fishing

Quaint fishing village has a picture-perfect harbour, historic cobbled streets, a gorgeous tidal pool and a lovely stretch of sandy beach – and no cars are allowed inside the village

A stunning Cornish fishing village is winning over visitors with its idyllic harbour, historic cobbled streets, delightful tidal pool and a beautiful stretch of sandy beach. The icing on the cake? Cars are not permitted within the village, creating a genuine sense of stepping back in time.

With charming cottages and compact fishermen’s houses, this Cornish treasure is a must-see. Situated on the South West Coastal Path, the main village has a modest population of around 572 residents, according to the 2021 census.

The village itself has a rich fishing history and features a traditional harbour, while a thriving artistic community adds to its allure.

Its narrow cobbled streets prohibit cars, meaning drivers must park a short distance away in the main car park or further afield in neighbouring areas, before walking or catching the bus into the village, reports Cornwall Live.

Things to do

There’s plenty to keep you occupied in the picturesque village of Polperro. This enchanting spot offers a plethora of activities for visitors, from browsing quirky local shops and museums to immersing yourself in the rich history and vibrant arts scene that infuses its many attractions.

The Polperro Harbour Heritage Museum is essential viewing, celebrating the village’s remarkable history rooted in smuggling and fishing traditions. Another gem is the Polperro Arts Foundation, a charitable organisation devoted to supporting and showcasing local talent. They run a gallery inside the Polperro Village Hall, displaying works by their community members.

During your stay, make certain to pop into the village’s beloved watering holes, The Three Pilchards and Blue Peter Inn, where you can tuck into a substantial meal with a pint or glass of wine.

Polperro’s breathtaking shoreline offers countless adventures, from taking a dip in the Victorian Chapel Rock Tidal Pool (reached by steps) to exploring rocky coastlines and hidden bays along Polperro Beach. Situated close to the harbour, it’s perfect for swimming and splashing about, especially when the tide is out.

Tourists can also take a relaxing stroll along the South West Coast Path, providing scenic routes with sweeping vistas. A treat for ramblers, this clifftop trail delivers magnificent ocean and countryside views, winding past towering cliffs, breathtaking scenery, and secret beaches along the way.

What travellers are saying

One delighted guest comments on Tripadvisor: “Unique little Cornish village with tiny passageways between quaint houses. Feels like stepping back in time. Lovely little harbour, but sadly, very few fishing vessels are still working here. Few nice shops selling handmade goods.”

One holidaymaker recently reviewed their stay, saying: “We stayed in Polperro for our Cornwall trip and it was a good choice. Quiet and some very scenic walks around. It’s like a mini Venice. Lovely little shops, galleries and the Blue Peter Inn and the Three Pilchards are bustling with good food, drink and good company. On weekends, there will be live music in the evening too. People here are lovely and laid back. “.

Another admirer of the charming fishing village shared on Tripadvisor: “Polperro is absolutely lovely …we are at the end of a week here, and are already making plans to come back. Done the coastal walks to both Looe, and to Lansallos .. stunning .. Every evening we walk down to the harbour, just to sit and take it in.”

Yet another visitor, describing it as “out of this world”, penned: “I will start by saying that Polperro itself is out of this world. It can only be described as a quaint little fishing village with a harbour that offers boat trips to nearby Looe with stunning views aplenty. You can take a walk along the cliffs and beach, and the harbour has plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants to stop in.”

Another tourist remarked about the charming village: “It’s a bit of a walk from the car park into town, but it’s well worth it when you get there, with quirky little alleyways, cute smugglers’ cottages, a working harbour offering boat trips and plenty of traditional Cornish pubs. You’ll find plenty of pubs and cafes to refuel on fresh fish dishes, Cornish pasties or cream teas, as well as lots of independent retailers. You can also take boat trips from the harbour and access the south west coast path.”

Northumberland village is one of the UK’s most picturesque fishing villages, boasting charming cottages, sweeping views of the sea and plenty of fresh air — perfect for a serene getaway.

Tucked away in the heart of the Northumbrian coast lies a charming fishing village with a dark history, seemingly frozen in time.

Located approximately six miles east of the lively market town of Alnwick, this historic fishing hamlet is a must-see for those looking to experience the UK’s natural splendour away from the masses. As the next village up the coast from Alnmouth, it offers a stark contrast to Alnmouth’s abundant facilities and leisure spots.

This captivating village is famed for its picturesque chocolate-box cottages and iconic blue coble fishing boats, which have been a hallmark of the region for centuries and are still utilised by local fishermen today. Interestingly, this fishing village doesn’t have a formal harbour, so boats are hauled ashore by tractors, making it an ideal location for rock pooling and coastal walks.

The beautiful coastal village of Boulmer boasts a small population (likely less than 120 residents) and primarily consists of a long row of cottages and houses providing uninterrupted views of the North Sea. It’s regarded as one of Northumberland’s last authentic fishing villages, and little has altered within its confines over the past century.

The tranquil village is an ideal spot for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots, offering a peaceful setting for relaxation. However, Boulmer doesn’t offer much in terms of recreational activities, reports Chronicle Live.

The Fishing Boat Inn is the only place to eat and drink in this village. Despite its somewhat murky history, akin to Boulmer itself, it’s now a favourite haunt for locals looking for a pint and a bite to eat. Indeed, there isn’t a single retail shop in Boulmer, so anyone hoping for a shopping spree would need to travel approximately a mile and a half to the village of Longhoughton or 13 miles to the town of Alnwick.

Historically, a significant shift in the village’s routine came with the opening of the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Boulmer. Located on the outskirts of the fishing village, RAF Boulmer became operational during World War II and is arguably more renowned than the village itself.

The base continues to play a crucial role in the UK’s defence and serves as a key search and rescue base for the Royal Air Force.

Aside from the arrival of the Royal Air Force, little has changed in Boulmer over the past century. It remains one of the few traditional fishing villages still found along Northumberland’s coast.

Nefarious past

Boulmer could be dubbed the smuggling hub of the North, given its rich and complex history with smugglers and pirates. The 18th and 19th centuries marked the height of smuggling activities in Boulmer, as pirates and smugglers from across the Northumbrian coast and Scotland flocked to the small fishing village to trade their illicit goods.

The Fishing Boat Inn was at the epicentre of this unlawful activity, serving as a base for these criminals.

In fact, during the 18th century, William Faa – also known as the King of the Gypsies and one of Britain’s most infamous smugglers – resided just 35 miles away from Boulmer, in the Scottish village of Kirk Yetholm. Reportedly, the landlords of the Fishing Boat Inn were quite accommodating during Boulmer’s smuggling heyday.

Nowadays, Boulmer is a tranquil fishing village boasting picturesque views, with the Fishing Boat Inn being its main attraction.

How to get there

Boulmer can be accessed by car via the village of Longhoughton or from the south through the village of Lesbury. Parking is available in the Fishing Boat Inn’s car park and directly on the seafront.

A limited bus service operates through the village, so visitors relying solely on public transport should check the latest updates and schedules before planning their trip.

WITH its tiny, twisty streets that lead to the harbour, there’s something magical about the small Cornish fishing village that is the setting for ITV’s Doc Martin.  

The TV series, set in stunning Port Isaac, aired its final episode in 2022 but its legacy lives on.  

Daily tours take in some of the most famous landmarks and many of the shops are full of merchandise dedicated to the loveable doctor, played by Martin Clunes. 

Summer months draw the masses, but the “shoulder season” is when you can truly enjoy the sights away from the crowds. 

I was visiting with my husband Paul and daughter Lexi, staying in Mermaid Cottage booked through self-catering site sykescottages.co.uk. 

Our central village location meant that once we had pulled into our private parking space, we could enjoy almost everything without having to use the car. 

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The three-bedroom cottage sleeps up to six and was beautifully furnished and full of extra comforts such as spacious bedrooms and a powerful shower.  

The two wood-burners provided a cosy ambience in the evening, although we did have to splash out £50 for wood and kindling.  

We were lucky with the weather and, despite the odd shower, enjoyed everything that Port Isaac had to offer ­— including a couple of spectacular rainbows.  

The harbour is known for sea glass (weathered glass from discarded bottles etc), and Lexi and I spent hours searching for treasure and came up trumps.  

You won’t go hungry when staying in Port Isaac and if you want to give the cooking a miss (which we did) you will be spoilt for choice.  

Apparently lots of artists visit the area to collect pieces to use in jewellery and artwork.  

There’s more than just sea glass to spot near these waters, though.

We went on a Sea Safari courtesy of Wavehunters, which was an exhilarating 90 minutes looking for seals, tuna and other wildlife. It was awesome exploring parts of Cornwall that you cannot access by road.  

The father-daughter skipper combo were able to point out local highlights including remnants of the old tin mines, where communities lived perched on the side of the cliff, and many tiny beaches that can only be visited via boat.  

You won’t go hungry when staying in Port Isaac and if you want to give the cooking a miss (which we did) you will be spoilt for choice.  

For delicious drinks, huge pastries, and filled rolls that were probably the best I’ve ever eaten, I can’t recommend Cleaves Cafe Deli enough.

More laid-back 

We also had a delicious dinner at The Slipway (portisaachotel.com) in the heart of the village which offers tasty food at decent prices in a relaxed atmosphere. On the menu were burgers, sausage and mash, and glazed pork belly.  

Nestled in a tiny hamlet adjacent to Port Isaac is newly renovated hotel and restaurant The Port Gaverne, open from 8am through to 8.30pm for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner.  

Owned by the St Austell Brewery, The Port Gaverne offers great food with harbour views. Port Isaac has long been a favourite location for both TV and films.

With so much beauty and adventure, it is no wonder Doc Martin chose to settle here

As well as Doc Martin, the original 1970s Poldark used some local spots, as did 2019 movie Fisherman’s Friends and its sequel. 

The sea-shanty group which inspired that film still sing in the harbour, but these days they do so unannounced to prevent chaos in the village.  

If you do want to venture out, Trevathan Farm Shop & Restaurant is just minutes away in the car and so much more than your average farm shop.

They have a great restaurant as well as the well-stocked shop — and the outside area is ideal for children who want to let off steam in the park.  

We also took a trip to seaside favourite Padstow. I would never visit the town in August because of the crowds — but it was ideal in October, when the vibe was more laid-back. 

Farther afield, and a great day out for youngsters is The Milky Way Adventure Park in Higher Clovelly — home to rides, slides, soft play, mini golf, live shows and an incredible birds-of-prey display.  

With so much beauty and adventure, it is no wonder Doc Martin chose to settle here. 

SCATTERED across the UK are a number of beautiful seaside towns and one has been described as looking like Cornwall – despite being over 400 miles away.

The village of Staithes was once the largest fishing port on the North East coast – it’s still used for fishing, but on a much smaller scale.

It has pretty cobbled streets with a small sandy beach that sits inside its natural harbour and traditional seaside cottages.

Despite its position along the Yorkshire coastline, lots of people are saying looks like it belongs in the south.

One wrote on Tripadvisor that it’s the “Cornwall on the east coast”.

Another added that it’s a “place is for good old fashioned fun, no slot machines down here”.

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Unlike other seaside towns and villages there aren’t any big piers or arcades.

If you visit during the colder months and need to warm up, then head to Dotty’s Vintage Tearoom for coffee, tea and cake.

There’s also the Royal George Pub, Captain Cook Inn and The Cod and Lobster seafood restaurant which sits on the very edge of the coastline.

The village has independent boutiques and its own museum too where visitors can learn about Captain Cook and the history of Staithes.

You can easily visit other spots along the coast as Staithes sits between Whitby and Middlesbrough along the coastline.

It’s a popular seaside spot and was mentioned by Sun readers as one of their favourite underrated places in Yorkshire.

Sun reader Amy Stevenson said: “There’s no place quite like Staithes, it’s just so picturesque.”

Another mention was from Claire Allen who walked 4,000 miles around the UK coastline, raising money for Shelter charity.

Along the way visited over 1,000 coastal towns and villages – and Staithes is one of her favourites.

She told Country Living: “The view down to the village is almost enough to remember it by, but the narrow streets, pretty houses and a sheltered, sandy beach that’s as popular with fossil hunters as it is with families, put Staithes firmly at the top of the places-to-go-back-to list.

“There are pubs, cafes and tearooms, but not so many that it feels impersonal.

“I met a couple who were so taken with the place, that they’d spontaneously decided to extend their holiday.”

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Bamburgh in Northumberland is constantly topping the rankings when it comes to the UK’s best seaside town.

The annual Which? ranking of seaside towns is created every year, with thousands of people surveyed about their experiences of UK beach holidays over the last year.

Once again, Bamburgh in Northumberland came top of the pile, making it four years in a row that the north east town has claimed the title.

Bamburgh is renowned for its stunning sandy shoreline, backed by the imposing ruins of its ancient castle.

One Travel Writer who visited said: “Visitors can take a dip in the fresh North Sea if they’re feeling bold, however I decided to simply dig my toes into the soft sand and take in the sights of Bamburgh Castle, which stands imposingly atop a hill behind the beach, creating a real life work of art.

“Making the scene even more idyllic is the small snack van, Bait at Bamburgh, tucked away in a car park behind the dunes.

“Its phenomenal crab crumpets are its signature dish, while local smoked Craster kippers are also on offer, providing beach-goers with delicious gourmet seafood treats plucked straight from the sea in front of them.

“The same locally-sourced produce can be found in places like the Potted Lobster, a relaxed bistro-style restaurant, whose freshly-prepared meals have earned it a place in the Michelin guide on four separate occasions.

“The Copper Kettle and Clock Tower tearooms serve similarly well-regarded fare. The former of the two describes itself as being “widely recognised as one of the finest Tea Rooms in the country” while the latter is part of the castle that draws people to Bamburgh from far and wide.“

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