Looe and Polperro

Looe is actually made up of twin towns. East and West Looe face each other across a river and are joined by a bridge with 7 arches dating from the early 19th century. With narrow streets and a medieval Guildhall (now a delightful museum), Looe boasts the second largest fishing fleet in Cornwall.

Eighteenth Century

In the eighteenth century, as well as drifting for Pilchards, Looe was a copper port exporting ore from the mines around Caradon Hill on Bodmin Moor. Buller Quay, now a car park, would have been kept spotlessly clean, with neatly arranged piles of ore awaiting shipment.

Banjo Pier

Right in front of the town is the Banjo Pier and the sandy beach that is ideal for families, with lots of rock pools to explore on its extremities. separated from the Looe River by the Banjo Pier. Looking out to see from the beach is Looe Island, worthy of a few pages of its own. Once privately owned by a pair of Sisters and now in the care of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. More details can be found here.

Thriving Fishing Ports

Looe remains a thriving fishing port primarily due to most trawlers being day boats (hence selling the freshest fish that is in high demand from the most exclusive restaurants). Early risers may like a early morning stroll down to the harbour to see the days’ catch being auctioned in the Fish Market. From monk to cuttle to cod to dovers to lemons. Selling commences at 6.30 am sharp. At high tide how many local trawlers can you spot in the harbour? Can you spot ‘Nelson’ a memorial to the friendly seal that lived in the Harbour until a few years back. Can you spot the Island Cruise?

Explore Looe & Polperro

Both towns are a maze of alleyways and back streets to explore. Art Galleries. Shops selling all kinds of goods, from books to bric a brac, to crafts, to shoes, several bakers, ice cream parlours. When the tide is in take the foot ferry across the river. Visit the Old Guildhall Museum and across the arch bridge the South East Cornwall Discovery Centre. See the Living from the Sea Exhibition.

Dining in Looe & Polperro

There are a wide choice of places to eat. It is so nice to sit outside in the late afternoon sun, with a Cornish cream tea with lashings of clotted cream. Or later in the evening a relaxed meal in one of the many seafood restaurants. All this only a stones throw away from the hustle and bustle of the Quay.

Holiday in Looe & Polperro

Looe is a very popular holiday destination with a wealth of places to stay, from quaint Self catering Cottages to nearby Holiday and Touring Parks to bed and breakfasts & Hotels. All are catered for.

Relax

One of the most appealing things about Looe, is probably its relaxing influence. Sometimes the simple things in life are the best. Sitting on the Harbour Wall enjoying ‘crabbing’ with the children, or enjoying a proper Cornish Pasty & watching the world go by. That being said there are plenty of cracking attractions and things to do nearby (including a trip on the Island Cruise)!

Christmas

Christmas and New Years Eve in Looe has become legendary. Everyone dresses up in colourful fancy dress costumes and totally over the top outfits. Everything from Cornish Druids, Egyptian Mummies to Roman Soldiers to Madonna, to the latest reality pop TV show star winner, to their latest sporting hero. Entry to pubs and inns is often ticket only and sold out months in advance!