A once tranquil fishing village famed for featuring in the TV series Doc Martin is now said to be inundated with visitors
Port Isaac, the picturesque Cornish village known for its role in the TV series Doc Martin and as the birthplace of sea-shanty band Fisherman’s Friends, is said to struggling under the weight of its own popularity.
The once peaceful fishing village, with its charming whitewashed cottages overlooking a harbour, is now teeming with tourists during the summer months. However, it has been reported that the lower part of Port Isaac has seen a significant drop in its population, with only about 30 residents remaining during the spring and autumn shoulder seasons.
Despite the influx of visitors drawn by its association with Doc Martin, Port Isaac has long been a favourite location for TV and film makers. The village served as the backdrop for the 2000 comedy thriller Saving Grace, as well as the original BBC Poldark series from the 1970s.
Local fisherman, Tom Brown, told the Telegraph that while visitor numbers have increased, they are spending less than previous tourists. He revealed that older locals “hate it” and avoid the bottom of Port Isaac, claiming “it’s ruined”.
However, Mr Brown believes that while the village has “definitely changed”, it isn’t ruined.
The surge in second-home ownership has reportedly priced local families out of the market. According to Rightmove, house prices in the village averaged £425,140 over the last year, reports the Express.
The online property website also noted that most properties sold in Port Isaac over the past year were detached houses, fetching an average price of £490,000.
Terraced houses were sold for an average price of £406,250, while flats went for £333,200. The Halifax House Price Index reported a UK-wide average of £299,331 in August.
Travel and Tour World has reported that a “steep” rise in property prices is driving locals away from Port Isaac, with those who stay facing an “overwhelming” cost of living.
Local businesses have also felt the impact of the surge in visitors over the summer, struggling to meet the demand from the influx of tourists and dealing with challenges during quieter periods.
Cornwall Council’s councillor responsible for homes, Olly Munk, stated that housing in the county is in a state of crisis, with more than 24,000 people on the local authority’s waiting list.
In 2024, the council added 775 “affordable” homes to the county’s total, and there are 600 sites approved for housing. Under a Government scheme, the county is required to build over 4,000 houses annually.