The village has been a conservation area since 1969 and the stunning, natural coastline has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, most of which is in the care of the National Trust.

Situated on the North coast of Cornwall, Port Isaac is derived from the Old Cornish 'Porth Issec' meaning Corn Bay. In the centre of the village is the Platt, where the fishermen land their daily catch of crab and lobster. You can sit here and watch the world go by, much as it has done for generations. Port Isaac Bay is one of the most spectacular and unspoiled coastlines in the British Isles. It is best viewed from the well-maintained coastal footpath - the riot of colour from the wild flowers in Spring must be seen to be believed.

The village clusters round the harbour with white-washed cottages clinging to the steep sides of the haven. Narrow ways thread down the hillside giving glimpses of colourful gardens and delightful views over the roof tops to the harbour.

Port Isaac is an excellent base for a Cornish Holiday. There are many fine National Trust properties and gardens, as well as a range of coastline or moorland walks to be found in the surrounding countryside. Sailing and windsurfing are available in the nearby Camel Estuary which is overlooked by the championship golf course at St. Enodoc. Two of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall are also within easy reach.

From the earliest times the Cornish and other settlers have done business here with traders from overseas, particularly Phoenicians, who came for tin and paid for it with their precious goods. Port Isaac also traded with other Bristol Channel, Welsh and River Severn ports, with Europe and America. Welsh and Irish Christian missionaries, many of whom were canonised, used Cornwall as a stepping stone between their native countries, Brittany and the rest of Europe. Many of them settled here instead of travelling further; set up religious cells and attempted to convert the locals.

For centuries the villagers worked hard at maritime trades including, of course, a thriving fishing industry. It was referred to as a 'fisschar' village in early documents and as a fishing village in 1340. Local fishermen and visiting vessels caught pilchards and herrings, which were processed in the village's fish cellars.

The building that is now the Slipway Hotel dates from 1527. It was originally a place of trade and commerce, established by Warwick Guy, a successful entrepreneur who bought and sold goods in his chandlery and had dealings in the business of the port itself, taking a leading role in the import/export trade. His influence extended up the Bristol Channel and River Severn and he had contacts in Cardiff and Bristol. He also owned vessels and supplied crews for the shipping trade.

At its inception as a hotel, in the 1930's, full board in 'The Slipway House Hotel' was seven and a half to nine guineas. It would have employed local staff in the kitchen, dining room as chambermaids, and more recently in the bar, which is still very much the case still today. Set in the heart of the village with the streets surrounding it and running alongside, it is, and has always been, literally 'in the thick of things'.

The village has featured in many film and television productions over the years, such as 'Saving Grace' and 'Doc Martin.'