Harbour, Port Isaac
Harbour, Port Isaac
4.5
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- wondereyesBucharest, Romania2,584 contributionsPort Isaac on stormy weatherIt was a stop on our organized tour. Except the fact the parking place is a bit far and you have to walk for the village center, is was a beautiful walk. We took the way to the edge of the cliffs to see the angry sea and came back for the center of the village. Nice small houses, friendly people, small shops and restaurants. Don’t regret we stopped. Be careful with the weather how you dress and at your shoes. Loved to see from where Fisherman Friends started (nice music).Visited August 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 12, 2024
- Al MakynenDuluth, Minnesota367 contributionsA Magical PlaceWe stayed three nights to gain a sense of place. The roads are narrow and steep. More than anything in the States. Be prepared to walk hills in both the village and do get out onto the Coastal Path (in both directions) where if you go any distance, there are even more and steeper hills. If you come by rail (to Bodmin Parkway) make sure to book a taxi in advance to meet you at the station (and book the return trip). For those who drive, the car parks are on the brow of the hill.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 24, 2024
- debbiefuggle1South Molton, United Kingdom220 contributionsA lovely long weekend in beautiful CornwallAnother beautiful place to visit when in Cornwall. It’s another example of English coastal towns, villages and walks. There are also some beautiful little Tea rooms with teas, coffee and cake and delicious sandwiches. We had fresh local caught crab it was so goodVisited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 16, 2024
- Monica B15 contributionsPort isaacVillage on the northern coast of Cornwall, typical silence and tranquility, full of clubs and souvenir shops. We stopped for a ride before Tintagel castle and got some Pasties from Nicky. Paid park 1 pound per hour and walked a pleasant coastal pedestrian path leading into the city centerVisited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 8, 2024
- Relax24429954001Herndon, Virginia44 contributionsA delightful villageWhat a breathtaking scene, the streets of Port Isaac is like stepping back in time. Beautiful little village with hiking trails up and down the coast. Plenty of local seafood and friendly people all around.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 2, 2024
- BefuddledDurham, United Kingdom96 contributionsReminiscing Doc MartinWe spent half a day in Port Isaac in September mainly to see the place that Doc Martin was filmed. It was spectacular, great views of the harbour, saw the famous house that was used as his surgery, the pub and the pharmacy that r still used. Quite hilly to get to the surgery but well worth it. Not a place to be missedVisited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2024
- Gil G8 contributionsA must for Doc Martin fans.Went here years ago and having got stuck on the slipway after being so stupid as to drive into the harbour area , vowed never to return. Since then, Doc Martin has put it in the spotlight, so I had to return. This time I parked at the top in the New car park, ÂŁ5 all day. It's a quick walk down into the village. My wife and I spent quite a few hours wandering around, visiting the pub, having a cream tea at The Chapel (gorgeous), basically just soaking it all up. Everything is much smaller than it looks on the TV, but it's so picturesque. Luckily it wasnt as busy, being November, which made it a better experience.Visited November 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 2, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
430 reviews
Excellent
257
Very good
107
Average
37
Poor
19
Terrible
10
nicky_simpson80
Warrington, UK38 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Port Isaac is lovely. What a beautiful place, well worth a visit especially if you’re a fan of the TV series “Doc Martin” Extremely picturesque.
For me the down side is because it’s a “working living harbour” you can’t actually go into any of the houses that are featured on the show.
The harbour is a steep walk down from the car park, so I would suggest wearing sensible footwear and be prepared for the walk.
Another negative point is the amount of litter; for a famous village, there’s very few litter bins.
There’s a few lovely little shops (but everything was quite pricey - to be expected for the area but if you’re on a budget it makes it difficult to enjoy the whole experience), the famous pub/restaurant that’s filmed on Doc Martin is a place to stop for a drink; if it’s a meal you want I would recommend booking in advance; alternately there is a fish and chip shop!
It’s not a place you would take very young children as there’s nothing for them (apart from the sweet shop in the harbour)
Stop and taste the gin too, it’s lovely (but again pricey)
For me the down side is because it’s a “working living harbour” you can’t actually go into any of the houses that are featured on the show.
The harbour is a steep walk down from the car park, so I would suggest wearing sensible footwear and be prepared for the walk.
Another negative point is the amount of litter; for a famous village, there’s very few litter bins.
There’s a few lovely little shops (but everything was quite pricey - to be expected for the area but if you’re on a budget it makes it difficult to enjoy the whole experience), the famous pub/restaurant that’s filmed on Doc Martin is a place to stop for a drink; if it’s a meal you want I would recommend booking in advance; alternately there is a fish and chip shop!
It’s not a place you would take very young children as there’s nothing for them (apart from the sweet shop in the harbour)
Stop and taste the gin too, it’s lovely (but again pricey)
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bournville2009
London, UK131 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Absolutely beautiful views and scenery well worth trip. Also available is guided tours of ITV’s Doc Martin series.
Please note it gets extremely busy and parking is very limited would recommend
Please note it gets extremely busy and parking is very limited would recommend
Written August 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denartes
Kingswinford, UK2,075 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Went today and it's as beautiful as ever. Parking not cheap but where is in Cornwall.
Don't park in first car park you come to unless your super fit. As you come down the road turn right to Port Gaverne and there are 2 car parks on the left with easy access to the coastal path. This is less steep than walking down the road. The road is narrow and cars come up and down it. There are toilets down in village on the narrow road up to Doc Martins house 20p.
The Mote pub/ restaurant is great for food, not cheap but great food (a tip is automatically added to the bill). We had a lovely few hours here today.
Don't park in first car park you come to unless your super fit. As you come down the road turn right to Port Gaverne and there are 2 car parks on the left with easy access to the coastal path. This is less steep than walking down the road. The road is narrow and cars come up and down it. There are toilets down in village on the narrow road up to Doc Martins house 20p.
The Mote pub/ restaurant is great for food, not cheap but great food (a tip is automatically added to the bill). We had a lovely few hours here today.
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nigel leigh
Weston super Mare, UK28 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
During a few days in Cornwall decided to visit port Isaac ,drove into centre 2 small car parks no spaces people waiting ,so went to main car park.
Minimum time is 3 hours at ÂŁ4.50 then decided to use toilet 20p .I know see why numbers are down in Cornwall these charges.a good walk down to harbour checked out the places to visit not 3 hours though.
Unfortunately my wife only had knee replacement 4 months ago so I still had to drive down and pick here up.be warned steep hill down then back up.
Minimum time is 3 hours at ÂŁ4.50 then decided to use toilet 20p .I know see why numbers are down in Cornwall these charges.a good walk down to harbour checked out the places to visit not 3 hours though.
Unfortunately my wife only had knee replacement 4 months ago so I still had to drive down and pick here up.be warned steep hill down then back up.
Written August 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarahjanetours
London, UK48 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
It's like you're not wanted here- maybe they just want their village back after all the Doc Martin interest? Very little in the way of shops, cafes or any numerous buildings in need of urgent repair. Several had areas roped off as roof material was falling off. Car park is a good walk which isn't an issue but once in the village there's very little to see or do.
Written July 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lloyd M
Cardiff, UK154 contributions
May 2021
Whilst this village is pretty, the village is now full of holiday lets with keys safes nailed to the doorways. Obviously, locals have sold up and moved away, which is sad.
The car parks are tiny, and people are just hanging around for a space to magically appear.
A bit of a dissapointment to be honest, and non local are having a grweat time charging stupid prices. This place is not worth it.
The car parks are tiny, and people are just hanging around for a space to magically appear.
A bit of a dissapointment to be honest, and non local are having a grweat time charging stupid prices. This place is not worth it.
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
forestfruits1
Salisbury, UK31 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
.Admittedly, we visited on a particularly grey and rainy day. But aside from Doc Martin fame, this harbour has little to commend it. We love the tv show and still had a rubbish time. Granted, the cafes are struggling because of Covid (the majority are now takeaways only), but we visited The Cornish Cove, which was highly recommended to us, and the takeaway pasty we had was still tepid and greasy. It was very busy (as expected!) with no real room for any form of social distancing, even with the best intentions.
The steep hill down from the car park really IS steep (believe the hype!) and a total killer on the way back up. You walk through a fairly run of the mill, slightly grubby residential area before you reach the picturesque harbour. And it IS picturesque. The one nice thing is nature's own view out into the bay (there's a lovely lookout point opposite The Cornish Cove), but it's still nothing different to other equally beautiful (and far more accessible!) vistas around Cornwall.
I get the feeling that the residents of Port Isaac are keen to maintain that they are a working town and not some kind of Cornish Disneyland. That's fine. No one is expecting Disneyland but on the back of Doc Martin, tourists will keep flocking. An art gallery or two wouldn't go amiss or a gift shop selling interesting gifts that aren't tat. People come for the views and the tv show fame and it feels like the council or whoever is in charge of the town are very happy to take tourist money (20p for all public toilets!) and ride on Doc Martin's coat-tails when it suits them (guided walking tours aplenty) but hypocritically hate being constantly flooded with tourists actually coming to visit.
The steep hill down from the car park really IS steep (believe the hype!) and a total killer on the way back up. You walk through a fairly run of the mill, slightly grubby residential area before you reach the picturesque harbour. And it IS picturesque. The one nice thing is nature's own view out into the bay (there's a lovely lookout point opposite The Cornish Cove), but it's still nothing different to other equally beautiful (and far more accessible!) vistas around Cornwall.
I get the feeling that the residents of Port Isaac are keen to maintain that they are a working town and not some kind of Cornish Disneyland. That's fine. No one is expecting Disneyland but on the back of Doc Martin, tourists will keep flocking. An art gallery or two wouldn't go amiss or a gift shop selling interesting gifts that aren't tat. People come for the views and the tv show fame and it feels like the council or whoever is in charge of the town are very happy to take tourist money (20p for all public toilets!) and ride on Doc Martin's coat-tails when it suits them (guided walking tours aplenty) but hypocritically hate being constantly flooded with tourists actually coming to visit.
Written September 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
London, UK5 contributions
Oct 2022
I went last to Port Isaac yesterday 26th October. I went by mistake as I forgot it was half-term. I popped in to buy some fish for dinner as I'm local. I found it a deeply dispiriting experience. I've known the town on and off for many decades and seen it slip gradually into becoming a theme park. All the properties around the harbour seem to be second homes or holiday cottages, all at prices which have disenfranchised the local population. Cornwall is a friendly place and everyone talks to each other but not here. The tourists have destroyed the atmosphere with jostling and aggression as they fight for car parking spaces and sit silently in the cafes and pub.
Written October 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MouseyKBrown
Nottingham, UK20 contributions
Oct 2022
We visited Port Isaac in October 2022 it is an interesting place. The man in Mrs Tischel's shop is lovely, the ice cream is amazing. It is largely unspoilt which is surprising as it was home to Doc Martin for so long. However, this time not all of the shops welcomed visitors, some not even having the courtesy to acknowledge when you walked in. In over 40 years of visiting Cornwall I have never experienced such unfriendly/rude locals as this time. They seem to feel the need to be rude and offensive for no reason, the same thing happened in Mousehole and I believe is on the rise according to other reviewers. I hope that if any of these "locals" visit my part of the world they are not subject to such rude unfriendly behaviour. The top of the hill is a fantastic view of the village, not too hard on the legs! Go and see for yourself it is worth a look. For me it has soured my love for Cornwall at the present time.
Written February 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gareth
Peterborough, UK26 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Port Isaac is not easy to access for anyone with limited mobility. Clearly its popularity stems from Doc Martin and it really isn’t designed for lots of visitors particularly by car. There is a walk from the nearest car park to the centre of the village and driving to the centre of the village, even with a blue badge, is not easy.
Written August 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I go fishing by the ahore or by the rock? Or does it have a designated fishing areas? Or is it not allowed at all? Please help
Written May 16, 2024
Is port Issac very busy ? Are there safety measures for covid in place ?
Thankyou
Written August 12, 2020
I would imagine there will be safety measures in place as it is the law! Yes it will be busy I guess as it is very small
Written August 12, 2020
Hi do you know what the restrictions are for dogs on the beach, we are looking at staying for a few days in November?
Written August 22, 2019
There are no restrictions here anyway.
Written August 14, 2020
We are going to be in Port Isaac just after Christmas on either 27 or 28 December and we would really love to do a Doc Martin Tour. Do they run at this time of year and can anyone recommend a reputable company that offers these tours.
Written June 10, 2019
Hi,
I’m Sorry,
We didn’t find any tours,we just booked a room at the Old School hotel with looks directly on to Doc martins house.
The harbour is very small so you can’t miss anything although there are some parts of Doc Martin that are used in other places,
Like the wedding was in Camelot Castle Hotel in Tintagel.
The Old School Hotel in Port Issac is Absolutely wonderful and the Staff are very welcoming and extremely friendly and helpful if you need some where to stay, or even if you pop in to the restaurant there where they serve Great good or pop in the bar for a Cream Tea.
Best wishes
Danny
Written July 1, 2019
Ametakinetoshedraious
Charleston, South Carolina
Hi I would like to know more about visiting the Doc Martin series tour and port Issac how can I experience this and full English breakfast and where to stay
Written December 31, 2018
I can't answer the Doc Martin tour but The Old School House Hotel and Restaurant is situated within minutes walk of Doc Martins surgery,
Written December 31, 2018
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