Summary
In southeast Cornwall, Looe serves as both a favored family retreat and an active fishing port.
The town is situated in a hilly landscape at the mouth of the Looe River, where the harbor provides shelter for fishing boats, and visitors can engage in crab-catching activities along the quayside.
Looe features a charming old town consisting of narrow, straight lanes that host quaint local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
During the 18th century, some of these establishments were likely frequented by smugglers who covertly transported rum, brandy, and tea along this rugged coastline.
East Looe Beach, located nearby, becomes the vibrant center of the Looe Music Festival each September.
Let us explore the most captivating activities in Looe:
1. East Looe Beach
One does not need to venture far to enjoy the finest of the seven beaches located near Looe.
Directly in front of the old town and at the base of Mount Ararat, East Looe Beach is sheltered on its western side by the Banjo Pier, positioned at the mouth of the Looe River.
This sandy beach slopes gently, making it an ideal spot for individuals lacking proficient water skills during low tide.
Due to its proximity to the old town, amenities such as lunch, ice creams, and additional supplies are easily accessible within walking distance.
Visitors can also take a leisurely walk along Banjo Pier to view Looe Island and observe fishing boats maneuvering in and out of the harbor.
2. Looe Island
From Easter through September, visitors can embark on a boat from the floating pontoon adjacent to the RNLI slipway to explore Looe Island for a few hours.
These crossings occur around high tide since the channel becomes impracticable when the tide recedes.
While on the island, visitors can immerse themselves in intriguing historical narratives contained within its 22.5 acres.
The island serves as a nature reserve managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, thus independent access is prohibited.
Ascent leads to the remnants of the Medieval Lamanna Chapel, which was established on the site of a Celtic monastery founded in the 500s.
The island holds historical religious significance; it is said that Joseph and a young Jesus visited this location to trade with Cornish tin merchants.
3. Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol
Established around the early 16th century, Looe’s Guildhall now accommodates the town museum, which focuses on historical facets such as shipbuilding, smuggling, and fishing.
The structure itself is visually appealing, featuring age-old attributes such as a magistrates’ bench adorned with the Royal Coat of Arms, preserved prisoners’ cells, and a genuine cat o’ nine tails whip.
The courtroom boasts a stunning timber-framed roof and includes official weights and measures to guarantee equitable trading within the town.
Looe’s maritime heritage is illustrated through historical artifacts, including a pilchard press, nets, boots, model boats, and various curiosities.
Additional oddities comprise Looe’s initial ambulance (a simple cart), a mineral collection, and a mastodon tooth estimated to be two million years old.
4. Talland Bay
Just west of Looe lies the Polperro Heritage Coast, recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The first destination is the twin coves of Talland Bay, separated by a headland composed of ancient Devonian sandstone, siltstone, and slates.
On the western side is the welcoming Talland Sand Beach, while the smaller Rotterdam Beach is located at the eastern end; each is complemented by cafes.
During low tide, one can view the remnants of the French steam trawler, “Marguerite,” which ran aground in 1922 without causing any fatalities.
Talland Church is notable for an unusual 18th-century vicar, Rev Richard Dodge, who reportedly whipped headstones in the churchyard to dispel malevolent spirits.
One theory regarding his behavior is that it served as a distraction to facilitate smuggling activities along the coast.
5. Watersports
Looe’s south-facing beaches offer clear blue waters ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
Equipment rentals are available at several locations, including the local boat shop in Looe, Black Rock Beach Hire at Millendreath, and the cafe at Talland Sand.
Black Rock Beach Hire provides relaxed and friendly instruction before your adventure, as well as life jackets, wetsuits, and waterproof pouches for valuables included in the rental fee.
If you’re visiting with a partner, consider hiring a double kayak and navigating to secluded beaches together.
6. South West Coast Path
Regarded as one of the finest walking trails globally, the South West Coast Path is a National Trail traversing England’s southwestern coastline from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset.
Despite its coastal location, the path can be challenging, as it involves descents from rugged cliffs into river valleys followed by ascents.
However, from Looe, one can undertake a relatively gentle 5.7-mile walk west to Crumplehorn and catch the bus back.
The route guides you past beaches adorned with rock pools and leads into the charming fishing village of Polperro.
If you visit during autumn, you may witness a variety of migrating bird species, including skuas, terns, finches, warblers, and the rare sooty shearwater.
7. Monkey Sanctuary
Operated by a charitable organization, the Monkey Sanctuary has been providing a sanctuary for rescued monkeys since 1964. As of 2018, the facility was home to over 35 individuals, maintained in humane enclosures, and open for public visits from Wednesday to Sunday during the summer months.
The sanctuary houses various species including marmosets, Barbary macaques, South American woolly monkeys, and Capuchin monkeys.
In such an intimate setting, guests can learn about the unique personalities of each resident and understand the sanctuary’s mission and care practices.
The park also features a wildlife room focusing on insects, birds, mammals, plants, and amphibians inhabiting its nine acres, along with gardens shaded by towering beeches and sycamores.
8. Old Sardine Factory
In July 2018, the historic Sardine Factory located on the quayside in West Looe was reopened as a heritage center, featuring an exhibition, activity center, a training restaurant, and stores for fishermen.
This formerly abandoned building, which dates back to the Victorian era, underwent a partial demolition and reconstruction as part of a £1.5 million redevelopment project.
The immersive exhibition includes a large map of Looe’s coastline measuring 13m x 11m, a virtual reality station simulating the experience of an RNLI lifeboatman, and insightful displays regarding the fishing industry and historical smuggling operations in Looe.
9. Crabbing
For a touch of traditional family entertainment, crabbing can be enjoyed along the port’s quayside in East Looe or near the Ferry Steps in West Looe.
The optimal time for this activity is during the periods surrounding high tide when the river’s water level rises; otherwise, the crabs may escape before you can capture them.
Essential equipment includes bait, a net, a weight, and a bucket, along with a measure of patience, a skill that even children can acquire.
After successfully capturing a crab, carefully observe its abdomen to determine its gender: males have a triangular shape while females possess a rounded structure. Subsequently, set it free and observe it scuttle away.
10. Rockpooling
The Looe Marine Conservation Group offers numerous recommendations for family-friendly rockpooling excursions in the area.
The ideal location for rockpooling is the rugged shoreline at Hannafore Beach in West Looe.
Consult the local tide charts, and aim to arrive at the beach an hour prior to low tide.
This timing affords ample opportunity to search for crabs, starfish, sea anemones, sponges, and various fish including shannies, gobies, and Cornish suckerfish.
Remember to bring a camera, a wildlife guidebook, and some buckets to document your findings before safely returning them to their natural habitat.
11. Adrenalin Quarry
A former quarry located a few miles north of Looe has been transformed into a hub for outdoor adventure, providing various exhilarating experiences.
The facility features a Giant Swing, which requires being hoisted to a significant height before being released to freefall. Additionally, the Aquapark hosts Wipeout, a massive inflatable playground filled with slides and challenging obstacles.
The zip-line at Adrenalin Quarry stretches nearly half a kilometer, reaches a height of 50 meters, and attains speeds of up to 40 mph.
Furthermore, guests can participate in a selection of guided activities such as axe throwing and coasteering, which involves donning safety gear to climb, jump, dive, and swim through this rugged terrain.
12. Millendreath Beach
As an alternative to East Looe Beach, Millendreath Beach features a steep-walled cove on the route to the Monkey Sanctuary.
It is important to check the tide schedules before your visit: when the tide is low, the cove is an attractive location with expansive soft sands and shallow waters suitable for children.
Conversely, during high tide, the beach almost disappears. Millendreath Beach services a once-neglected seaside village that is currently experiencing a revival as the Black Rock Beach resort, which features a friendly cafe and bistro with a scenic terrace positioned just behind the beach.
13. Trenant Wood
For a refreshing walk that remains close to Looe, one may explore a section of ancient broadleaf woodland older than four centuries, situated on a peninsula between the West and East Looe Rivers.
Trenant Wood is elevated, rewarding determined hikers with views of West Looe and the Quay from its clearings.
During spring, the bluebells offer a breathtaking display, while the meadows are adorned with wildflowers in early summer.
Tracing the West Looe River valley towards the south bank, you will encounter the Kilminorth Woods, the largest group of western oak woodland in the area, home to roe deer, foxes, and badgers.
14. Looe Music Festival
The temperate climate in Looe allows it to host one of the final large outdoor music events of the summer.
The Looe Music Festival, held at the end of September, is distinctive in that it takes place throughout the town.
The primary stage is located on the beach, while other stages emerge in various venues, including tents, temporary platforms, and even atop vans.
The local pubs also participate, offering performances, making it a unique experience where attendees are encouraged to explore and satisfy their curiosity.
The musical offerings at Looe are diverse, encompassing genres such as punk, folk, hip-hop, soul, jazz, blues, and world music.
Typically, featured artists include classic rock, punk, and indie musicians; notable performances have been delivered by the Jesus and Mary Chain, the Waterboys, and Bryan Ferry in recent years.
15. New Year’s Eve
As a seaside community, Looe experiences a lull during winter months.
This is, however, transformed during the New Year’s celebrations when a grand fancy dress party unfolds.
Looe has garnered recognition as one of the premier locations in the UK for welcoming the New Year, with its narrow streets bustling with patrons as bars and restaurants participate in the festivities.
Gradually, attendees make their way to the seafront promenade for a spectacular fireworks display from Banjo Pier right at midnight.
To ensure children can partake in the celebrations, an early fireworks display occurs at six o’clock.
