Discover the backdrop for the feel-good film, Fisherman’s Friends. Join us as we uncover the iconic filming locations that bring this uplifting story to life and explore the scenic beauty of this coastal village that makes the movie truly heartwarming.
Port Isaac
The sleepy fishing village of Port Isaac is where the Fisherman's Friends call home and it is also the main filming location. It's narrow winding streets are lined with old white-washed cottages which slope down to the famous harbour, known to locals as "The Platt". It is here that the Fisherman's Friends traditionally gathered to sing their songs of the sea beside the shore.
Port Isaac holds a special place for these talented vocalists, they have even turned down a lucrative US tour in favour of sticking to their roots and continuing their day jobs in their beloved hometown. If you would like to see The Fisherman's Friends perform for yourself - they generally begin their Friday night sessions on The Platt from the Whitsun Bank Holiday (end of May) and finish at the end of August. You can see details of their live shows here.
A scene from the film on the Platt
A scene from the film on the streets of Port Isaac
The Golden Lion, Port Isaac
Did you know that the Fisherman's Friends have been performing in Port Isaac for more than twenty-five years? It all began when they started singing for fun on Friday nights at their local pub, The Golden Lion.
The Golden Lion is an eighteenth-century pub set right above the harbour. It features heavily throughout the film and if you're lucky you might even spot one of the real life Fisherman's Friend enjoying a drink beside the fire!
A scene from the film in the Golden Lion pub
A scene from the film in the Golden Lion pub
Port Gaverne
The neighbouring bay to Port Isaac, Port Gaverne is also put on the map as one of the set locations. We were lucky enough to watch the rescue scene being filmed here where the real RNLI lifeboat and crew were used.
You can easily walk to Port Gaverne from, Port Isaac. You might even be lucky enough to hitch a ride in the tuk-tuk belonging to Pilchards Café and here you can enjoy a drink and a bite with a view across the beach. If you want to get really involved in the action, Cornish Rock Tors offer coasteering sessions where you can explore the very cliff that is featured in the film or for a more serene experience, hire a kayak or paddleboard.
A scene where they get into a spot of trouble on the rocks at Port Gaverne
A stroll on the clifftop at Port Gaverne from the film
St Kew
The picture-perfect Cornish village of St Kew features in the film, more specifically the beautiful Saint James church. 'Keep hauling,' the soundtrack album for the film was recorded here (the Fisherman's Friends favourite temporary studio). The soundtrack features seventeen sea shanties including both old and new tracks.
You can easily reach St Kew from Port Isaac which is just a ten-minute drive. We would recommend making an afternoon of it and booking lunch at the St Kew Inn (one of our favourite local pubs).
A scene filmed outside St Kew Church
A scene filmed inside the church at St Kew
Experience life on location in Port Isaac
Live the Fisherman's Friends lifestyle and soak up the atmosphere at the various filming locations. Whether you want to stay right amongst the action or in a more peaceful countryside location within walking distance of Port Isaac, here are our top picks for accommodation.
The Port Hole
This dreamy three-bed getaway is just a stone's throw from all the Port Isaac filming locations including the harbour and the Golden Lion pub. Here you are even close enough to hear the sound of the Fisherman's Friends in the air if you are lucky enough to stay when they perform on the Platt in the summer.
The Port Hole is a vibrant harbourside hideaway set on the Port Isaac cliffs
The Linhaye
If you’re looking for a quieter, more peaceful base to explore the film locations why not stay at The Linhaye or Trefreock Mill? Nestled beside one another, these enchanting barn conversions sleep four and eight guests and are set amongst rolling green fields just a short walk away from the village of Port Isaac.
The No. 7 collection
Delightfully perched above the clifftops of Port Isaac, the No. 7 collection is a blissful assortment of newly renovated two and three-bedroom apartments (and a three-bedroom cottage located alongside). With miles of scenic walks on your doorstep, it’s the perfect place to bring your four-legged friends with you on holiday.
Take a peek at our full selection of our Port Isaac properties below or call us on 01208 869090 to chat with a member of our friendly team.
