North of England
Scotland
East of England
Heart of England
South of England
South West of England
Wales
Visit Looe, one of Cornwall’s most unique seaside towns. This historic fishing village is split into East and West Looe by the river and these are connected by a bridge. Explore what each side and the local area, has to offer on your next trip to Cornwall.
Browse our full range of lodges with hot tubs in Cornwall here.
Nature
As a working fishing town, it is not too surprising that there is a range of biodiversity in the area. Take a trip to the beach and go rockpooling to see a selection of these animals. West Looe’s Hannafore Beach is the most popular rockpooling location, however, you may stumble across a gem while exploring the other beaches in the area. Looe Marine Conservation Group has many tips and tricks to rockpooling that you can look up before heading out yourself. For a none native animal fix, why not head to the Wild Future’s Monkey Sanctuary.
Here you can see and learn about many monkey species, as well as the mechanisms in place to protect them in the wild. As the only primate sanctuary in the UK adults will enjoy it as much as any younger cheeky monkeys in the family. If you’d like to take a break from the hustle of tourist attractions why not spend an afternoon on East Looe Beach. Close to the town, refreshments are on hand and with a gently sloping beach, there is plenty of shallow water for younger swimmers. Then take an evening stroll along Banjo Pier to watch the sun set.
Culture
Thanks to its long fishing history there is a wealth of culture in this small town. One hotspot for culture is Looe Island. By taking an organised trip over to the island it is possible to see a selection of birds and mammals in their natural habitats within the nature reserve. Archaeological items from Looe island have been dated as far back as the Iron Age and the area is home to a ruin of a 12th century church. It is also believed that Joseph and a young Jesus visited the island in order to trade Tin. The official tour lasts just 2 hours, but if you wish to stay on the island longer, it is possible to stay overnight in a bell tent, allowing you to make the most of this peaceful and historic island.
If you are looking to jump into the culture through cuisine then the Old Sardine Factory is a must. This seafood restaurant serves exquisite food and is located in West Looe Harbour. Learn about the fresh produce caught in the area in the best way possible, by tasting it. For a short but sweet culture hit, why not head to the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol. This small museum is packed with relics of shipbuilding, smuggling and fishing, as well as the town’s first ambulance and a mastodon tooth that’s around 2 million years old.
Things to do nearby
If you’re looking to inject a bit of adventure into your holiday then a visit to adrenaline quarry is in order. Both adults and children are guaranteed to have fun here. Take a 40mph zip-line, try your hand at axe-throwing or experience free fall on the giant swing. You can also book a range of guided activities from here, should you fancy more thrills and spills throughout your trip! Why not blend nature and thrill by taking a Superstar Speedboat trip.
Feel the wind in your hair while taking in the idyllic coastal views. Explore the local area on foot and walk to neighbouring Polperro. This 5 mile walk is of moderate difficulty but offers a great range of things to see on the way. Look out for shipwrecks, find more creatures in rockpools and spot a 6th century monastery. Have a pit stop at the Talland Bay Café where you can fuel up with a selection of refreshments. Should you not fancy the walk back, it is possible to take a taxi back to Looe.
If you’re looking for a town that has a rich history and is closely connected with nature, Looe is the ideal destination. Whether you use it as a base for discovering the rest of Cornwall or just relax in the local area, you are sure to have a holiday to remember.