Pretty Port Quin is an endlessly charming cove sheltered within the rugged cliffs of North Cornwall. Nestled between Port Isaac and Polzeath, this heavenly idyll has long hailed the romantic at heart. Once a thriving fishing port, along with its neighbouring Port Isaac and Gaverne, it today harbours winsome cottages and oceanside reveries perfect for those seeking year-round escapes.
From its rich history and places to eat to its array of unforgettable things to see and do, uncover our curated guide to Port Quin to plot an otherworldly escape by the ocean.
History
A tranquil inlet on Cornwall’s north coast, Port Quin (or Porth Gwynn, translating as “white cove” in Cornish) has been home to maritime communities for centuries. Referenced as far back as 1327 through a local gentleman, Laurence de Porquin, it became a flourishing fishing village before later being used to land imported coal. Having inspired the famous Frank Bramley painting, A Hopeless Dawn, tales of the sea are long entwined with the cove. Today, the hamlet and its surrounding landscapes are looked after by the National Trust and promise a dreamy escape from the everyday. Full of timeless charm, it encourages leisurely exploration and sun-kissed moments by the shore.
Places to Eat
The Salt Shed, Port Quin
Also known as the Potato Shed, The Salt Shed is a mobile café above Port Quin’s beach. A lovingly converted horse box, it opens seasonally from Easter each year and serves freshly made beverages and bites. Venture over to satiate your appetite and select from the day’s specials. Perfect for alfresco picnics, sweet and savoury treats tempt for light lunches and afternoon fancies, including sourdough toasties, paninis, cakes and bakes.
Outlaw’s New Road, Port Isaac
Head to the coastal haven of Port Isaac to seek one of the finest seafood establishments in the South West. Bestowed with a Michelin Star, Outlaw’s New Road is an award-winning restaurant renowned for its succulent seafood cuisine. On the menu, expect the highest quality ingredients paired with the local catch of the day, including fresh fish and shellfish. Just a short stroll away in Port Isaac, the Michelin Star Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen can also be found within a 400-year-old fisherman’s cottage and offers intimate dining.
Paul Ainsworth at No.6, Padstow
Holding a Michelin Star since 2013 and decorated with four AA Rosettes, Paul Ainsworth at No.6 is one of the best places to eat in Cornwall. Paul Ainsworth’s flagship restaurant, it is set within a handsome Georgian townhouse in the white-washed streets of Padstow and nurtures an ethos of authenticity and excellence. Reserve your table in advance and anticipate creatively imagined and expertly realised dishes that nourish and inspire, featuring local delicacies such as Cornish moorland beef, crab, and seasonal herbs and vegetables.
St Kew Inn, St Kew
Residing in the village of St Kew, the Michelin-recommended St Kew Inn enjoys pride of place amongst some of the UK’s best gastropubs. Surrounded by countryside, it has been welcoming wayfarers since the 15th century and promises an artisan taste of the West Country’s finest. Head over to uncover its suntrap gardens in summer to savour alfresco lunches and cosy dining areas warmed by log fires for candlelit feasts of traditional British cuisine.
The Mariners, Rock
Overlooking the Camel Estuary, The Mariners in Rock offers one of the most picturesque settings to indulge in waterside repasts. Part of the Paul Ainsworth collection, this welcoming gastropub is renowned for its delectable dishes of British favourites, complemented by ever-evolving specials and a well-stocked bar. Visit The Mariners to relax over a tipple of choice as you gaze at the views or select from the menu to enjoy a multi-course banquet of treats.
Beaches
Port Quin
The lovely cove of Port Quin forms a natural harbour amongst the towering cliffs of the north coast. Narrow and sheltered from the prevailing elements, it makes for a wonderful destination to explore. At high tide, launch kayaks and paddleboards from the slipway or shingly shore or wait until low tide to explore its sandy beach peppered with rockpools and natural formations. On balmy, tranquil days, this cove is perfect for snorkelling in the crystal-clear water.
Epphaven Cove
To the west of Port Quin, Epphaven Cove can be found. Along with neighbouring Lundy Bay, each cove is best enjoyed at low tide when the ebbing water reveals sandy swathes perfect for exploring. Dog-friendly year-round and with no facilities or lifeguards, this beach is a spellbinding spot for quiet days by the shore, complemented by alfresco picnics under the sun. Pack up a hamper full of treats and reach the bays on foot for oceanside enchantment.
Port Isaac
The historic fishing village of Port Isaac is beloved for its picture-perfect streets and fishermen’s cottages overlooking the sea. Captured as ‘Port Wenn’ in the fictional Doc Martin TV series, its heavenly aesthetics have long captured admirers. For memorable beach days with a twist, take the short drive or coastal walk from Port Quin to Port Isaac and explore its halcyon streets, before finding a quiet corner on the beach at low tide to recline under blue skies.
Port Gaverne
Drift northward from Port Quin to find the coastal hamlet of Port Gaverne. Less than a mile from Port Isaac, it’s the perfect place to visit during leisurely escapades in the area. Overlooked by Port Gaverne pub and restaurant and a small scattering of cottages, it offers a quieter retreat than its neighbouring Port Isaac and is home to a dog-friendly beach. Make the most of the long strip of sand at low tide and bask in the timelessly beautiful setting.
Polzeath
For the lovers of wide, open beaches, the lure of Polzeath is hard to resist. Situated on the Atlantic Coast on the golden fringes of Wadebridge, it boasts a large expanse of honey-hued sand perfect for oceanside luxuriation. Lifeguarded seasonally, it’s a particular treat in summer for refreshing dips in the glittering sea and sunbathing on the powdery sand. Meanwhile, in winter, the wide bay and surrounding coast path are perfect for strolls, followed by a cup of something warming in one of the nearby pubs.
Attractions
The Rumps
A twin headland on the tip of Pentire Head, The Rumps are a beloved landmark in North Cornwall. The site of an ancient Iron Age hillfort and a stunning destination for walks, The Rumps lend an otherworldly backdrop to coastal forays. Follow the walk around Pentire Point and hike out to the headland, where far-reaching views unfurl across a diamond-studded Atlantic and an endless horizon of blue.
River Camel
Starting on Bodmin Moor and running down to meet the sea, the River Camel is the second longest river to be found wholly in Cornwall. Lacing through Wadebridge and separating the towns of Padstow and Rock, it meanders through divine landscapes and encourages all manner of things to see and do, from wildlife watching and walking along the river banks to paddleboarding on the water. In summer, you can also catch the passenger ferry from Rock to Padstow for unforgettable adventures.
St Endellion Church
Perched above Port Isaac is St Endellion Church. With the current church dating back to the 15th century, it’s believed to occupy the site of an ancient 6th-century Celtic church. A peaceful place to visit for spiritual moments or simply to absorb the history, it is open on most days throughout the year. Adding to the invitation are a collection of events taking place throughout the year, from talks and workshops to concerts.
Tintagel Castle
Adorning the clifftops above the village of Tintagel, Tintagel Castle is a magical attraction a short distance from Port Quin. Steeped in Arthurian legend, it’s adored for its bewitching 13th-century castle remains, bronze Gallos statue, and Merlin’s Cave. Take the footbridge to explore the headland and soul-stirring setting, and, to extend your adventures, follow the coast path from Tintagel to Boscastle to enjoy one of the best coastal walks in Cornwall.
Bodmin Moor
A place of wild allure, the atmospheric realms of Bodmin Moor beckon for fairytale forays. Follow the flow of country roads to reach the edges of the moor from Port Quin, ready to uncover its array of scenic highlights and hidden gems. From the silvery reflections of Colliford Lake and the reaching vistas of Brown Willy and Rough Tor, plot exhilarating pursuits amongst some of the county’s most untamed landscapes.
Things to Do
Cycle the Camel Trail
The wonderful Camel Trail offers a divine stretch of 18-mile, traffic-free trail from Padstow to Bodmin. Running along a former railway line, this multi-use path passes a tapestry of beautiful backdrops. With a plethora of access points along the way, you can easily explore as much or as little of the trail as you please. Especially appealing, cycling along the Camel Trail offers a breezy way to journey, paired with pitstops at nearby cafés.
Sail on the Camel Estuary
The River Camel is a beautiful stretch of water that runs between the coastal towns of Padstow and Rock. Connecting the river with the open sea, the Camel Estuary is particularly magnetic to ocean lovers for its sailing opportunities. A welcoming port of call, Rock Sailing & Waterski Club encourages water enthusiasts of all levels to take part in its experiences, events, and activities, as well as its clubhouse offerings.
Play a Round at St Enodoc Golf Club
Should you be seeking something a little different to do during your coastal retreat, turn your attention to St Enodoc Golf Club in Rock. Established in 1888 and with exquisite views of the Camel Estuary and Atlantic Ocean, it proposes a breath-taking golfing experience. Awaiting golfers are two 18-hole links courses, the Church Course and Holywell Course. Ranked amongst the best in the world, the Church Course is particularly inviting and promises a worthy challenge and awe-inspiring views.
Take a Tour of Port Isaac
The historic fishing village of Port Isaac is one of the most darling destinations in Cornwall. Noted for its quaint streets lined with galleries and places to eat and picturesque harbour topped with boats, its winsome aesthetics capture hearts and imaginations. To roam the village and retrace the steps of the famous Doc Martin, take part in a guided walking tour and see the memorable filming locations of the beloved show. Should you arrive in April, you can also coincide your visit with the Port Isaac Shanty Festival.
Explore the Scenery on Foot
The captivating coastalscapes encompassing Port Quin are a dream to explore throughout the year. From the sun-drenched days of summer to the crisp blue-sky days of winter, each season brings with its own unique allure. One of the most tempting invitations for walks, the South West Coast Path extends in either direction from Port Quin and promises endless miles of exploration. Inland, the dramatic sweep of Bodmin Moor is woven with trails for enthralling hikes. Meanwhile, the wooded depths of Cardinham Woods encourage sylvan strolls under dappled canopies.
Feeling inspired for coastal enchantment? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages near Port Quin.
