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Places to stay in Port Isaac
Port Isaac, was a busy coastal port from the Middel Ages to the mid 19th century when it was an active harbor where cargoes like stone, coal, timber and pottery were loaded and unloaded. Fishing and fish-processing were also important and today there are still fishermen working from here although tourism plays an increasingly important role. There are gardens to visit at Long Cross Victorian Gardens at Trelights, Pencarrow at Washaway near Wadebridge and National Trust Lanhydrock. In the season you can book fishing or scenic trips from Port Isaac harbor. There are good opportunities for cycling along the Camel Trail - Padstow - Wadebridge - Bodmin - and bicycles can be hired. The nearest golf course is at St. Kew, and there is an 18 hole course at Bowood near Camelford. There are also two well known golf courses - the classic St Enodoc and Trevose. For leisure centers, there are Camelford Sports Centre, Wadebridge Sports Centre and the Bodmin Leisure Centre. Two steam railways in the area are the Bodmin Steam Railway - standard gauge - and the Launceston Steam Railway - narrow gauge. Port Isaac offers visitors many rich experiences from strolls around its ancient streets and narrow alleys criss-crossing the hillside, to simply standing on the top of a cliff watching the foaming waves of the changing tide. As you walk around the village you will be quick to note the number of picturesque old fishermen's cottages from the 18th and 19th centuries, some of these are now listed as being of architectural merit and are still lived in, or used as holiday cottages. Colorful, flower filled walkways lead to the harbor, a pleasant place to wander where you will often see a local fisherman landing his catch of fish or lobster. Also, at the harbor you can book a sea fishing trip or a scenic cruise to see the magical Cornish coastline at distance from the sea. Lober Point is a local beauty spot with fine coast and sea views, from here a cliff top path leads to Pine Haven, a secluded rock and shingle cove. The resort offers a range of activities, these include horse riding from a nearby stable, cycling (bikes can be hired in the village), and Polzeath, some four miles away offers one of the best surfing beaches on this stretch of coast. Visitors to Port Isaac will find no shortage of shops, pubs or holiday accommodation for those wishing to stay on to enjoy the lovely hilly scenery and bracing sea air. In the summer the resort offers a number of events, and best of all this is one of the few places where you really can follow the band uphill, dancing to the strains of the famous Cornish Floral Dance!
