Where was Doc Martin filmed? All filming locations explored

Doc Martin is a British medical comedy-drama series that captivated audiences from its debut in 2004 until its final episode in 2022. With its humor, original characters, and scenery, the ITV show soon became popular for Martin Clunes' portrayal as the socially awkward and cranky Dr. Martin Ellingham. On December 25, 2022, a Christmas show concluded the ten-season run.

The series follows vascular surgeon Dr. Martin Ellingham, who quits London due to blood phobia. He becomes the GP in Portwenn, a small town. Despite his medical knowledge, Martin's direct and sometimes hostile attitude makes it hard for him to relate to people. He grows closer to Portwenn residents, especially with local schoolteacher Louisa Glasson.

The show examines his challenges in adjusting to village life and juggling the eccentric and quirky residents. With the village of Port Isaac as the main filming site, bringing the fictional Portwenn to life, the Cornish settings play a major part in the show.

The show was shot in the heart of Cornwall, where several locations were chosen to capture village life fairly. From the coast of Port Isaac to the rocky ground of Bodmin Moor, the show emphasizes some of the most prominent parts of Cornwall.

Filming locations of Doc Martin

Port Isaac: The heart of Doc Martin

Doc Martin mostly filmed Port Isaac, a little fishing community on Cornwall's north coast. This village is reinterpreted in the series as the fictional Portwenn. Port Isaac precisely captures the essence of Cornwall with its narrow winding roads, old buildings, and Atlantic Ocean views.

Here, many of the exterior scenes of the show were filmed, including views of the town core and the harbor. Port Isaac's visitors can quickly identify the sites where some of their preferred scenes were filmed.

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Fern Cottage: Doc Martin's home and surgery

Serving as Dr. Ellingham's house and surgery, Fern Cottage is among Doc Martin's most famous shooting sites. This little cottage, which lies along the coastal road toward Port Quin, is just past the harbor in Port Isaac.

Fans of the show will know Fern Cottage's outside right away, which makes it a sought-after location for guests. Although the interior scenes were shot in a nearby converted barn, Fern Cottage's exterior views have defined the show.

The Liberal Club and The Golden Lion Pub

The Liberal Club is depicted as a key location within the village. In reality, this is the Port Isaac village shop, which has been cleverly transformed for the series.

Another notable location is The Golden Lion Pub, where both the cast and crew often relaxed during breaks in filming. This pub, located in the heart of Port Isaac, also appeared in several scenes, making it another must-visit spot for fans.

Roscarrock Manor Farm: The interior scenes

Roscarrock Manor Farm, located on the outskirts of Port Isaac, was used for many of the interior scenes. The farm's traditional Cornish architecture and rural setting made it a suitable location for the show's indoor scenes.

Although the farm itself is private property, its connection to the series has made it a point of interest for those exploring the area's filming locations.

St Nonna's Church: A wedding and a funeral

St Nonna's Church in Altarnun is another significant filming location of the show. The church was used for the scenes depicting Dr. Ellingham's wedding to Louisa Glasson. The church's serene and historic atmosphere provided a fitting backdrop for these pivotal moments in the series.

Other notable locations

Several other locations across Cornwall were also used throughout the show's filming. For instance, the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro served as the setting for all hospital scenes in the series.

Pencarrow House in Bodmin was the site of Dr. Ellingham's first date with Louisa, serving as a notable location in their developing relationship. The Old Inn in St Breward is where the couple's baby was born, further anchoring the series in real-life Cornish locations.

Can you stay where Doc Martin was filmed?

Indeed, Doc Martin's fans can stay in many of the show's locations. Port Isaac has many holiday cottages and bed and breakfasts, known for their historical significance and coastal views. Remaining in Port Isaac lets guests explore the surroundings at their leisure and engage in the universe of Doc Martin.

Production and direction

Dominic Minghella developed Doc Martin from the character Dr. Martin Bamford, who originally surfaced in the 2000 film Saving Grace. Over its 18-year run, Buffalo Pictures produced the show and oversaw several outstanding directors.

Working closely with the Port Isaac local community, the show's production crew ensured the village's appeal was maintained while vividly bringing the fictional world of Portwenn to life.

Trivia: Interesting facts about the filming locations

Fern Cottage, used as Dr. Ellingham's home, is a private residence, but fans often visit to take photos from outside.
The Liberal Club, which is actually a village shop, has become a popular spot for fans to visit and relive scenes from the show.
Port Isaac, while known for its connection to Doc Martin, is also a working fishing village with a rich history.

Insights: The impact of Doc Martin on Cornwall

Doc Martin's success has had a big influence on tourism in Cornwall, especially at Port Isaac. Show aficionados swarm to the village to view the actual sites used in filming, supporting the local business. The show has also drawn attention from around the world for Cornwall's scenery, highlighting the area's natural beauty.

Edited by Toshali Kritika