A quaint fishing village in North Cornwall, now more aptly referred to as a tiny hamlet, boasts some of the most stunning vistas in all of Cornwall. This is no small feat given that a third of the county is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Nestled between its more renowned neighbours – Port Isaac and Polzeath – this diminutive hamlet is predominantly under the stewardship of the National Trust. A peaceful ambience, awe-inspiring sea views, and abundant natural splendour encapsulate the charm of this little Cornish enclave.

Despite its modest size, it has a rich and fascinating history encompassing fishing, smuggling, mining, a devastating maritime disaster, a wealthy man’s whimsy, and even serving as a backdrop for the television adaptation of Winston Graham’s celebrated Poldark novel.

The now tranquil hamlet of Port Quin derives its name from the Cornish words ‘porth’, meaning cove, and ‘gwynn’, signifying white – hence, White Cove.

Tucked between dramatic headlands, this small hamlet is a sheltered inlet with a deep-rooted fishing heritage. Indeed, the size of the old fish cellars (still visible in Port Quin today) suggests that it was once a bustling and prosperous fishing village on the Cornish coast, reports Cornwall Live.

Today, Port Quin consists merely of a handful of holiday properties available for rent, all under the ownership of the National Trust. The hamlet has seen virtually no modern construction over the centuries, remaining largely preserved from the effects of time and urban expansion.

The harbour at Port Quin is surrounded by three local farms – Scarrabine, Trevigo, and Roscarrock – each managed by families from the area. The National Trust also maintains the fields that encompass this now-abandoned village.

Situated approximately two miles west of the busier Port Isaac, Port Quin offers a deserted and enchanting cove characterised by untamed natural splendour and a dramatic, rugged shoreline.

The village’s tragic past

Port Quin has earned the sobriquet ‘the village that died’ and carries with it a heartbreaking history.

Local folklore tells of a calamitous Sunday night during the 19th century when, legend suggests, all the menfolk from the small coastal settlement ventured out fishing in defiance of the Sabbath, only to be caught in a catastrophic storm that claimed all their lives.

Left without providers, the women of the village found themselves unable to feed and support their families, compelling them to desert their homes and relocate with their children to nearby communities in search of improved circumstances.

This poignant story has been immortalised in Frank Bramley’s 1888 painting ‘The Hopeless Dawn’, which is currently displayed at Tate Britain in London. A compact National Trust car park is available at Port Quin, which during the summer season typically hosts a charming mobile vintage café.

Things to do in Port Quin

Port Quin’s protected inlet is celebrated as an ideal location in Cornwall for rock pooling, kayaking or angling, or simply taking a refreshing plunge in the Atlantic waters.

This cove is a family favourite, providing a safe environment for youngsters to paddle without the bustle of tourist throngs. However, winter brings ferocious storms, making swimming in Port Quin inadvisable during those months.

Port Quin enjoys its closeness to Port Isaac, Cornwall’s renowned fishing village, which brims with dining establishments, welcoming pubs, and remarkably, two Michelin-starred restaurants within its compact confines – Outlaw’s New Road and Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen.

Under the ownership of chef Nathan Outlaw, these restaurants are cherished by both locals and tourists alike, who consistently rave about the delectable cuisine on offer.

Nathan’s acclaimed flagship venue, Outlaw’s New Road, is however scheduled to close its doors on March 28 this year. The closure will swiftly be succeeded by the launch of a fresh venture from the Michelin-starred chef – Outlaw’s Bistro, operating from the well-regarded Outlaw’s Guest House located directly opposite.

The South West Coast Path runs straight through Port Quin and provides walkers with an enchanting section of pristine coastline, exceptional even by Cornwall’s impressively elevated benchmarks. There’s a stunning three-and-a-half-mile coastal walk stretching from Port Quin to Port Isaac, affectionately known as ‘The Rollercoaster’ due to its challenging and undulating landscape.

The route features some extremely steep sections, meaning walkers should exercise caution and ensure they’re suitably equipped and ready for the expedition.

That said, the vistas along the way are absolutely spectacular, and those making the journey will be rewarded with excellent views of Doyden Castle, a 19th-century folly that’s since been transformed into a holiday let by the National Trust.

Doyden Castle is a compact but impressive structure positioned dramatically at the cliff’s edge on the remote Port Quin headland, surrounded by striking ocean panoramas. Constructed in 1830 by a local merchant as a private getaway (essentially a venue for gambling and entertaining), today Doyden Castle functions as a delightful one-bedroom holiday cottage brimming with historical artefacts.

Gothic arched windows, a welcoming open fireplace, and the original wine storage in the cellar all contribute to its undeniable appeal.

Port Quin and several nearby locations have featured in well-known film and television productions.

During the 1970s, Quin House in the village served as a filming site for the inaugural series of the BBC’s Poldark, whilst Doyden Castle was employed to represent a gatehouse. Roscarrock and its picturesque environs also made appearances in the beloved programme.

In the 1980s, Doyden Castle served as a filming location for an adaptation of the famous classic novel, Jamaica Inn. The castle and Port Quin also made appearances in the 1997 film Swept from the Sea.

Fast forward to 2011, the renowned Doyden Castle was depicted as Pentire Castle in ITV’s popular series Doc Martin.