England Port Isaac

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  • Day 7

    St Ives & The Vicarage

    May 3 in England ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Padstow is a charming Cornish fishing town where the shimmering harbour reflects bobbing boats and cheerful pastel cottages, setting a postcard-perfect scene. In the crisp morning air, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at a harbourside café — traditional bubble and squeak bursting with flavour, and for Mark, a rich duck egg Benedict that melted perfectly into its toasted base. To finish, a scoop of indulgent rum and raisin Cornish ice cream captured the essence of seaside indulgence. Padstow’s reputation as a culinary haven is no surprise, with celebrity chef Rick Stein’s influence woven throughout the town — from his renowned seafood restaurant to casual eateries, his presence adds a touch of gourmet prestige to this idyllic coastal retreat.

    We passed by Guildford, where Mark recollected that sister Lisa lived for a period.

    Further along on our Coastal adventure we stopped to admire the amazing beaches. Just for the record: not a stony one in sight! Pristine beaches with golden sand and truly spectacular turquoise water. Sun ☀️ shining like the perfect day was made just for us. One such beach was Watergate Bay, nestled between dramatic cliff setting on either side. People surfing 🏄 and swimming on this Bank Holiday long weekend in the UK. Almost tempted to jump in but continued to St Ives, our next overnight destination; staying in The Old Vicarage
    ⛪️

    I was genuinely disappointed with St Ives, though I suspect the timing played a big part — the bank holiday weekend brought extreme crowds that made the narrow streets feel more stressful than charming. Already feeling tired and grumpy from poor sleep, I found it hard to enjoy the town’s usual appeal. To top it off, dinner was a letdown: I ordered what was advertised as king prawns, but they arrived more like shrimp — and still cost the equivalent of $50 AUD. The only real highlight was the view from the Beach Restaurant, which was undeniably beautiful, even if the food didn’t live up to it.

    Returning to The Old Vicarage turned the day around — it felt like a true sanctuary after the chaos. The opulent setting, relaxed guest lounge, and charming honesty bar offered the perfect way to unwind and reclaim a bit of calm and comfort. ✊🏻🙏👍🏻✅👏🇬🇧
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  • Day 6

    The Doc is in OR Mark loses his lunch!

    May 2 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Change of weather 🌦️ today: shorts 🩳 swapped for jeans 👖 and jackets! Mist 🌫️ rolling in early afternoon… Eerie & strangely comforting.

    Doc Martin Tour time: Just quietly, I think I knew more than he did… 😜Although, our Guide was in many of the scenes of the series. For example, he was one on the board of directors who employed Louisa at the school. It was a very relaxed and leisurely wander around looking at all of the major filming locations. Mrs. Tishalls’ Pharmacy is actually a fudge shop and, in fact, most of the inside scenes of all the houses are filmed in different locations because the inside of most of the buildings used in the series were too small… Even the Doc’s house!

    Interestingly, there are actually only 20 actual residents that live in the Village of Port Isaac. The rest of the buildings are empty and are holiday rentals! So, the Guide told us that the locals really did not make any money from the filming because it all went to the owners who aren’t local.

    For lunch we decided to have a fresh lobster 🦞 sandwich from the local fish co-op and walked out into the fresh, salty sea air… then…
    Whoosh 💨
    I felt the flap of a wing on my face and looked across at Mark who had a stunned look & was no longer holding the sandwich! One of our seagull friends had taken it straight out of his hand!
    We went straight back in and the lady behind the counter was kind enough to give us another one gratis and we kept it well covered until we got outside…
    But, within a split second…
    Whoosh! 💨 Guess what? 🙀…yep!
    For a second time! 🤦🏻‍♂️
    Mark decided he wasn’t meant to have a lobster sandwich so we opted for cake and coffee safely behind the window of a nearby patisserie!

    Let’s hope we have better luck with dinner 🍽️🙃😜
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  • Day 5

    ‘Port Wenn’

    May 1 in England ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Does it get any better than this when you’re travelling..?
    We are sitting on the Gold Lion Pub balcony where Doc Martin and Louisa sat for one of their many ‘tense’ dinners; when Louisa had her white wine and Doc had his water… The very same pub where good old Bert tried his luck at whiskey distilling and Pub ownership…I’m having a Cornish ale, ordering Cornish mussels and looking directly at Doc Martin’s house on the hill… The tide is high, the sun is setting and I could not be happier! A dream come true!

    Check out the very cheeky HUGE seagull that was bold enough to go for mussels and chips directly from our plates! 🐦

    …Three hours later and I am just heading back to our very comfortable living quarters for the next two days… A stone’s throw away from the thick of the Village… Lucked out yet again!

    The mussels were absolutely delicious… In fact, even though they were the equivalent of $50 Australian they were probably the best tasting mussels I have ever had… succulent, plentiful (as you can see in the picture.) This has been one of those life moments that is absolutely priceless… 🌊

    Poor Mark is trying to share my enthusiasm but not having seen any of the series is probably not quite as enthusiastic as me! 😉🥱😜

    To sit on the steps of Fern Cottage at 9:30 pm with no one but me was something I will remember forever!
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  • Day 6

    Misty Farewell to Port Isaac

    May 2 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    On our last night in Port Isaac, the village wrapped itself in a soft, sea-salted mist, as though it too was reluctant to let us go.

    The golden glow of the lamplight spilled across the cobbled lanes, casting a warm shimmer on the harbor waters and illuminating the whitewashed cottages that have stood here for centuries, their windows glowing like watchful eyes.

    Everything felt hushed—timeless—as the tide whispered at the shoreline and the hills disappeared into the fog. Even the rusted old mooring post seemed to stand in quiet tribute to all the departures it had witnessed before.

    There was something achingly beautiful in the stillness. Though the world blurred around us, each light, each sound, each breath of salty air felt vivid and unforgettable. This village leaves its mark gently, but deeply.
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  • Day 11

    Portwenn

    May 7, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    The following photos and video are for the Doc Martin fans.
    Port Isaac looks exactly like you imagine it would be, perhaps with the exception being that the roads are more spectacularly narrow than it might appear on screen.Read more

  • Day 34

    More of the Cornish coast.

    May 7 in England ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    An interesting, scenic and at times somewhat narrow drive from Cubert to Bath. Stops included Padstow and Port Issac- the town used to film outdoor shots from Doc Martin. Padstow was another lovely walled fishing village.Read more

  • Day 165

    Port Isaac - Doc Martin

    March 13 in England ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    "Doc Martin" Filming Location:
    Port Isaac served as the backdrop for the popular ITV series "Doc Martin" from 2004 to 2022, with many exterior shots filmed in and around the village.
    The Fisherman's Friends:
    The village is also known as the home of the sea-shanty group, The Fisherman's Friends, who have gained considerable fame for their performances.
    Quaint Fishing Village:
    Port Isaac is a traditional fishing village with narrow, winding streets lined with charming whitewashed cottages that overlook a picturesque harbor.
    Rich History:
    The village has a rich history dating back to the early fourteenth century, with its name, Porthysek, meaning "corn port," reflecting its historic role in the grain trade.
    Coastal Beauty:
    Port Isaac is nestled on the shores of North Cornwall, offering stunning coastal views and a captivating destination for visitors.
    Other Filming Locations:
    Besides "Doc Martin", the village has also been used as a filming location for other movies and TV shows, including "Poldark", "Rosamunde Pilcher's The Shell Seekers", and "Saving Grace
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  • Day 23

    Padstow, Pork Isaac(Port Wenn, Doc Mart)

    September 27, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌬 18 °C

    Wednesday. Morning walk out along the estuary towards the lifeboat and pilot stations, rather windy, hope the rain stays away. Pastries and pasties for breakfast, enjoyed the local pudding made with fresh and yesterday's unsold pasteries.

    Off to Doc Martin territory. Solid walk down and around. No parking in town, park up the hill and walk down to town. Lunch in the Golden Inn. Ticked of most of the filming sights.

    Watched the brave soles surfing at Polzeath beach, the water might be a little warmer than it looks.

    Gin tasting at Tarquin's Gin School and shop. Dinner in the London Inn pork belly, hearty meal hearty pub.
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  • Day 8

    Port Isaac

    August 6, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Da wir unseren Ziel -Reifenhändler- näher kommen wollten, sind wir nach einer Chill-Zeit um 14.30 aus Tintagel weg Richtung Port Isaac und landeten letztlich in Wadebridge, wo ich morgen den Reifenhändler aufsuche.

    Port Isaac kennt wohl jeder aus dem Film „Fisherman‘s Friends. Und obwohl auch eine englische Serie dort spielt, ist es zwar voll, aber nicht so überlaufen wie St. Ives. Wir fanden es schön!
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  • Day 34

    Port Isaac

    January 10, 2020 in England ⋅ ⛅ 46 °F

    Sitting at home watching episodes of Doc Martin made me want to come and see the seaside village where it was filmed. 4 airplanes, 6 countries and a 4 hour car ride later and I am living it. Looks like the tv show but in winter all the quirky characters went inside to keep warm. Still, I love it and I’m so happy to be here.Read more

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