I really hope you enjoy staying at my cottage – Miss Fisher's in Port Isaac. As well as being home to Doc Martin, Port Isaac is a beautiful small working fishing village. Local seafood is very fresh, which is why Nathan Outlaw has two restaurants in the village.
If you choose to stay at Miss Fisher's you will find an iPad with lots of local information and links.
The North Cornwall coast allows you to use Miss Fisher's as a base to travel or a great place to potter about locally, eat, drink and unwind. Buses will take you to Bude, Tintagel, Padstow, Wadebridge, Rock, Polzeath...
My cottage was totally refurbished in Autumn 2016, so everything is fresh and new. Created in soft pastel colours and Pip Studio soft furnishings.
ACCOMMODATION FOR 4
As you enter through the porthole front door, you will find a small porch which is very handy for coats and muddy boots.
The open plan lounge/diner/kitchen has a log burning stove, central heating throughout, church style dining table, comfy seating, TV and double patio doors to the rear garden.
The master bedroom has a small en-suite with an impressive rain shower and heated towel rails. A double bed with a new sumptuous mattress, wardrobe and patio doors into the garden – so you can wake up to the sunshine, step outside and enjoy breakfast on the patio.
Bedroom two is a twin room with single beds with new comfortable mattresses, with under-bed storage and a wardrobe.
A family bathroom with bath, overhead shower and heated towel rails adjoin the living space.
LOG BURNING STOVE
Enjoy a cosy night in when the evenings get a little cold. Snuggle up on the comfy sofa and relax. Add a glass of wine and a book for total relaxation.
SHEPHERD'S HUT
Out in the garden sits another lovely haven, the Shepherd's Hut. I love this space. Plenty of seating for everyone to share the space and use it as a Summer House, or, if you find you have to juggle a little bit of work it has a writing desk and superfast wifi.
Better still, sit in a comfy chair and read a book after an eventful day. You will find a selection of books here to while away a few quiet hours.
LOCATION
New Road is easy to access, avoiding the narrow lanes and awkward drop-off areas found elsewhere. The Platt (harbour) is 4 minutes walk away – though with all the cut-throughs you're likely to use a different route every time you come back to Miss Fisher's.
Miss Fisher's is really close to the most amazing little grocery store selling almost everything you will need, including fresh frangipans and (Pastéis de Nata) Portuguese custard tarts.
WIFI AND ENTERTAINMENT
There is superfast fibre broadband throughout the cottage and in the Shepherd's Hut. You will find the wifi password on the iPad.
There is a small TV with Freeview and a built in DVD player. There are a few DVDs of Doc Martin and Saving Grace.
You will also find a small library in the Shepherd's Hut, also board games.
There is a selection of relaxing music and Fisherman's Friends sea shanties on the iPad. Alternatively log into Spotify via the app and play your music through the cottage's bluetooth speaker.
If you want to do something more exciting the iPad and this website lists lots of local activities.
iPAD AND LOCAL INFORMATION
There is an iPad in the cottage. This contains lots of useful local information (telephone numbers, web links) for activities and places to eat and visit locally (much easier than turning through leaflets).
You could try coasteering, stand up paddleboarding (SUP), surfing, kayaking, walks... and there is a list of dog friendly beaches and restaurants... something for everyone.
OUTSIDE SPACE
The dogs and children will love the all year round turf. There are two large patio areas for you to enjoy, the one around the Shepherd's Hut gets a slightly longer day. On the patio nearest the house you will find a Kadai, an Indian firepit (there are some recipes on this website, and on the iPad) which is great for making fresh seafood curries, paella or stews.
CAR PARKING
There is car parking for 2 cars at front of the cottage on the gravel driveway.
I hope you will come and enjoy the beautiful village of Port Isaac soon.
Miss Fisher.
One of the oldest working harbours in Cornwall. Yes, they actually fish here so you can always find the very freshest seafood in the village's restaurants.
Port Isaac is set between to beautifully rugged ports, Port Gaverne and Port Quin.
WALKS
A walk over Roscarrock Hill will take you to Port Quin. Being remote and idyllic means there are no shops, pubs or tea rooms. However, you can expect spectacular views as you walk past Lobber Point, the rocky cove at Pine Head and Varley Head. (OS Explorer 106). Return via the woods and across fields. 4.8 miles. There is a walkers guide here: Port Isaac to Port Quin.
If you're staying a little longer there are longer walks to explore that will take you a little further afield. Plenty to choose from on this list.
EXPLORE
Wonder through the narrow, hilly cobbled streets set amongst 18th Century fishermen's homes (now listed as historic importance). Next to the Krab Pot cafe you will find Squeezy Belly Alley – it's name will become obvious.
GUIDED TOURS
One of the best ways to explore the village is to take a guided tour at 11am and 1pm daily (especially if you are a Doc Martin fan). You can book at Nicky B's pasty shop or John Brown +44 1208 881277 (www.portisaactours.com)
FILMING
Famous for Doc Martin in recent years it has also featured in Saving Grace, Swept from the Sea and Cornish author Rosamunde Pilcher's The Shell Seekers.
Once again Doc Martin is being filmed in Port Isaac. Filming dates are March to mid July 2017. Booking Miss Fisher's guarantees you a parking space in the village so you can walk in and perhaps get a cameo appearance yourself.
If you love splashing about in the water or you’re happier on dry land you won’t be without choice here. In the Summer the water-based activities get really busy, so perhaps book them in advance of your stay at Miss Fisher's. Have a wonderful time.
There are more options with a map in the last picture here.
ACTIVITIES TO TRY
Kayaking at Port Gaverne: +44 (0) 7791 534884. www.cornishrocktors.com
Stand up paddleboarding: +44 (0)1841 533076. www.harlynsurfschool.co.uk
Coasteering at Port Gaverne: +44 (0)7791 534884. www.cornishrocktors.com
Watersports at Rock: +44 (0)1208 862727. www.camelskischool.com
Cycle the Camel Trail: +44 (0)1208 813050. www.bridgebikehire.co.uk
Surfing at Polzeath: +44 (0)1841 532339. www.wavehunters.co.uk
Walks around Port Isaac: www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk
Sir John Betjeman Walk: www.visitcornwall.com
Beaches: www.visitcornwall.com/beaches
Ferry from Rock to Padstow: www.padstow-harbour.co.uk
Outdoor pursuits centre (Truro): +44 (0)7773 255426. www.greenleisure.co.uk
Doc Martin tour: +44 (0)1208 881 277. www.portisaactours.com
Poldark tour: +44 (0)7731 799815. www.poldarktours.co.uk
Horse riding: +44 (0)1840 213279. www.lakefieldequestriancentre.co.uk
Holywell Bay Fun Park (Perranporth): +44 (0)1637 830 095. www.holywellbayfunpark.co.uk
Oasis pools and waterslides (Newquay): +44 (0)1637 875778. www.oasis-hendra.co.uk
Cowshed spa (Polzeath): +44 (0)1208 862242. www.stmoritzhotel.co.uk
Golf at St Minver: +44 (0)1208 863000. www.thepointatpolzeath.co.uk
I am sure you understand, but Miss Fisher’s can’t take any responsibility for the accuracy, availability or service offered by the businesses and their websites.
For those who prefer something less energetic there are also plenty of options. The only problem is having the time to be able to fit it all in. There are even more options on the last image here, with a map.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Eden Project: www.edenproject.com
Camel Vineyard: www.camelvalley.com
Mevagissey: www.visitcornwall.com
Fowey: www.visitcornwall.com
Padstow: www.visitcornwall.com
St. Micheal’s Mount: www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk
Minack open air theatre (Penzance): www.minack.com
Steam railway (Bodmin): www.bodminrailway.co.uk
Pinsla Gardens (Bodmin Moor): www.pinslagarden.net
Lost Gardens of Heligan (St Austel): www.heligan.com
Tintagel Castle: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Newquay Zoo: www.nequayzoo.org
Cornwall Gold (Redruth): www.cornwall-gold.com
Bodmin Jail: www.bodminjail.org
St Austell Brewery: www.staustellbrewery.co.uk
Skinner's Brewery: www.skinnersbrewery.com
Healey's Cider Brewery: www.thecornishcyderfarm.co.uk
I am sure you understand, but Miss Fisher’s can’t take any responsibility for the accuracy, availability or service offered by the businesses and their websites.
I love dogs and they are very welcome. In fact most places in the village welcome well behaved dogs too. I have compiled a list of places that will be happy to see you and your dog. Please bear in mind in the Summer months it’s very busy here, so this list is not guaranteed, but always worth asking around.
DOG FRIENDLY DINING
A small list of places you can eat with your dog in the village:
Krab Pot: +44 (0)1208 880542
The Mote (bar area): +44 (0)1208 880226
The Golden Lion: +44 (0)1208 880336
Port Gaverne Hotel: +44 (0)1208 880244
The Chapel Cafe: +44 (0)1208 881300
Angry Anchovy: +44 (0)1208 881384
DOG FRIENDLY BEACHES
A small list of places you can eat with your dog. Top help you find them I have listed their sat nav postcodes.
Daymer Beach (all year): PL27 6SA
Trevone Beach (October to Easter): PL28 8QY
Padstow Beach (all year): PL28 8RR
Rock Beach (all year): PL27 6LB
Ferry between Rock and Padstow
HOUSE RULES
There are a few house rules (sorry, it is for the convenience of other guests):
- No dogs on beds
- I would rather they didn’t go on the sofa, but dogs are dogs and they love snuggling us, so please use blankets
- Please clean up any ‘gifts’ left in the gardens
Whether you are looking for fine dining, pasties or a cream tea, you will find it in Port Isaac.
There are plenty of other little treats – Cornish Yarg cheese, one of 60 Cornish cheeses dates back to the 13th century. And let’s not forget Stargazy Pie – a Cornish tradition that dates back to the 16th century. Made with pilchards, eggs, potatoes and cover in pastry. The pilchard’s heads pop up out of the pastry looking up at the stars - not so popular nowadays.
The humble Cornish Pasty is no longer the preserve of the miner’s lunchbox. A mix of diced beef, onion, potato and turnips, crimped on one side. Only pasties made in Cornwall can be legally called Cornish Pasties. And let’s not forget Cornish Cream Tea – sliced scone with a spoonful of jam then topped with a lovely dollop of cream. This is the proper way to enjoy this treat, though people from Devon will argue.
EATING IN PORT ISAAC
Nathan Outlaw's Restaurant: +44 (0)1208 880896. www.nathan-outlaw.com
Chapel Cafe: +44 (0)1208 881300. www.chapelcafe.co.uk
Outlaw's Fish Kitchen: +44 (0)1208 881183. www.outlaws.co.uk/fishkitchen
The Krab Pot: +44 (0)1208 880542. www.thekrabpot.com
The Golden Lion: +44 (0)1208 880336. www.thegoldenlionportisaac.co.uk
Fresh from the Sea: +44 (0)1208 880849. They have their own fishing boat so you know the food is fresh.
The Mote: +44 (0)1208 880226. www.the-mote.co.uk/#port-isaac
Nicky B's Pasty Shop: +44 (0)1208 880099 (selling the famous Chough Bakery pasties)
Terrace Tea Rooms+44 (0)1208 880837. www.terracetearooms.co.uk
The Old School House: +44 (0)1208 880721 (Louisa's school). www.theoldschoolhotel.co.uk
The Angry Anchovy: +44 (0)1208 881384
EATING NEARBY
Port Gaverne Hotel: +44 (0)1208 880244. www.portgavernehotel.co.uk
The Cornish Arms: +44 (0)1208 880335. www.cornisharms.com
Trevathan Farm: +44 (0)1208 880164. www.trevathanfarm.com
St Kew Inn: +44 (0)1208 8841259. www.stkewinn.co.uk
St Endoc, Rock: +44 (0)1208 8863394. www.enodoc-hotel.co.uk
The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow: +44(0)184 1532700. www.rickstein.com
St Tudy Inn, St Tudy: +44(0)120 8850656. www.sttudyinn.com
St Petroc’s, Padstow: +441841532700. www.rickstein.com
Paul Ainsworth at No.6, Padstow: +441841532093. www.number6inpadstow.co.uk
Dining Room, Rock: +(0)4412 08862622. www.thediningroomrock.co.uk
Appleton's at the Vineyard, Padstow: +44(0)1841 541413. www.trevibbanmill.com
Mariners, Rock: (Sharp’s Brewer & Nathan Outlaw) +44 (0)1208 863679. www.themarinersrock.com
Prawn on the Lawn, Padstow: +44(0)184 1532223. www.prawnonthelawn.com
LOCAL ALES
Let's not forget the variety of delicious ales from Cornwall. Sharp's from Rock, Harbour from Bodmin, St Austell Brewery and Skinner's in Truro.
If you want to visit a brewery try these:
St Austell Brewery: 0345 241 1122. www.staustellbrewery.co.uk
Skinner's Brewery: +44(0)1872 271885. www.skinnersbrewery.com
Healey's Cider Brewery: +44(0)1872 573356. www.thecornishcyderfarm.co.uk
Port Isaac's own Fishermen's Friends are sea shanty singers who delight visitors with shows on The Platt weekly in the Summer. As they are all local you will often see them walking around the village.
Their career has spanned over 15 years, taking them from the village on nationwide tours including Glastonbury.
MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY
Down at the harbour, on the Platt every Friday night throughout the Summer you can see and hear these local men at one of their free concerts. Sip some Cornish beer, bring a picnic and a blanket and join in a singalong with the locals till it gets dark. You'll be guaranteed to warm Cornish welcome.
TOUR DATES
You can follow their tour dates here: www.thefishermansfriends.com