Boutique Cottages in Port Isaac

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A picture-perfect fishing village, Port Isaac in North Cornwall is as quintessentially Cornish as they come. Sandwiched between the surfers’ paradise of Polzeath and the legend-shrouded Tintagel, it is the ideal middle ground for those looking for hearty doses of Cornish goodness, lots of TLC and easy access to local attractions.

A thriving port from the Middle Ages to the mid-19th Century, Port Isaac’s harbour is still kept busy with the to-ings and fro-ings of fisherfolk and boaty types. Inherently intertwined with the sea, the village’s spindly streets are lined with white-washed fishermen’s cottages; pulse your way around the veins of this AONB and fall head over heels for its undeniable charm.

As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for the humorously titled Squeezy Belly Alley. If some of the streets seem familiar to you, you may well have seen them before! Long recognised for its eye-catching aesthetics, Port Isaac has appeared in many films and TV series, including ITV’s hugely popular series Doc Martin and the light-hearted British comedy film, Saving Grace.

Lucky enough to be graced with many cafés and restaurants, those staying in one of our luxury cottages in Port Isaac will never be far from a light lunch or slap-up dinner. A real foodie hub, you can choose from a smorgasbord of eateries offering local cuisine and exotic twists, as well as enjoying the enviable advantage of two Nathan Outlaw restaurants.

On the harbourfront, Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen and the Mote both serve fresh seafood dishes. Working alongside Port Isaac’s fishermen and with an emphasis on sustainability, the restaurants celebrate all things a-la-mer. Also on the harbour, the Krab Pot is the place to go for crab sarnies, while the Golden Lion has a varied menu, cosy atmosphere and outside seating for sunny days.

Of course, there are many more eateries dotted around the village. A great place for a cheese-topped slice, the dog-friendly Angry Anchovy serves up mouth-watering home-made pizzas and the dog-friendly Chapel Café has a great atmosphere. Try the Old School Restaurant for a hearty meal or find your next favourite café amongst the winding streets.

As well as serving lip-smacking food, the traditional 18th Century Golden Lion Inn is a great spot to nurse a drink or two and simply soak up the atmosphere. With a roaring fire in winter and small sun terrace for watching the activity of the harbour in summer, this dog-friendly pub is definitely one for the list.

If a cup of tea is the order of the day, the 16th Century Slipway (once the favourite haunt of smugglers) is home to a cute tearoom. Featuring a 60-seater marquee that provides cover whatever the weather, you can sup your tea, perhaps accompanied by home-baked scones with jam and cream, and watch the world go by.

Offering more options for quintessential café vibes, the Terrace Tea Rooms and the Cornish Cove are both recommended for much-needed refreshment. For further choice, pop into May Contain Nuts, Fresh from the Sea or Lazy Days Café for choices so tantalising you won’t know where to turn next!

Encompassed by beautiful countryside and met by the rolling sea, Port Isaac is somewhere that will soon get under your skin. To really appreciate some of the area’s incredible vistas, join up with the South West Coast Path for a clifftop walk. One of the best routes takes you from Port Isaac to neighbouring Port Gaverne and is less than 2 miles long. Admire the incredible scenery and finish with a bite to eat in the Port Gaverne Hotel, before making your way back over the cliffs if you’re feeling up for it.

For more action-packed activity, you can sign up to a day of coasteering, take a boat trip out to sea or hire E-bikes from nearby Port Quin. Around the village, put some time aside to stroll around the local galleries and shops; Port Isaac has both a lovely cliffside gallery and pottery shop, as well as lots of gift shops. Of course, no trip to Port Isaac would be complete without strolling up to see Doc Martin’s “house” and trying to fit in a Fisherman’s Friends performance.

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