This is the magical village that feels like you’ve stepped onto a movie set
- UK Hidden Gems
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
The traditional fishing village in North Cornwall is home to a well-known British TV show, and it truly feels like a place straight out of a film set.
This hidden gem is a classic Cornish coastal village, filled with pretty cottages that look out over a beautiful harbour.
It’s so charming that it’s been used as the setting for the TV series Doc Martin, starring Martin Clunes in the main role.
Since 2004, many fans have come to know the village as ‘Port Wenn’, its fictional name in the BBC series, and flock there to see it in real life.
But beyond its fame, Port Isaac has a long history, with its fishing roots tracing all the way back to the 14th century.
The village has always had a strong bond with the sea, and fishing remains an important part of life for locals today. While it’s a popular destination in summer, autumn is the perfect time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and milder weather.
If you’re planning a trip outside of the main season, the Port Isaac Sea Shanty Festival is a highlight worth catching.
The annual event fills the village with live music, traditional songs and a lively atmosphere that celebrates its maritime past.
At the centre of Port Isaac is its picturesque harbour, where fishermen still haul in their daily catch, just as they have for generations.
Nearby, you’ll find a slipway leading to a small beach with soft sands, rock pools and even the chance to spot some marine life.
One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “Little has changed in the five decades since I was last here.
That’s the charm of these Cornish fishing villages – they’re tucked into the coves, and not much can change without rebuilding the whole place.”
For fans of Doc Martin, there’s a guided walking tour that starts by the harbour, taking visitors around the show’s filming spots. You can see Doc’s house, the village school, and other recognisable locations while learning plenty of fun behind-the-scenes facts.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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