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Doc Martin movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Doc Martin filmed?

2004

City Locations

Port Isaac (UK), Fern Cottage (UK), Cornwall (UK)

Location Types

Cottage, Hotel, Church

Location Styles

School, Rustic

About Doc Martin

Doc Martin is a British comedy-drama centered around a character named Doctor Martin Ellingham, played by actor Martin Clunes. Dr. Martin Bamford from the 2000 comedy film Saving Grace served as the basis for the creation of it by Dominic Minghella. The show takes place in the fictional coastal town of Portwenn and is filmed on-site in Port Isaac, Cornwall, UK.

The TV show aired between 2004 and 2019 for nine seasons, and a Christmas Day TV film aired in 2006. The ninth season was broadcast on ITV starting in September 2019, and it is now available for streaming on Acorn TV, PlutoTV, and Tubi in the United States and Canada.

The final season broadcast in 2022 and the airing of a Christmas special on December 25, 2022, signaled the conclusion of the series. ITV1 aired a documentary called Farewell Doc Martin, featuring interviews with the cast and crew and a retrospective of memorable moments spanning the 18 years of the show.

By 2018, Doc Martin had become popular in New Zealand via TVNZ 1, Iceland through RUV, Italy through Hallmark Channel from September 2007 (seasons 1-3), Rai 3 from May 2010 and streaming on RaiPlay, Australia through the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) network and Foxtel pay-television subscription network via its UK-TV channel, as well as various public broadcasting stations across the US and Canada (the syndication of which was arranged by American Public Television). As of 2021, it was available on Netflix, PlutoTV and Tubi.

Sam Hawksmoor wrote two novels under the alias Sam North, published by Ebury in 2013. The first is an adaptation of series one's teleplay, Practice Makes Perfect, while Mistletoe and Whine retell series two's teleplays. Both narratives include some time-shifting to reflect internalizations of the characters' points of view.

Doc Martin Locations

The show is set in the picturesque village of Portwenn and features Doc Martin's journey to finding love and settling down in this fictional seaside town. To wrap up the last series, we see Doc Martin resigning as Portwenn's GP because of his fear of blood.

The majority of interior scenes came to life in a refurbished barn nearby. Fern Cottage provided the backdrop for Doctor Ellingham's residence and medical practice. Doc Martin used the village of Port Isaac as its filming location, with certain buildings in the town featured in the show, including Fern Cottage, which is Doc Martin's house and surgery - offering views over the village and natural harbor.

Doyden's Castle provided the setting for romantic scenes where Doc Martin expressed his true feelings to Louisa. They later tied the knot at St Nonna's Church just outside Port Isaac in Altarnun. The school where Louisa used to teach is a hotel, The Old School Hotel.

Martin Clunes spoke about his experience filming Doc Martin in Cornwall. He expressed pleasure in returning to the region for the tenth and final series, saying they were fortunate enough to have come here all those times. He added that the cast and crew formed irreplaceable connections with numerous Port Isaac residents.

Doc Martin diagnoses teacher Fenn scene in Doc Martin

Fern Cottage, 4 Roscarrock Hill, Port Isaac PL29 3RG, United Kingdom

Martin's (Martin Clunes) surgery opens officially, though people still come and go as if it were a cafe. Roger Fenn (Jeff Rawle), a former teacher, has lost his voice and has a lump on his neck - which leads Martin to refer him to a specialist for a biopsy.

The diagnosis is cancer with an operation that may take away the former singer's voice. Furthermore, Martin fires Elaine (Lucy Punch) from her role as receptionist due to her poor attitude and incompetence when taking down the details of an adolescent with suspected appendicitis.

Fern Cottage is a short 100-meter walk from the harbor, up the hill towards the Coast Path for Port Quin. Fans of the show can rent out this traditional cottage when it is not in use for production.

To get to Fern Cottage, 4 Roscarrock Hill in Port Isaac, you can drive, take the bus, or go by train. If driving, take the A39 from Bodmin until you reach Port Isaac. By bus, the route through Wadebridge, Rock, and then Port Isaac village will get you there. Alternatively, catch a train from nearby towns to Bodmin Parkway railway station and then take a taxi or local bus to Roscarrock Hill in Port Isaac.

Penhale visits Doc Martin scene in Doc Martin

Fore Street, Port Isaac, UK

Physician Diana Dibbs (Joanna Scanlan) replaces Pauline (Katherine Parkinson), who has moved to a new job in Bristol. When PC Joe Penhale (John Marquez) finds a suspicious lump on his body, he visits Martin (Martin Clunes) at Louisa's (Caroline Catz) residence for a check-up instead of seeing the female doctor.

Fore Street in Port Isaac is a picturesque spot and a must-visit for anyone who wants to explore the beautiful North Cornwall coast. Located right at the heart of Port Isaac, this quaint cobbled street dates back hundreds of years, lined with charming pastel-coloured cottages, quaint cafés and traditional pubs.

The winding streets of Fore Street will take you on a journey through history as you explore the old fishermen's cottages, the local art galleries, and other shops offering handmade crafts and local products.

To get to Fore Street in Port Isaac, drive along the A39 and then take a right onto the B3266. Continue on this road until Port Isaac and take a right onto Fore Street. Alternatively, catch a bus to Port Issac from nearby towns like Wadebridge or Padstow. You can also hop on a train from Bodmin Parkway railway station and then take a taxi or local bus to Port Issac before finally making your way on foot to Fore Street.

Patient coming to pharmacy scene in Doc Martin

Little Dolphins, 2 Middle St, Port Isaac PL29 3RB, UK

The legitimacy of Dr. Dibbs' (Joanna Scanlan) medical license is questionable, especially as she even misdiagnosed her type 2 diabetes. When the first patient arrives, she offers a prescription and hand-outs pills from her bag, which she uses for her diabetes medication, instead of allowing Mrs. Tishell (Selina Cadell) to fill it in the pharmacy.

She further instructs him to take more if he does not experience any relief from them. Consequently, the patient ends up collapsing in Mrs. Tishell's pharmacy. Martin (Martin Clunes) subsequently shows up to confront Dr. Dibbs about the incident, only for her to barricade herself inside with a chair and crawl out of the window to escape him.

Little Dolphins, Middle Street, was Mr. Steer's Fish Shop in the 1940s and became Julie May's antique shop. Middle Street in the quaint fishing village of Port Isaac is a picturesque cobblestone street lined with old cottages, tea rooms, and pubs. Several films and TV shows like Doc Martin and Saving Grace have featured the establishment.

Stroll along the winding road to enjoy the breathtaking coastal views across the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the local shops to pick up some artisan gifts or grab some seafood from one of many restaurants.

To get to 2 Middle Street in Port Isaac, take the A39 from Bodmin and follow it until you reach Port Isaac. By bus, use the route through Wadebridge, Rock, and then Port Isaac village. Finally, catch a train from Bodmin Parkway railway station and take a taxi or local bus to Middle Street in Port Isaac.

Mrs. Tishell talks about her feelings for Doc Martin scene in Doc Martin

Doyden, Port Quin, Port Isaac PL29 3SU, United Kingdom

Mrs. Tishell’s (Selina Cadell) infatuation with Dr. Ellingham (Martin Clunes) overcomes her, and she decides to take matters into her own hands, fueled by a mixture of drugs impacting her decision-making. She declares her love for him at the small yet enchanting castle.

Her declaration of her deep affection towards the sharp-tongued doctor at Doyden Castle, a perfect spot for couples to visit, is understandable. This castle sits in Port Quin and is available for rent to holidaymakers through the National Trust.

To get to Doyden in Port Quin, you can drive, take the bus, or go by train. If driving, start by taking the A39 from Bodmin and follow it until you reach Port Isaac. From there, take the B3266 for about 8 miles and then turn onto the B3314, which will direct you to Doyden in Port Quin.

Take the Wadebridge route by bus, Camelford, and Tintagel, then onto Port Issac. Finally, catch a train from nearby towns to Bodmin Parkway railway station and then take a taxi or local bus to Doyden in Port Quin.

Doc Martin and Louisa's wedding scene in Doc Martin

St Nonna's Church, Altarnun, Launceston PL15 7SJ, United Kingdom

As the Doc (Martin Clunes) and Louisa (Caroline Catz) prepare to tie the knot, Martin tends to his patients as PC Penhale (John Marquez) mistakenly assumes he is the best man. Meanwhile, Louisa is running late for their special day, causing Martin to be on edge.

It appears that everyone in the village has come out for the wedding ceremony; the Reverend seems unsure whether Louisa will go through with it. After saying, "I do," Bert Large (Ian McNeice) drops them off at a remote honeymoon lodge.

St Nonna's Church, known as the "Cathedral of the Moor," is an ancient 12th-century church near Altranun village green. It was here where Doc Martin and Louisa had their first wedding attempt, which fortunately went much better on their second try.

To get to St Nonna's Church in Altarnun, drive on the A30 from Launceston and follow it until you reach Altarnun. From there, take the B3254, which will direct you to St Nonna's Church. By bus, take the Okehampton route, Launceston, and then Lifton before finally arriving at Altarnun.

Louisa is back to school scene in Doc Martin

The Old School Hotel, 21 Fore St, Port Isaac PL29 3RD, United Kingdom

On Louisa's (Caroline Catz) first day back at work, their new childminder, Mrs. Paris (Rosie Ede), is late. When she finally appears, Martin (Martin Clunes) is skeptical and diagnoses her with an underarm fungal infection due to excess weight. Offended by his remarks, Mrs. Paris storms off and leaves her job.

Residents of Port Isaac look forward to filming each series at The Old School Hotel, formerly Louisa's place of work. Many of them are fans and always welcome back the cast and crew. The Old School Hotel is a charming and cozy boutique hotel in the heart of North Cornwall. Located just off Fore Street, stunning coastal views and traditional cobbled streets will surround you.

To get to The Old School Hotel in Port Isaac, drive along the A39 and then take a right onto the B3266. Continue on this road until you reach Port Isaac, and then take a right onto Fore Street. The hotel is off this street, so it is just a short walk from there. Alternatively, catch a bus to Port Issac from nearby towns like Wadebridge or Padstow.

Conclusion

Initially, it was unclear why Dr. Martin Ellingham, formerly from London, had left his lucrative job as a surgeon to settle in the small seaside village of Port Wenn. It soon became apparent that this was due to a phobia.

In the quaint village, he meets Aunt Joan Norton (Stephanie Cole), his former guardian, and interacts with its locals, who have unique ways. His brash and harsh demeanor only exacerbates his already challenging situation.

Even so, Martin finds himself drawn to Louisa Glasson, the headmistress of the local school (played by Caroline Catz), and they gradually form a relationship despite their awkwardness around one another.

The riveting narrative and settings that brought the show to life are why fans will appreciate embarking on a Doc Martin filming locations tour.