Port Isaac and Port Isaac Bay in North Cornwall

Port Isaac in North Cornwall

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Port Isaac page sponsored by John Collins t/a Dennis Knight  Fish Merchant  Port Isaac

   Port Isaac is a fishing village on the North Cornish coast that is so charming that everyone falls in love with the place. Port Isaac surrounds a picturesque harbour and nestles in a narrow sheltered valley, with whitewashed cottages crowding the narrow streets and alleyways (one is so narrow that it is affectionately called Squeezeebelly alley).

Most of the centre of the village consists of 18th and 19th century cottages situated along the narrow valley and slowly creeping up the steep hillsides. The character of the old fishing village permeates the air and its dramatic setting, under high, rocky cliffs gives the whole area a timeless feel.

Port Isaac has kept most of its original character. Film and TV location spotters choosing this area regularly due to its authentic look and feel of old Kernow. Port Isaac was busy from the Middle Ages to the mid 19th century when it was an active port where cargoes like coal, wood, stone, ores, limestone, salt, pottery and heavy goods were imported and exported via Port Isaac's tiny little harbour until the 19th century when the railway and the lorry finally ended the coastal trade at the start of the 20th century.

Port Isaac has a long history of fishing and to this day there are still fishermen working from the Platt, where the fishermen land their daily catch of fish, crab and lobster and various other delicacies. Nowadays some of the fishermen of Port Isaac subsidise their living by becoming famous. To see video footage of the Fishermans Friends performing live in Port Isaac go here.

You can sit here and drift into days gone by so easily, and the pubs right here too. The bounty is to be found in the wide range of hotels and restaurants and fresh fish outlets. Port Isaac makes the perfect location for holidays both in and out of season. It is well suited for a whole variety of outdoor activities or, for the less energetic, just soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the delights of the local restaurants and pubs. Near Port Isaac there are some excellent sandy beaches for swimming and surfing. At Rock there is sailing and waterskiing on the Camel Estuary. There are also some excellent golf courses within a few miles of Port Isaac. The village has starred in many a motion picture (more recently the story 'Amy Foster' was filmed in the village also "Saving Grace" was filmed around this area too) and the scenery along this stretch of coastline rivals that of Tintagel.

Squeezeebelly Alley or Temple Bar

Port Isaac is believed to have originally been Port Izzard ( nothing to do with Eddie) and in earlier times it was known as Portissyk. Port Isaac is pronounced Porthusek in Cornish. This port dates from Saxon times, but by the 16th century, its trade was mainly in pilchard fish. Delabole slate was also exported from here. The pier was constructed during the reign of Henry VIII, and still visible, and the coming of the railway increased its prosperity. The village grew steadily from the 18th century.

St Endellion (St Endelienta) is a small settlement between Port Quin and Port Isaac. Here can be found the Long Cross on Doyden's Head and Port Quin Bay. Port Gaverne became a slate, limestone and coal port where shipbuilding also took place in the 19th century. Slate from Delabole quarry was loaded here into the heavy sailing sea ketches which were wide enough to rest on the beach between tides. Port Quin was abandoned on two occasions, once when the pilchards failed and once when all the men were drowned at sea. It is now a peaceful place with only one commercial outlet, that of a small food trailer that serves tea, coffee and snacks during the summer months. 

N.B.  Port Wenn is a fictitious village that was created for the television series Doc Martin.  Port Wenn uses  several different locations within North Cornwall. Port Isaac, Trevalga, Boscastle,  Davidstow Moor and Dozmary pool...  to name but a few....and there's only one Doctor.....

For further information on Port Isaac thisisnorthcornwall recommends www.portisaacincornwall.co.uk

Useful resources for accommodation in Port Isaac can be found at North Cornwall Accommodation

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in this part of the county then try the following resources.

For bed and breakfast accommodation go here or if you require self catering accommodation go here,

and you will find a abundance of properties to suit all budgets and tastes.

Doc Martin and Fishermans Friends have helped lift Port Isaac into a higher awareness amongst the public.

For guided walks and maps visit  iwalknorthcornwall.co.uk

  <<< Port Quin     Port Gaverne >>>

                                     John Collins of Port Isaac......

                                                    Purveyors of quality ocean produce.

John Collins t/a Dennis Knight

Fish Merchant 

10 Lundy Road

Port Isaac 

Telephone 01208 880498

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Please take care along our shore, and you will leave here wanting more.

 But if the warnings you ignore, then you may get more than you bargained for.

Stay Safe  Play Safe

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