have never watched Doc Martin, but I have met Mr. Martin Clunes once in the most unexpected of places. Your lamb meal looked so delicious.
Phil & Michaela
Thanks Gilda. You met Martin Clunes?! Was he behaving badly?
leightontravels
Another great piece. There’s something so romantic about a windswept fishing village. The lunch looked incredible!
Phil & Michaela
There’s so much charm here. So many picturesque places.
Lookoom
I agree with you on the nicely arranged aspect of the little port, everything seems slow and quiet.
WanderingCanadians
Port Isaac looks like such a charming village. What beautiful views of the rugged coastline. You can almost smell the scent of salt in the air from going through these pictures.
Phil & Michaela
It is indeed very charming. Love the fact that our photos bring out the senses – thank you ! X
restlessjo
It looks idyllic. No doubt it would have been the perfect place to spend lockdown 🙂 🙂
Phil & Michaela
Hi Jo, thanks for reading. There are so many beautiful villages in Cornwall 😊
restlessjo
Heaps! A long, long time since I was there 🙂 🙂
CadyLuck Leedy
Doc Martin is soooooooo popular here and the town looks just like it does in the program doesn’t it! We tried to add to our list when we were there but ran out of time! We’ll have to make it back! Cady
Phil & Michaela
Yes you will, it is a charming village 🙂
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