Here are 10 genuinely fascinating facts about Port Isaac that go beyond the obvious: 1. It was once a major “sardine capital” In the 18th century, Port Isaac was at the heart of Cornwall’s pilchard (sardine) industry. Huge shoals would arrive offshore, and entire teams worked to catch, salt, and export them across Europe—especially to Mediterranean countries. 2. It became a global TV icon overnight The village is the real-life setting for the hit series Doc Martin, where it’s fictionalised as “Portwenn.” Filming transformed the village into an international tourist destination almost overnight. 3. A local singing group became international stars The sea-shanty group Fisherman’s Friends started as a group of local fishermen singing on the harbour. They later signed a major record deal and even inspired a feature film—without ever giving up their day jobs initially. 4. It’s one of the most “authentic” preserved fishing villages in England Because railways never reached Port Isaac, it avo...