It’s divided into two parts, one on either side of the River Looe, joined by a 7-arched bridge dating to 1853. In medieval times the towns of East Looe and West Looe were separate although they were physically joined by a 15th century bridge.
Today the amenities and character of the two sides are slightly different. East Looe is the tourist hub with its narrow streets; plentiful shops, restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops; the main beach, and the harbour. While West Looe is quieter, it is home to several shops, hotels, and restaurants.
There is a great deal to appeal to visitors: beaches, a range of activities, places of interest to visit, walks, and – of course – seafood and Cornish ice cream!
Bask on East Looe Beach
East Looe Beach is the town’s main, family beach situated in front of the old part of town. The beach is not large as it is closed on either side by Banjo pier and a rocky promontory, Mount Ararat. In summer it can get very busy and crowded. However, it is a sandy beach and offers safe swimming when the tide is out although swimming by the river mouth is hazardous. There are several food and drink outlets a short stroll away.
Enjoy Talland Bay & its beaches
You will find Talland Bay approximately halfway between Looe and Polperro on the Heritage coast, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are two small beaches separated by a sandstone and slate headland: Talland Sand Beach and Rotterdam Beach. Both are served by cafés. You can swim at both beaches, and, at low tide, there are numerous rock pools and coves to explore and tidal pools to swim in.
Visit the Old Guildhall Museum & Goal
Dating to the 16th century, Looe Museum is situated in the old Guildhall. The exhibits focus on the historic town activities of fishing, shipbuilding, and smuggling. The building itself is of great interest as it features preserved prisoner’s cells, sets of weights and measures used in trade, a cat o’ nine tails whip, and a magistrate’s bench complete with the Royal Coat of Arms. There are also fishing related items such clothing, nets, and a pilchard press. Further artifacts include smuggling memorabilia, the town’s first ambulance cart, and a 2-million-year-old mastodon tooth.
Try your hand at water sports
The town’s south-facing beaches are good venues for water sports such as paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking. You can arrange lessons and hire equipment from Black Rock Beach Hire, Sea Explorers, or Adventure Fit. There are also many shops in town that sell various beach and swimming equipment and clothing.
Explore Looe Island
Looe Island is a 22 ½ acre reserve owned by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. During the season you can take a boat from the harbour to the island and go on a guided walk. The island is home to many bird species including shags, oystercatchers, cormorants, black-backed gulls. In summer there are grey seals. In addition, there are the remains of the Medieval Lamanna Chapel which was built on the site of a Celtic Monastery dating to around the 5th century. Because this is a wildlife reserve, dogs are not permitted.
Walk the South-West Coast Path
If you have the fitness and stamina, the South-West Coast Path is a much-praised National Trail. It follows the coast from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. While most of the trail is demanding thanks to frequent ascents and climbs, the section from Looe to Cumplehorn is an undemanding 5.7 mile / 9.2-kilometre hike and there is a bus you can catch back. Apart from breath-taking scenery, there is wildlife to see along the way too.
Soak up the sun at Plaidy, Hannafore, or Millendreath Beach
If you prefer a smaller or quieter beach, there are two possibilities:
- The first is Plaidy Beach, a sand and shingle beach that is over a hill from Looe. The beach backs onto a residential area which means it's peaceful. The downside is there’s no parking, shops, or lifeguards. Low tide exposes numerous rock pools and swimming is considered safe.
- On the west side of the town you will find Hannafore Beach which is accessible by car, provides free parking, and affords lovely views of Looe Island. This is a dog-friendly, shingle beach with some sandy areas and rock pools at low tide. There are cafés that are open in season.
- Millendreath Beach is in a steep-walled cove which has a sandy beach and gentle, safe waters at low tide. However, most of the beach disappears at high tide. There is a nearby café and bistro.
Go ape at the Monkey Sanctuary
The Monkey Sanctuary was established in 1964 as a refuge for rescued monkeys. The residents, which include Capuchin monkeys and marmosets, live in enclosures, and can be visited by the public Wednesday to Sunday during summer. A visit is a wonderful way to learn about the monkeys, the work this charitable sanctuary does, and how the residents are cared for. There is also a garden and a display of the mammals, birds, insects, amphibians, and plants native to the 9 acres the sanctuary is on. Dogs, including assistance dogs, are not permitted.
Experience the Old Sardine Factory
While a visit to an Old Sardine Factory on the West Looe quayside may not sound appealing, it is in fact a heritage centre that tells the story of the various aspects of Looe’s maritime history. This restored Victorian building houses a very large map of the coastline, an activity centre, an exhibition of various activities including fishing and smuggling, a virtual reality station that places you in the place of a RNLI member, fisherman’s stores, and a restaurant.
Master Crabbing from the quay
Crabbing from the quay is a fun way to spend a few hours, and the harbour wall, bridge, and the Ferry Steps are ideal places to do so. All you need is a line, net, a bucket full of fresh seawater, and bait… and patience. The best time is just before or after high tide. Please note all caught crabs must be returned to the water unharmed.
Experience the fun of Rock-pooling
While there’s no reason you can’t go rock-pooling on your own, it’s a great family activity. The best location is West Looe’s Hannafore Beach just before low tide. You’ll have about an hour before the tide changes to look for sponges, starfish, crabs, anemones, and small fish. If you use a net to catch marine creatures to examine or photograph them, take great care not to harm them and place them back in the water afterwards. You could also sign up for a children’s rockpool ramble with the Looe Marine Conservation.
Experience a rush at Adrenalin Quarry
Just a few miles north of Looe is Adrenalin Quarry. As the name suggests, this venue is a gorge in a former quarry where a range of thrilling activities are available. There’s a Wipeout course at the aquapark; a 165 foot / 50 meter high, 0.3 mile / ½ kilometre long zip-line; and a Giant Swing that involves freefall. You can also try your hand at axe-throwing or the demanding activity of coasteering which includes climbing, jumping, diving, and swimming.
Walk in Trenant Wood
Trenant Wood is an ancient broadleaf woodland situated on a peninsula between the West and East Looe Rivers that is cared for by the Woodland Trust. Walking here is demanding but the surroundings – including carpets of bluebells in spring and meadows of wildflowers in summer – and the views make it entirely worthwhile. The Kilminorth Woods lie on the south bank are inhabited by badgers, foxes, roe deer, and numerous bird species.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve
The highlight of the usually quiet winter season is the New Year Celebrations. The streets fill with revellers in fancy dress, bars and restaurants are open and have special offers, and there are two fireworks displays. The first is held at 6 pm so young children can attend, and there is a midnight display too. Both are from the Banjo Pier and the best vantage point is the seafront promenade.
Journey down the Looe Valley Line
The Looe Valley Line will delight train, scenery, and wildlife enthusiasts. The line runs between the inland historical market town of Liskeard and Looe and takes passengers through a wooded valley, alongside tidal rivers, and towards the estuary and the sea. Various bird species can be seen when the tide is low, and you can alight at the various small towns along the route. Dogs are welcome on the trains.
Paddle or swim in Mill Pool
The Mill Pool runs along the Looe River on the Western side. It provides an ideal place for children to paddle or catch small fish and crabs in nets. The deeper sections are a good spot for adults who enjoy swimming in saltwater without being in the open sea.
Get active with Adventure Fit Southwest
If you would like to try kayaking, paddleboarding, climbing, biking or some other similar activity, contact Adventure Fit Southwest. There is an indoor climbing wall that accommodates beginners and experienced individuals, and they offer lessons on the use of canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards and lead trips on the rivers and along the shoreline. More terrestrial activities include hill walking, camping, and mountain biking. They even teach bush craft, navigation, mini adventures, and wild camping.
Hike through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
For seasoned walkers, the South Eastern Coast section of this area yields great rewards. The route runs from St Winnow to Par Sands and includes Looe. This hike passes multiple natural and manmade landmarks and charming towns, and takes you through valleys, beaches, coves, woodland, and alongside rivers. This hike is not recommended for individuals who are not fit as sections are very demanding.
Follow the Smugglers way Trail
This trail traces the footsteps of smugglers and runs for 36 miles / 58 kilometres between Looe and Boscastle. The hike crosses Bodmin Moor and then runs through the West Looe Valley next to the Looe River before arriving at the coast. The highest point is the summit of Brown Willy (1300 feet / 396 meters) on the Moor. Although the hike takes in breath-taking scenery and historic and picturesque towns, it must be noted that the weather on the Moor is very unpredictable, and walkers must have navigational and hiking experience and skill and wear suitable footwear and clothing.
More things to do in Looe
If the above is not enough, this seaside town has yet more to offer:
- Looe boat trips There are multiple options when it comes to boat trips that leave from either the quay or the pontoon in East Looe. You can opt for a trip to Looe Island to spot seals, sightseeing trips up the River Looe, coastal trips to Polperro, fishing trips, or glass bottom boat trips.
Things to do in Looe with dogs
- Enjoy a drink or meal in a dog-friendly pub or restaurant such as The Fisherman’s Arms or The Ship Inn.
- Visit the Looe Pet Emporium and buy your canine friend something special to chew on or play with.
- Browse in the shops and galleries. A water bowl outside the venue usually indicates that well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome inside.
- Play on the beaches that allow dogs such as Hannafore Beach.
- Introduce your dog to the joys of train travel on the Looe Valley Line.
- Go walking near Golitha Falls near Liskeard or Cardinham Woods outside Bodmin. Both are about 30 minutes from Looe.
Places to eat in Looe
Regardless of your tastes or budget, Looe has restaurants, cafés, and pubs to suit. A few of them are:
- The Courtyard features locally grown produce and fresh seafood in addition to some international dishes on its menu.
- The Old Sail Loft occupies one of Looe’s oldest buildings and has a river view. The fare includes seafood, steaks, and vegetarian dishes.
- For those looking for breakfast or tea, Daisy's Cafe is a good option and is famous for its large, daisy-shaped scones.
- The Portbyhan Hotel has a bistro and a restaurant with views of the harbour. The menu offers a range of regional dishes, and the Sunday lunches are extremely popular.
- If you have a hankering for sustainable sourced takeaway fish and chips then Catch! is the place for you.
- For those who enjoy a traditional – or an exotic, non-traditional – Cornish pasty, a visit to Sarah's Pasty Shop is suggested. They also sell a range of cakes.
- If you want to indulge in another regional specialty, go to Treleavens where they serve a wide range of luxury Cornish Ice Cream made with 100% natural ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on Looe beach?
There is a blanket ban on dogs on Looe beach that is in force all year. However, there are beaches near Looe where dogs are permitted.
Is Looe worth visiting?
Yes. Cornwall is a beautiful county and the stretch of coast that Looe lies on is lovely. Add to that the beaches and wealth of activities, the town is an ideal destination for a holiday for adults and children alike.
Is Looe in Devon or Cornwall?
Looe is located on the coast of south-east Cornwall.
