Martin Clunes’ guide to Doc Martin's Port Isaac
23 September 2013
As Doc Martin returns to our screens this Monday, we catch up with the leading man for his top five north Cornish spots
- Written By
Jade Bremner 12:09 PM, 29 August 2013
Next week the grumpy doctor returns for more cosy
drama in the quaint Cornish village of Port Isaac. Last
season, an average of 10 million of us tuned into each
week to see Doc Martin's misadventures on the west
country coastline. In anticipation of another bout of
beautiful scenes, we catch up with the doctor himself –
Martin Clunes – to discover his five best spots to visit
in the area...
1. Port Quin
The small cove and hamlet on the north Cornish coast
is where Clunes likes to walk his dog, along the cliff
overlooking the bay. Clunes says: “It’s an old fishing
village along the coast from Port Isaac. There’s a
beautiful crenelated folly there called Doyden Castle,
built about 1830 by Samuel Symons, which we used as
Pentire Castle at the end of season five."
This little eatery overlooking the Port Isaac Bay and Port Gavern serves hearty English grub, including free-range produce from the neighboring farms and freshly caught fish from the ocean. “It's the restaurant at the top of the village where we have our wrap party at the end of each season,” explains Clunes. “They buy the food locally, in season, and support ethical farming. The views are amazing.”
3. Fern Cottage
Although you can’t actually go in, many people seek out the Doctor’s house on Roscarrock Hill in order to snap a picture outside. Clunes is particularly fond of its garden. “Doctor Martin’s house actually has two gardens,” says Clunes, “one that we use and one just up the cliff a little. When filming gets hectic and I need a bit of peace I can go up to the secret garden, look out to sea and get some space.”
4. Delabole
The third highest village in Cornwall is six miles
away from Port Isaac and known for its 500 feet deep
slate quarry. The striking man-made site is worth a
visit, but this is also where the Doc Martin crew hang
out after hours. “It’s the village I stay in when we’re
filming [the series],” reveals Clunes. “I have too many
lines to learn to stay in the Golden Lion [in Port
Isaac]. It's not as picturesque but it’s got a friendly,
close knit community.”
5. Potters cafe
In the centre of Port Isaac's old fishing village, in a beautiful higgledy piggledy building, visitors will find this charming little eatery selling sandwiches, salads and cream teas. Under its former name, Victoria House Café, the owners would sell Doc Martin memorabilia. “We had a deal,” explains Clunes, “I’d sit there with a coffee signing memorabilia and the money from the signed stuff goes to local charities.”
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