One of the prettiest villages in Cornwall, and the UK, is a perfect holiday destination with a Hollywood link. The coastal paradise is best known as the setting for the popular series Doc Martin starring Martin Clunes - and is a favourite filming location. Port Isaac was also the filming location fo British comedy-drama film Fisherman's Friends, about a group of Cornish fishermen from the town who made a top 10 hit album after being signed by Universal Records.
Described as a "charming little fishing village" by What Stay In Cornwall, Port Isaac sits on the picturesque and rugged coast of the historic county. It features white-washed cottages, and "bars and restaurants that sit within centuries-old buildings". The village dates back centuries and features 14th-century cottages and a pier dating back to the time of Henry VII.
Visit Cornwall said of it: "Visitors to the village can wander around and pick out the locations where scenes were shot, from the Doctor Ellingham's house on the west side of the harbour, to Mrs Tishell's chemist shop on Middle Street, Louisa's home on Fore Street and Bert's Restaurant.", reports . The tourist board adds: "Away from Port Isaac, nearby locations where filming has taken place include Doyden Castle on the cliffs above Port Quin.
This 'folly' was built in the 1830's by a local landowner as somewhere secret to entertain his friends. It's now a holiday home." This year, Martin Clunes was taken aback when he scooped up an award for his role in Doc Martin, admitting he thought "people were sick of" the show.
The beloved 62-year-old actor portrayed the grumpy GP in the fictional Cornish village of Portwenn for 18 years, with the final series airing in December 2022. However, to his surprise, in February, Clunes bagged the best actor accolade at the TV Choice Awards 2024, which saw comedian Tom Allen hosting the glitzy event at The Hilton on Park Lane. Reflecting on the unexpected honour, Clunes remarked: "The part I play's been knocking around for 18 years so just when you thought people were sick of it, the readers have voted for it, so that's nice.
" He also reminisced about the last day of shooting, sharing how much the crew loved their time in Cornwall. "It was lovely," he recalled. Describing the quintessential Cornish setting, Clunes said: "It was on a , it was pure Cornwall, 100% Cornwall and we were filming on a beautiful sunny beach and just to the left of where we were filming, the little cove we were in, there were people doing what they do in Cornwall, they were playing with inflatable balls and it was perfect.
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