Winter in Port Isaac
Cornwall is a fantastic destination once the clocks have gone back, with winter and the festive season offering their own special reasons to book a break to the coast.
Here in Port Isaac the village certainly quietens down after the October half term holidays, which is perfect if you are looking for a quiet, cosy, break to recharge your batteries. Embrace the long lie-ins, blow away the cobwebs with a blustery walk along the coast path, light the log burner and break out some board games or that book, and enjoy fantastic food with family and friends.
Here’s our guide to wintering well in Port Isaac this year, whatever’s on your agenda:
Winter Walks
As renowned walker and author Alfred Wainwright once said, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing", which is to say that in this day and age winter should not stop us from getting out and enjoying the great outdoors. With the stunning South West Coast Path heading in off in either direction from Port Isaac, and some wonderful inland walks nearby, both sheltered and more exposed on Bodmin Moor, there are plenty of options for those of you who choose to pack a warm waterproof jacket and a pair of walking boots.
Cosy Pubs
Cornish pubs are atmospheric, welcoming and warming, especially after a blustery walk on the coast. Sit down around the fire, pint in hand, or tuck yourself into a corner with a plate piled with roast and gravy - the best wet and wild winter weekends end in one of North Cornwall’s rustic pubs. Here’s our selection of local favourites.
Winter Bird Watching
Cornwall is an important stopping-off point or final destination for migrating birds heading south from colder climates for the winter. The county’s wetlands and estuaries are particularly important for visiting waders, and if you’re staying in Port Isaac then you are very close to the Camel Estuary and the neighbouring Walmsley sanctuary owned by Cornwall Bird Watching & Preservation Society - the first shooting-free sanctuary of its kind in the UK. The hides at the Walmsley Sanctuary are for members only unless arranged by prior appointment, but there are also bird hides open to the public overlooking the Camel Estuary on the Camel Trail.
Starling Murmurations On Bodmin Moor
Every year as daylight begins to dwindle and the longer nights creep in, the starlings return to Bodmin Moor. With the approach of sunset, flocks consisting of hundreds to thousands of these speckled birds descend upon the conifers to roost, but not before putting on a dazzling display for anyone lucky enough to be watching. Find out more, here.
Golf
If you love the challenge of golfing whatever the weather, then Port Isaac is ideally situated close to some of Cornwall’s top gold courses and links, with the quieter winter months making booking as a non-member easier.
Foodie Weekends
Whilst Port Isaac’s small fleet of fishing boats are far less active during the depths of winter due to the weather, winter is a fantastic time of year for seafood lovers, and peak season for many shellfish such as local Porthilly oysters. For the foodies amongst you, winter is the perfect time for a trip to Port Isaac in winter to enjoy some meals in some of the country’s finest seafood restaurants (such as Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen on the Platt, pictured below), when it’s easier to secure a table and the catch-of-the-day is as good as it gets.
Endelientia Events
Endelientia Arts at St Endellion, just outside of Port Isaac, have a fantastic programme of performances and workshops running through this winter including concerts by international Guinean musician N’Faly Kouyaté, multi-award winning folk duo Ninebarrow, and the Endelientia Ensemble. There is also a Christmas theatre show on Saturday December 6th.
Port Isaac Illuminations
Port Isaac’s Christmas Lights will be switched on on Friday December 5th, with a lantern parade through the village. This is such a fantastic and festive weekend to be in Port Isaac, with the village all decked out in Christmas lights and the lobster pot tree, and the community coming together to celebrate the start of Christmas.
Padstow Christmas Fayre
Padstow’s annual Christmas Festival was an amazing winter food event beloved by locals and visitors alike until time was called on it last year. But it was so missed in 2024 that this year Padstow Christmas Fayre is taking its place, a community-led event being run by the team behind Porthleven Food Festival and St Ives Food Festival. Over the weekend of December 4th – 7th you can expect an almost entirely free to attend event including a live demos and masterclasses by big-name chefs alongside an artisan market, a firework display, lantern parade, carols, live music and lots more.
We believe that winter is a truly wonderful time to visit Port Isaac. Below is a list of our holiday properties that are available through the winter months, most of which have log burners or open fires for add cosiness: