You want a clear answer first. Most scenes were filmed in Port Isaac, Cornwall. The village stands in Portwenn. You can visit the main spots in a single day. Do you plan a trip soon?
- Direct answer: Port Isaac in North Cornwall serves as Portwenn.
- Series scope: 10 series and 79 episodes aired from 2004 to 2022.
- Specials: A 2006 TV film and a 2022 Christmas Special closed the story.
What is the main Doc Martin location?
Port Isaac anchors the show. Narrow lanes, white cottages, and Atlantic cliffs frame each shot. The harbour forms the core vista. You see it in almost every episode. Do you want a harbour view route?
- Name on screen: Portwenn equals Port Isaac.
- Historic note: Portwenn once named the nearby cove at Port Quin.
- Travel time: Many locations sit within 30 minutes by car from the village.
Which Port Isaac spots appear on screen?
Use this table to match scenes to real places. You can cover them on foot. Do you want a printed map?
| On-screen location | Real place | Useful note |
| Doc Martin’s house and surgery | Fern Cottage | Grade II cottage past the harbour. Interior shots used a set. |
| Crab and Lobster pub | The Golden Lion, Fore Street | A real pub the cast used off set. |
| Louisa’s house | Fore Street cottage | Now a holiday is near the harbour. |
| Mrs Tishell’s chemist | Little Dolphins, Middle Street | Private home. Exterior only. |
| The Liberal Club | Port Isaac village shop | Doubled for the club in several episodes. |
Tip: Start at the harbour, then follow the coast path toward Port Quin. You get the classic angle on Fern Cottage from the path above.
- Walk time: Harbour to Fern Cottage takes about 10–15 minutes on foot.
- Photo angle: Best elevation sits on the coast path toward Port Quin.
Which other Cornwall locations feature in the series?
North Cornwall carries key arcs. Short drives link each place. Do you have a car for the trip?
- Port Gaverne: A cove next to Port Isaac used for exterior shots.
- Roscarrock Manor Farm: A base for interior sets near the village.
- Doyden Castle, Port Quin: Site of Mrs Tishell’s confession scene in Series 5.
- St Nonna’s Church, Altarnun: Wedding venue for Martin and Louisa on Bodmin Moor.
- Delabole Primary School: School scenes in Series 3–5.
- Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro: All hospital scenes.
- Pencarrow House, Bodmin: First date for Martin and Louisa.
- St Winwaloe, Gunwalloe: Aunty Joan’s funeral.
- The Old Inn, St Breward: Birth of the couple’s baby.
- Bodmin Parkway Station: Key train scenes on the main line.
- Distances: Delabole sits about 6 miles from Port Isaac.
- Farm link: Aunty Joan’s farm used Dinnabroad Farm near St Teath, about 5 miles out.
Can you stay near the filming spots?
You can base yourself in Port Isaac. Sea views and quick walks define the best stays. Do you want family or couple vibes?
- Folly 2: Featured on screen and in Fisherman’s Friends. Harbour views from upper floors.
- Harbourfront lets: Multiple cottages sit on Fore Street. You can see the pub and slipway from windows.
- Nearby bases: Polzeath and Port Gaverne offer quiet nights and fast access.
- Capacity: Larger homes near the harbour can host up to 8 guests.
- Access: Wadebridge and Camelford sit about 10 minutes away by car.
How do you plan a smooth Doc Martin tour?
Crowds build after 10 a.m. Tides and slopes add effort. Do you prefer early starts?
- Best months: Late April to early October gives mild weather and open venues.
- Parking: Use the top car park above the village. Walk down to the harbour.
- Food: Go for crab sandwiches, pasties, and cream tea near Fore Street.
- Timing: A full loop of main spots fits in 3–4 hours on foot.
- Safety: Cobbles and steep lanes require good shoes.
When did the series end?
ITV aired the final special on 25 December 2022. The run spans 10 series across 18 years. Do you plan a rewatch before your trip?
- Episode count: 79 total across the run.
- Legacy: Fan travel to North Cornwall rose after 2004 and stayed high through 2022.
Which FAQs help first-time visitors?
- Can you visit Fern Cottage? You can view the exterior from the path. The home is private.
- Who owns the cottage? A private owner holds the deed. The property will be sold in 2022.
- Is Portwenn a real place? The name maps to Port Isaac on screen. The historic note links Portwenn to Port Quin.
- How far is Bodmin Moor? The drive to Altarnun takes about 40–50 minutes.
- Where do train scenes occur? Bodmin Parkway handles that role on the main line.
What is the quick starter route?
You can follow this order for one perfect loop. Do you want GPX files?
- Harbour and slipway: Set the scene.
- Golden Lion, Fore Street: Pub exterior.
- Louisa’s cottage, Fore Street: Quick photo stop.
- Fern Cottage: Coast path view toward Port Quin.
- Port Gaverne: Short walk or a 2-minute drive.
- Altarnun, St Nonna’s Church: Wedding site on Bodmin Moor.
- Bodmin Parkway Station: Final stop for train scenes.
- Total drive time: About 2 hours plus stops.
- Walking time: About 60–90 minutes in Port Isaac and Port Gaverne alone.
What should you remember before you go?
You get the best light at golden hour. Crowds thin after sunset. Do you like evening photos?
- Carry cash: Small cafés near the harbour may prefer it.
- Check tides: Low tide opens more quay access.
- Mind residents: Many homes stay private despite on-screen fame.
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