‘Where was Doc Martin filmed?’ is a question that Cornish inhabitants get asked on a regular basis, and whilst its main filming location is based a few miles south of Tintagel, at Port Isaac, there were several episodes that were filmed right here at Camelot Castle!
The final episode hit the screens on Christmas day in 2022, after 10 seasons on the air, and with it the portrayal of Cornwall discontinued. But, its dedicated fan base just keeps on growing, with visitors flocking to Cornwall to find out exactly where Doc Martin was filmed in the hope of bringing it back to life. So let’s take a look - and warning, spoiler alert!!
Camelot Castle features heavily in the Doc Martin series, and it’s easy to see why, given our fantastic location, view, and architecturally stunning hotel. In series one, episode one, the interview Doc Martin attends takes place at our very hotel, and it’s where he meets Louisa for the second time. A little further into their story, Doc and Louisa head back to the castle in series five, episode eight, as their baby goes missing and they head to the castle to look for their little one. Quite dramatic!
In series six, episode one, fans of Doc Martin get treated to quite the opener as Doc and Louisa’s wedding takes place, and the reception is held at this very castle. Thanks to our amazing location overlooking the ocean, it makes for the perfect setting for this special scene.
As is common with a TV show, there are plenty of ups and downs for viewers to roll between, that in series seven, episode six, Martin and Louisa’s married life isn’t going so well. Their therapist, Dr Timoney, advises that they take things back to the beginning. They visit Camelot Castle for date night, which was filmed in the restaurant, when it unfortunately gets cut short thanks to more dramatics.
A more recent episode, episode eight from series eight, sees Doc Martin attend a hearing after being suspended from work, which was filmed at the castle in 2017. There are so many wonderful opportunities to see Camelot Castle on the big screen, in all her glory on the north Cornish coast. This little boost of fame is great for the tourism industry, and we welcome all guests that are fans of Doc Martin to come and stay with us, right where the magic happened!
Let’s explore where else to add to your Doc Martin field trip?
As mentioned above, this village is known as Portwenn in the show, and is the most well-known spot for Doc Martin fans. Doctor Ellingham’s surgery sits just as it does on the show, on the hillside looking out over the harbour below, and it’s still a fan favourite for those visiting Cornwall. Here in Port Isaac you can also check out Bert’s Restaurant, which is not far from Fern Cottage, along with The Golden Lion Pub where Doc would often stop for a pint. It’s also where the cast and crew would go for a drink once filming was finished for the day!
When wandering around the quaint, sometimes tiny streets of Port Isaac you may pass a few other well-known film spots. Louisa’s house can be found on Fore Street; Mrs Tinshell’s Chemist Shop is actually a private residence in Middle Street called ‘Little Dolphins’, and Port Isaac’s very own village shop is known as the Liberal Club in the TV show.
This grand Georgian manor is where the Doc and Louisa had their first date – in episode five of the third series, to be exact. You can visit Pencarrow House and Gardens for yourself, and enjoy a guided tour of the house and gardens everyday except Saturday. They also have 50 acres of Grade 2 listed gardens, an Iron Age fort, children’s play area, and the Peacock café and gift shop! This remarkable home has been in the Molesworth-St Aubyns family for almost 500 years, making it one of the few listed homes that is not a part of the National Trust. Taking a trip here means you can sit where Doc sat, and enjoy an afternoon of cream teas with the lavish gardens laid out before you. What better way to enjoy Cornwall?
Built in 1830, this tiny, castle-style abode is set high on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, just outside the little cove of Port Quin. In the season five finale, this castle is where Mrs Tishell declared her love for Doc, but it’s known as Pentire Castle on the show. This National Trust gem was owned by Samuel Symons in 1830 as a place where he could entertain friends and family. Nowadays it’s a holiday home where fans of the show love to stay, and it’s no surprise given how lavishly it is decorated. This little castle is fit for a king or queen, full of trinkets from days past, including arched gothic windows, a cosy fire, and original wine bins in the cellar!
Half a mile east of Port Isaac, you will come across the tiny hamlet of Port Gaverne. Whilst it is known to be a part of Port Isaac as a whole, due to its proximity, this little hamlet is a home of its own. The stunning scenery was a popular filming spot for many of the beach and cliff scenes in Doc Martin, as it offered privacy and spectacular views. Whilst you may wish to take a trip here to relive some of Doc’s most memorable moments, it’s also a great spot for those who like to partake in watersports, thanks to its calm waters nestled in between the verdant cliffs above.
This iconic filming location was the set for not one, but two of Doc’s weddings, and both to the same women! Although the first ended with him alone at the altar, the second resulted in a much happier ending. This 12th century church, also known as the Cathedral of the Moors, makes for the perfect romantic setting located in the village of Altarnun. It is named after Saint Non, or Nonna, who was the mother of St David, the patron saint of Wales. Altarnun can be found just seven miles west of Launceston, surrounded by the rolling hills of Bodmin Moor. It proved a popular filming location for when farming scenes were required.
An unusual location to visit on a sightseers map, but an important one nonetheless. If you happen to arrive in Cornwall by train then your stop at Bodmin Parkway is a good one. Here is where they filmed Doc Martin’s parents coming to stay. A working railway station, this stop is a bustling pitstop for those travelling between Penzance and London, with connections to the rest of Cornwall. Its old-fashioned appearance keeps this station with one leg in the past, and is a picturesque sight to behold.
Given the wild and wonderful nature of Cornwall, it’s no surprise that it has been scouted as a great filming location for a few other fan favourites. Fisherman’s Friends was also filmed in Port Isaac, along with a few scenes from the original Poldark! The newest Poldark that we are more familiar with was filmed all across Cornwall, most notably at Holywell Bay just outside of Newquay. The biggest film set to hit our shores in a while was that used to film House of the Dragon, the TV series prequel to Game of Thrones, which set up camp on St Michael’s Mount. Romantic comedy About Time also enjoyed all that Cornwall had to offer when they filmed at Vault Beach, St Michael Penkevil Church, Portloe, Porthpean House and Charlestown!
There is so much to see and do in Cornwall, and this extensive list of fan favourite Doc Martin filming locations is just one of them! Staying at Camelot Castle Hotel puts you in a great position to see them all. This is thanks to our stunning location, which also overlooks the legendary ruins of Tintagel Castle and the Castle Bridge beyond, which holds a history all its own. Staying with us in the hotel, or in one of our fully furnished luxury apartments, will stand you in great stead for completing this amazing tour of Cornwall whilst getting a relaxing and peaceful night's rest in your own haven of history.
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