• Explore the sandy beaches and secluded coves.
• Spend a day at the Eden Project.
• Get the ferry to Looe Island.

The picturesque fishing town of Looe is situated on the spectacular South Cornwall Coast in a largely unspoilt area of the South West. The town comprises of two villages, East Looe and West Looe, which are divided by the waters of the River Looe Estuary. There is a wide range of restaurants and cafes, many of them on the quay, where you can sample the local fish and watch the sun go down over the river. Traditional Inns and cosy pubs are tucked away in the narrow streets and offer a relaxed atmosphere. Three miles to the West of Looe is the quaint fishing village of Polperro. The towns are characterised by their narrow cobbled streets, steeped in history and full of stories and legends of smugglers and fishing.

Sandwiched between the two towns are a collection of hidden coves and spectacular sandy beaches ideal for swimming, walking or just relaxing. The world famous Eden Project is in the neighbouring town of St. Austell and the historic city of Plymouth, with it’s shops, sights and attractions, is within a short drive.

Food and Drink

Looe & Polperro are ideally situated to enjoy the variety the area has to offer, from freshly caught fish to local organic produce. Restaurants such as the Old Sail Loft line the harbourside at Looe offering a chance to sample the fantastic local fayre whilst taking in spectacular views over the harbour and out to sea.

For an intimate dining experience away from the masses, a visit to Peppers Taverna is a must where diners can sample the best of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with a great selection of meals to cater equally for the needs of meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Well-behaved children over 12 years old are welcome and due to the popularity of the restaurant, it is advisable to book in advance.

For a more casual bite to eat, Looe and Polperro are both home to a selection of cafes and pubs serving traditional food, tasty fish and chips, and the famous Cornish Pasty.

Family Attractions

The South Cornwall area surrounding Looe & Polperro is home to a fantastic selection of sandy beaches and secluded coves ideal for swimming, crabbing and exploring, but there is so much more to the area than just beaches.

Possibly the best way to appreciate the beauty of the area is by taking a scenic trip on the on the Looe Valley Railway Line which winds its way through 8 miles of unspoilt countryside, hugging the steep sided valley of the East Looe River. And for the adults, the Real Ale Trail takes in the beauty of the Looe valley with the opportunity to sample traditional pubs and fine local ales along the way.

No trip to Looe is complete without a trip to the Monkey Sanctuary Trust, home to a colony of Woolly Monkeys onsite- beautiful conservation gardens, children’s play areas and activities room. Refresh with a light bite or beverage from the fully organic café.

Why you’re in the South West why not visit the nearby Eden Project, a collection of bi-omes housing a fine selection of exotic plants from around the world making for an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

Looe is home to a good selection of convenience stores and a Somerfields supermarket. Looe also boasts a diverse collection of independent stores specialising in craft, angling equipment, clothing, home décor, gifts and confectionery.

To sample the finest local produce the area has to offer head to Purely Cornish, a shop celebrating the diverse farye of the area. For a taste of the local catch, head to Pengelly’s Fishmongers. Visitors should also head to ‘The Pasty Shop’ in Looe, home to a fantastic range of pasties including lamb, leek & mint, Chinese Chicken and of course, the traditional Cornish Pasty.

Those looking for a larger selection of high street names should head to the nearby City of Plymouth, home to Drake Circus, one of Devon’s newest fully enclosed shopping malls.

And for a shopping experience to entertain the whole family, Liskeard’s Trago Mills is worth visiting with it’s department store, cafes and a selection of family attractions and amusements.

History & Heritage

The popular town of Looe is an amalgamation of two ancient boroughs. East Looe, situated in the Doomsday manor of Pendrim, and West Looe, situated in the Manor of Portallant, The 13th and 14th Centuries were a period of major activity for both towns, which provided ships and men for the forces of Edward I and II. By the end of the 14th century the harbour was proving too small, so both Fowey and Plymouth took over the naval supply role. The Looe ports carried on as a base for the fishing industry, which continues today.

Shipping of copper and granite brought increased prosperity to the town and it became necessary to extend the Liskeard and Caradon railway down to Looe. The Liskeard and Looe railway line was opened for traffic in 1860 and to passenger traffic in 1871. This event made the towns much more accessible to travellers and brought about the change in character from fishing port to the popular tourist resort that we know today.

For a fascinating insight into the history of Looe, head to the Old Guildhall Museum. Housed in a beautiful 16th century former Courthouse, the museum plays host to a range of artefacts relating to the heritage of Looe.

During the summer months regular boat trips run to Looe Island, a 22 acre island is steeped in history and folklore. Situated one mile off the coast of West Looe this tiny enjoys an exceptionally mild climate and was famously bombed during the Second World War by Germans who mistook it for a warship.

Other sites of interest in the area:

• Lost Gardens of Heligan
• St Nicholls Church
• Lamma Chapel

Beach Guide

Situated on the South Cornwall Coast, Looe is blessed with a fantastic selection of sandy beaches and secluded coves. The most popular beach is East Looe Beach with it’s sandy shelf offering shallow waters ideal for paddling or swimming. With facilities in the area including shops, cafes, restaurants and toilets, its easy to see why this is a firm family favourite. There is also a pay and display car park.

A scenic 1/2mile walk along the coastal path leads to Plaidy, a beautiful sandy beach with a collection of rockpools ideal for a spot of crabbing where dogs are welcome all year round. For those on holiday with mans best friend, Plaidy welcomes dogs all year round, so even the dog can have a swim.

Nestled between Looe and Polperro is Talland Bay, a popular beach with snorkelers with regular Pollack, colourful Wrass and even the occasional silver Bass frequenting the waters. Facilities at Talland Bay include toilets and parking is available.

Events and Entertainment

The neighbouring city of Plymouth boasts a good selection of entertainment venues including the Theatre Royal, two cinemas and Plymouth Pavillions, a large venue which regularly hosts gigs and concerts.

During the June the annual Polperro Festival takes place with a varied selection of events including live music, fetes, arts & crafts, firework displays and a celebration of local food and drink.

In July and August the quayside at Polperro hosts regular performances by the Polperro Fishermen’s Choir.
The nearby Eden Project host regular exhibits exhibitions and shows throughout the year.

Activities

The fantastic sandy beaches of the South Cornwall Coast offer a spectacular environment for a beach holiday, but there is plenty to do in the area to entertain the whole family whether staying for a couple of days or a couple of weeks.

Looe quayside is littered with kiosks offering boat trips where you can try your hand at fishing for everything from Mackerel to Sharks, whilst offering panoramic views of the spectacular coast. For the angler who prefers to stay on dry land, the ‘Banjo Pier’ is a popular place for a spot of rod fishing whilst watching the fishing trawlers.

For the keen golfer Looe Golf Club, designed by six-times Open Champion Harry Vardon, offers a scenic round in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Looe offers some picturesque coastal walks which take in St Nicholls Church, Looe Island, Lamma Chapel and many other important historical landmarks. Breath taking views and wonderful wildlife can also be enjoyed.

Travel

By car – Follow the South-bound M5 to Exeter and then join the A38 following signs for Plymouth. Cross the Tamar Bridge to Saltash and follow signs for Looe.

By Rail/Coach – Railway services operate between London Paddington and the nearby town of Liskeard (connecting services may apply). From Liskeard, Looe can be reached bybus or taxi.