A small fishing port on the picturesque Cornwall coast, Looe lures you in with its sandy beaches, lively promenade and centuries-old architecture. From rock pools to aqua sports, shipwrecks and islands, this water-centric enclave offers plenty of adventure.
Things to do in Looe
Immerse yourself in Looe’s fishing, smuggling and boat-building history at the Old Guildhall Museum & Gaol. The museum is housed in a 15th-century Old Guildhall in the centre of town, where you can see the original prison cells, valuable minerals and prehistoric artefacts, such as a mastodon tooth over 2 million years old.
Walk to East Looe Beach for sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Stroll the bustling promenade, then stop for ice cream and fishing off Banjo Pier. You can also visit two sheltered shingle beaches on Talland Bay just west of town or a marine nature reserve on Looe Island.
Travelling with little ones? Have a picnic at the ruins of St Catherine’s Castle to capture spectacular sea views, then visit Monkey Sanctuary to interact with rescued woolly and capuchin monkeys.
The nine-kilometre Looe to Polperro walk is legendary, brimming with stories of smugglers and shipwrecks along the shoreline between the two coastal communities. Spend an afternoon on the picturesque beaches and explore the tiny fishing village of Polperro along the way.
Getting around Looe
Trains offer transportation from Looe to nearby Cornish coastal towns and villages. Buses, taxis and bike hire are available in town or you can rent a car at Plymouth City Airport, about 25 kilometres away.