Based around a traditional fishing harbour, nestled beneath steep hills and cliffs, Port Isaac is an idyllic haven for holidays. Now famous for TV's Doc Martin and top chef Nathan Outlaw, Port Isaac has something for all holidaymakers. Choose from our great selection of Port Isaac cottages and self-catering holiday accommodation.
Explore rock pools, fish for crab off the harbour wall, stretch your legs on a coastal walk or just sit back and enjoy the atmosphere in this safe haven on Cornwall’s rugged north coast. With a collection of stunning holiday cottages and self-catering accommodation, Port Isaac is an idyllic location for a holiday or short break in Cornwall.
Port Isaac is a scenic fishing village, located by the sea on the north coast of Cornwall. Narrow lanes lined with houses and cosy cottages lead downhill to a picturesque harbour which is bustling with life, especially in the summer. Harbour Holidays provides a collection of quality holiday cottages in Port Isaac complete with stunning views and all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay by the coast.
Port Isaac is the perfect base for family holidays as there are fantastic beaches nearby at Port Gaverne, Polzeath and Trebarwith Strand. It’s also suitable for couples who will enjoy the romantic setting, picturesque cafés and restaurants and walks on the South West Coast Path.
Some Port Isaac cottages are located overlooking the harbour, while others are located in the narrow lanes of this charming village. The main streets near to the village centre include Fore Street, Roscarrock Hill and Church Hill. Some of the back lanes where many holiday homes are located include Dolphin Street, Middle Street and Rose Hill.
It’s easy to see why tourists flock to this beautiful village, which has been made famous through its appearance on television in the hugely popular Doc Martin series. Poldark fans will also be able to visit locations nearby where the TV show was filmed.
This old Cornish fishing village remains relatively untouched by the modern world. Fishermen still haul their catch up on to the beach each day, like they have for centuries. And rows of pretty cottages snake up-hill from the harbour in a labyrinth of steep, narrow lanes.
The harbour is naturally the centre of village life in Port Issac. It’s a majestic site, especially when the the sun is out and the tide is in, as turquoise sea sparkles below steep green cliffs. In the daytime, families paddle in rockpools or fish for crab off the harbour wall. On summer evenings, male voice choirs – such as Port Issac’s very own Fisherman’s Friends – regularly sing sea shanties on the Platt at the top of the beach.
With an abundance of produce fresh from the sea and local fields, it’s inevitable that there are some fine foods to enjoy in Port Issac. From fresh crab sandwiches, to hot Cornish pasties and locally made ice creams, there are treats to suit all tastes. In recent years, the village has developed a strong culinary reputation thanks to a number of top chefs who have opened restaurants here. Chief among these is Nathan Outlaw who runs the two Michelin starred Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, as well as Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen. Other local favourites include Fresh from the Sea, the Chapel Cafe and the Golden Lion pub.
For holidaymakers who like to get active, there is a lot to get excited about in and around Port Issac. The South West Coast Path passes right through the village, taking walkers onwards to stunning sea vistas in both directions on the Cornish coast. Waterborne activities include kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and coasteering. Neighbouring Port Gaverne is a sheltered cove perfect for wild swimming. While nearby Polzeath and Trebarwith Strand beaches are popular with surfers.
Whatever type of holiday you desire – laid-back, active or food inspired – Port Issac makes a fantastic base.
Port Isaac is also an excellent starting point for visiting other Mid-Cornwall villages that line the Atlantic coast such as Port Quinn, Polzeath, St. Enodoc, and Rock. Wadebridge is the closest town with supermarkets and leisure facilities. Padstow is only 25 minutes away by car, and Cornwall’s city of Truro is a 45-minute journey. Of the popular sightseeing attractions, Tintagel Castle is only 9.9 miles to the north, Eden Project about 22 miles to the south, and Bodmin Moor just 20 miles to the east, putting Port Isaac at a very strategic position for an amazing holiday in Cornwall.
Getting to Port Isaac is quite easy as it’s centrally located in Cornwall. Guests travelling by car can take the A30 to Bodmin, then head to Wadebridge, followed by a smaller road to Port Isaac. Regular trains leave from London, Bristol and Birmingham for the South West. Train passengers should journey to Bodmin Parkway before taking a taxi which usually takes about 30 minutes to get to Port Isaac.
With plenty of places to explore and a number of enticing holiday homes and accommodation in Port Isaac, this scenic fishing village is perfect for memorable holidays in Cornwall. Search for availability above or contact Harbour Holidays for more information and advice on Port Isaac cottages.