My lovely wife and I recently visited the beautiful village of Port Isaac in England’s stunning county of Cornwall. It was an experience we will never forget. This charming little place instantly wrapped us up with its warmth and friendliness that made our visit feel like a homecoming, if only for just a few short days!
We arrived on a beautiful sunny morning as the village slowly came to life around us. The first thing I noticed about Port Isaac was how peaceful it felt even though there were people milling here and there, some heading toward breakfast at one of the local cafes or restaurants while others seemed content enjoying leisurely strolls along its quaint streets lined with thatched-roofed houses.
As we started walking through Port Isaac’s narrow laneways – winding and seemingly endless, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of these rustic villages across Cornwall; a place where time seems to stand still yet feels so inviting all at once – it was like stepping back into history. It truly is one-of-a-kind with its unique combination of traditional English architecture and friendly locals who eagerly welcomed us as if we were old friends returning home after years away.
The highlight for my wife and me was visiting the iconic Eagle’s Nest pub. It sits in a lovely cottage-style building overlooking Port Isaac bay. It felt like stepping into another time! Kind hosts greeted us and served traditional Cornish fare. We enjoyed blackened fish, creamy chips, and homemade apple crumble for dessert. We ate at a table with a view of the sparkling water below. It was an unforgettable culinary experience that I had to mention here!
Together we also decided on taking time off from exploring Port Isaac’s old village and visiting nearby places like Beggar’s Pool, which is not only rich in history but was once home for Cornish pirates during the 16th century. It felt good trekking along rugged cliff-top trails that led us to this hidden gem of a cove with crashing waves and seabird calls echoing through its rocky nooks – something we would have loved doing back home, but never got around due to work commitments!
In the evening as dusk approached on our last day in Port Isaac. We decided it was time for us to say goodbye – with warm hugs from both locals and fellow travelers that my wife had made friends during her stay here – knowing we would return one-day soon, although back home now!
Before leaving the village though I wanted to share some tips on what makes Port Isaac special:
- Stay in bed and breakfasts or guesthouses for a truly authentic experience – these small accommodations are like family away from home; you’ll feel welcomed as one of their own. Take time exploring all the narrow lanes leading up to Penhale House, where traditional Cornish craftspeople still sell handmade goods such as beautiful lace and woolen knitwear that is perfect for souvenirs – an experience I guarantee will make your trip unforgettable!
- Make sure you visit the Port Isaac Museum on St. Nectarpound Churchyard – it gives a fascinating insight into Cornwall’s past through its exhibits and artifacts including shipwrecks that are found in the bay below which tells tales of lost maritime history – don’t miss this!
- When planning your trip, be mindful to book accommodations early on during peak holiday seasons as it can get very busy – I learned from my own experience trying for a room at Port Isaac’s only Premier Inn but being turned away due to no availability. Do consider staying in nearby Newquay or St. Austell instead, where you may find more options available with great views of the coastline as well!
- For those who enjoy water sports and activities such as sailing; Port Isaac Bay is an excellent location for this – just be sure to take proper safety precautions when engaging in these adventures on choppy waters. Always wear life jackets, check local weather reports prior before heading out onto the sea – better safe than sorry!
- Don’t forget that while visiting small villages such as Port Isaac; you should be respectful of their way of living and traditions – embrace them with kindness so locals can continue to thrive without feeling overwhelmed by tourism. Support local businesses where possible, try traditional Cornish foods at some fantastic pubs serving up great hospitality while avoiding single-use plastics for a greener stay – every small step makes an impact!
Port Isaac is truly one of the most beautiful and quintessential English villages that I would highly recommend visiting, just be sure to plan ahead with some helpful tips in mind. It will surely make your journey more memorable as we experienced ourselves on our trip back home – grateful for all these special memories made during our time at Port Isaac!