The Best Places to Stay in Port Isaac
The fishing village of Port Isaac, with a beautiful harbour and epic hikes to nearby villages, is one of the best places to stay in Cornwall, whether you want somewhere to spend a weekend or are stopping off on a road trip around Cornwall.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Port Isaac, from touring Doc Martin filming locations to going on boat trips from the village. You’ll be able to see the best of Port Isaac in 2 days, but longer if you want to enjoy the village at a leisurely pace.
Port Isaac has a great typical Cornish atmosphere – you’ll love walking around and dining in the village – and it’s in a prime location for many of Cornwall’s other towns, villages, and attractions.
The old part of Port Isaac, which dates back to the 14th century, is nowadays mainly for tourism. This means that there are lots of guesthouses and holiday cottages throughout the village, as well as several on the outskirts.
Bearing this in mind, we’ve put together this list of the best places to stay in Port Isaac. Read on for hotels, guesthouses, and holiday cottages in and around the town!
Where to stay in Port Isaac: Best Hotels
The Slipway
There are only a few large hotels in Port Isaac, and the Slipway is one of them. This Grade II listed building dates all the way back to 1527 and has a fascinating history – it was a smuggler’s hideaway back when the black trade of smuggling was rife throughout Cornwall.
The bedrooms are homely and cosy, and all have an en-suite bathroom. The Slipway is close to the beach, and some of the rooms have dramatic ocean vistas. On site is the Harbourside Cafe and Terrace, which serves up some delicious lunches, including Cornish cream teas and fish and chips. The Slipway is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Port Isaac.
Click here for more information about The Slipway and to reserve your spot.
The Old School Hotel
If you’re wondering where to stay in Port Isaac, and want to try somewhere unique, check out The Old School Hotel!
The Old School Hotel is, as the name suggests, an old school – it was built in 1875 and was a place of education until the 1980s. You may recognise it as the setting of the school that Louisa teaches at in Doc Martin. With epic views over the harbour, the Old School Hotel is like living on a TV set – if you’ve ever marvelled at the beauty of Portwenn in Doc Martin, you need to stay here!
The hotel has single, double and king sized rooms, each named after a school subject. Each has an en-suite, and are kitted out with all the mod cons you could need. There is a restaurant on site, and breakfast there is included in the rate.
Click here for more details about Old School Hotel and book your spot.
Best Places to Stay in Port Isaac: Guesthouses
The Gallery
With a Cornish tiered garden with epic sea views – Port Isaac is undoubtedly one of the prettiest places in Cornwall – The Gallery may be the most photogenic place to stay in Port Isaac. This boutique guesthouse has trendy rooms, each decorated in its own individual style, and all cleaned to a high standard and with their own en-suite bathroom.
The property is right in the heart of Port Isaac, and while they don’t serve breakfast themselves, there are three breakfast restaurants very close by. Stay here if you want a fun, fresh room and to bask in and enjoy their delightful garden!
Click here to read more about the Gallery and book your stay!
Holiday Homes in Port Isaac
Sea Vista
This glorious property is located in a detached house, with modern decor and beautiful furnishings. And, as the name suggests, there are epic views over the coastline! The home has one bedroom suitable for two people, a kitchen, living space and bathroom. It’s got a beautiful outside area, and is just a short walk from the village. It’s ideal for couples who want somewhere tucked away to stay.
Click here to read more about Sea Vista and to book the holiday cottage
Haven Cottage
Sleeping families and groups of up to four people (with one double bed and one set of bunkbeds), this is a cosy cottage decorated in the style of many fisherman’s cottages in the village. If you want to stay somewhere traditional in Port Isaac, here is your place!
Unlike old fashioned fisherman’s cottage, Haven Cottage is well heated, so is perfect for the cooler months, and it is fully equipped with everything that you may need. It’s in a good location in Port Isaac, close to the famous Squeezy Belly Allley.
Click here to see if Haven Cottage is available on your dates!
Saundry’s Barn
Saundry’s Barn is a cosy, 3 level property which can accommodate four guests. There is a fully equipped kitchen, living space, one bedroom and a modern bathroom. The barn is compact and snug, and makes use of space well.
Saundry’s Barn is in a great location, close to Port Isaac but far enough away for it to not be too busy.
Click here to read more about Saundry’s Barn
Cobblers Cottage
Located on the outskirts of the historic village, Cobblers Cottage has beautiful ocean views, and is well equipped for parties of up to four. There’s easy parking here (a blessing in Port Isaac!) as well as a well-equipped kitchen and living area.
Click here for more information about Cobblers Cottage
Hotels near Port Isaac
The Longcross Hotel and Gardens
The Longcross Hotel is a great accommodation option equidistant between Port Isaac and Port Quin. It’s about a 10 minute drive from the hotel into the heart of Port Isaac. It’s set on the cliffs, so here you can enjoy epic views of both Port Quin and Port Isaac, and the majestic Cornish coastline.
The hotel has its own restaurant and terrace, and the bedrooms are comfortable and well-equipped, perfectly clean, and some with views of the sea. All of these features makes it one of the best places to stay near Port Isaac!
Click here for more information about The Longcross Hotel and Gardens
Port Gaverne Hotel
If you’re visiting during the busy summer school holiday period, which in my opinion is not one of the best times to visit Cornwall, you may want to stay out of Port Isaac itself. Port Gaverne is a half mile walk, and it’s much quieter.
The Port Gaverne Hotel is a 17th century inn. Each room is decorated uniquely, with boutique decor and modern furnishings, despite it being such an old building. The inn is right by the beach, and has a charming seaside atmosphere, as well as tonnes of history.
The food here is some of the best in the area, and you’ll be treated to a Cornish breakfast every day.
Click here for more information about Port Gaverne Hotel
Plain Street Cottage B&B
Plain Street Cottage B&B is located on the B3314, less than 10 minutes drive from Port Isaac. The B&B has friendly hosts who are always on hand to offer travel advice, and a large garden with BBQ facilities. The rooms are cosy and homely, and the breakfast is delicious.
The location is not seafront, but it’s a great spot if you’re keen to explore places near to Port Isaac as well as the village itself.
Click here to read more about Plain Street Cottage B&B
You can also stay at Plain Street Cottage B&B’s The Barn, a self-contained property on the site of Plain Street Cottage B&B. Click here for more information.
Whether you’re visiting on a family holiday, with a group of friends or as a couple, there’s something for everyone in this list of where to stay in Port Isaac. If you’re visiting the village in the summer months, we do recommend booking well ahead of time, as it does get busy. Out of peak times, it is still advisable to book ahead – but you probably don’t need to do so as far in advance.
Be sure to check out the rest of my Cornwall posts for more travel advice about this beautiful part of the world!
Do you own a guesthouse, hotel, or holiday home and would like to feature in this post? Email me at [email protected] to discuss advertising opportunities!
