Doc Martin
Doc Martin is a British television comedy drama series starring Martin Clunes in the title role. It was created after the character of Dr. Martin Bamford in the 2000 comedy film Saving Grace.
As with Saving Grace the show is set in the fictional seaside village of Portwenn and filmed on location in the village of Port Isaac with most interior scenes shot in a converted local barn.
Port Isaac is less than 7 kms from Wesdale and perfect for a visit. (Get there early as parking is difficult) Park in the cliff-top carpark and wander around the village to see all the familiar buildings and views.
The lanes in Port Isaac are very narrow and in general it is much better to visit than to try to stay there.
There are restaurants and pubs for refreshments and neighbouring Port Gaverne has a well-recommended pub.
Seven series have been broadcast since 2004, together with a feature-length special that was aired on Christmas Day 2006
The character of Dr Martin Ellingham, whose truculent and tactless manner has upset the entire population of Portwenn at one time or another, has been a hit with viewers ever since Doc Martin first appeared.
The popularity of Doc Martin worldwide has brought tourists flocking to Port Isaac in the hope of catching a glimpse of the filming. `Every time you come back here there seems to be more and more people gathering to watch us filming. People have come from as far as Australia and New Zealand` says Martin Clunes, the star of the show. `I miss being in Cornwall for the summer. I do love filming in the village of Port Isaac because I know it always looks gorgeous.`
The series is produced by Trebetherick local Mark Crowdy – and many of the characters are named after locals. Indeed the original Doc Martin is alive and well in Rock but closer in character to the Doc Martin in Saving Grace
The Doc Martin DVD box set is at Wesdale. Enjoy!
