What to do in Looe!

What to do in Looe!

I’ve spent years coming to Looe, Cornwall. It’s one of those places you either get, or you don’t. For me, it’s a perfect blend of old-school charm, proper Cornish life, and just enough to keep you busy without feeling like a theme park. But if you’re new to it, you can easily fall into the usual tourist traps or miss the truly good stuff. I’ve made my share of mistakes, wasted money on the wrong boat trips, and eaten some truly forgettable pasties. So, let me tell you what I’ve learned. This isn’t your average brochure; this is what I actually do, where I actually go, and what I skip entirely.

Navigating Looe’s Beaches: My Definitive Pick

When people talk about Looe beaches, they usually mean East Looe Beach. It’s right there, sandy, easy to access from the town. Everyone goes there. And that’s precisely why I don’t always bother. If you want a proper beach day, a bit more space, and the chance for some decent rock pooling, you need to head to Hannafore Beach on the West side. It’s a bit of a walk, but absolutely worth it. You get better views of Looe Island, fewer crowds, and a completely different vibe.

East Looe Beach: What You Get (and Don’t)

Look, if you’ve got young kids and you need everything on your doorstep, East Looe Beach is fine. It’s sandy, the water is generally calm, and you can grab an ice cream or a coffee without moving more than 50 feet. You’ll find public toilets right there, and it’s flat, so pushchairs are no issue. But don’t expect peace and quiet in July or August. It gets packed. I mean, shoulder-to-shoulder, towel-to-towel packed. The rock pooling is pretty non-existent, and for me, that’s half the fun of a Cornish beach. It’s convenient, I’ll give it that, but it’s rarely my first choice for a relaxed day.

Hannafore Beach: My Clear Winner and Why

This is where I head. To get to Hannafore, you need to walk across the bridge to West Looe and keep going along the coast. It’s a pleasant 15-20 minute stroll. What you get is a completely different experience. The beach itself is a mix of shingle and sand, but at low tide, the **rock pools** here are incredible. I’ve spent hours hunting for crabs, anemones, and tiny fish. It’s quieter, more spread out, and the views of Looe Island are genuinely stunning. There’s a small café nearby, The Hannafore Point Hotel, if you need refreshments. It feels more wild, more Cornish. If you’re willing to put in the slight effort to get there, you’ll be rewarded with a much more authentic and enjoyable beach experience. Always check tide times before you go; low tide is essential for the best rock pooling.

Eating in Looe: Where I Actually Spend My Money

Looe has plenty of places to eat, but a lot of them are just… okay. After countless meals, I’ve got my go-to spots that consistently deliver. I’m looking for fresh, local, and good value. Skip the generic seafront fry-ups unless you’re absolutely desperate. You can do so much better.

1. My Go-To for a Proper Cornish Pasty

   You can’t come to Cornwall without a pasty, and for me, it’s always Sarah’s Pasty Shop on Fore Street. Don’t even think about anywhere else. They make them fresh throughout the day, the pastry is perfect – not too crumbly, not too thick – and the filling is generous, well-seasoned, and exactly what a traditional Cornish pasty should be. I usually grab a traditional steak pasty for about £4.50-£5.00, hot and steaming, and eat it by the harbour. It’s a simple pleasure, but they nail it every time. You might have to queue, especially at lunchtime, but that’s a good sign.

2. Best Dinner Spot for a Special Occasion (and What to Order)

   For something a bit more upscale, but still relaxed, I always recommend The Old Sail Loft. It’s tucked away down a little alley, easy to miss, which is part of its charm. The atmosphere is fantastic, a proper old fisherman’s cottage vibe. Their seafood is outstanding. I always go for the pan-fried scallops if they’re on the menu, followed by their catch of the day, usually hake or sea bass, around £20-£25. The staff are friendly, and the quality of the cooking is consistently high. Make sure you book well in advance, especially during peak season; it’s popular for a reason.

3. For a Casual Bite and Great Views (Catch Seafood Bar & Grill)

   If I want good seafood but a more casual setting, Catch Seafood Bar & Grill, right on the harbour in West Looe, is my pick. They do excellent fish and chips, but I lean towards their seafood platters or the mussels in white wine sauce. You can sit outside and watch the boats in the harbour, which is always a bonus. Expect to pay around £15-£20 for a main course. It’s a solid choice for a relaxed lunch or an early dinner without the fuss of a more formal restaurant. Their crab sandwiches are also top-tier for a lunchtime treat.

Boat Trips from Looe: Don’t Waste Your Cash on Just Any Tour

The harbour is full of boats offering trips, and it can be hard to know which ones are actually worth your time and money. I’ve been on a few duds over the years. My advice is to be selective. You’re looking for an experience, not just a ride on a boat. Focus on trips that offer something unique, whether it’s wildlife, a destination, or a genuine fishing experience.

Is the Looe Island Trip Worth the £10-12 Fare?

Absolutely, yes. This is the one boat trip I genuinely recommend. Looe Island, or St. George’s Island, is a marine nature reserve, and the only way to get there is by the official boat service, typically running from about April to October, depending on tides and weather. The fare is usually around £10-£12 return, plus a small landing fee for the Cornwall Wildlife Trust (around £3-£4). You get about 2-3 hours on the island to walk the trails, explore the small beach, and spot seals or seabirds. It’s incredibly peaceful and a fantastic way to experience local wildlife without disturbing it. Booking in advance at the kiosk on the quay is essential, as spaces are limited and they often sell out.

Which Fishing Charter Delivers the Best Experience?

If you’re into fishing, you’re in the right place. There are several charters operating from Looe. I’ve had good experiences with the boats like ‘The Mystique’ or ‘Boy Martyn’. A 2-hour mackerel fishing trip usually costs around £20-£25 per person, tackle included. You’ll almost certainly catch something, and they’ll even gut it for you. It’s a fun, active way to spend a morning or afternoon. For a more serious deep-sea fishing experience, look for half-day or full-day trips, which can range from £40-£80. Always check what’s included and if they provide waterproofs, as it can get chilly out on the water even on a sunny day. The shorter mackerel trips are perfect for families or beginners.

Paddling the River Looe: A Different Perspective

This isn’t a boat trip in the traditional sense, but I find hiring a kayak or a paddleboard to explore the River Looe estuary to be a fantastic alternative. You can rent them from Looe Kayak & Canoe in West Looe. Rates are around £20-£30 for a couple of hours. Paddling upriver, especially at high tide, is incredibly peaceful. You get to see the local wildlife, the woodlands along the banks, and parts of Looe that you just can’t appreciate from the streets. It’s a gentle workout and a refreshing change of pace from the busy harbour. It’s also a great option if the sea is a bit too choppy for a comfortable boat trip.

Exploring Looe’s Town Centre: Skip the Tourist Traps

The town centre, particularly Fore Street, can feel a bit overwhelming, packed with identical souvenir shops selling mass-produced tat. My honest advice? Don’t get stuck there. Looe has genuine character, but you have to look for it. Venture off the main drag, especially in West Looe, and you’ll find much more interesting independent stores, art galleries, and glimpses of old Looe. The real charm isn’t in what’s loudest or most obvious; it’s in the quiet corners.

My Must-Visit Independent Shops and Galleries

Instead of endless buckets and spades, I always make a point to visit a few specific places. For unique gifts and local crafts, look for smaller boutiques just off Fore Street or on the streets winding up from the river in West Looe. **Tamarisk Gallery** is one I particularly like, showcasing local Cornish artists. You’ll find genuine art and craftsmanship there, not just generic prints. Another spot is **Looe Museum**, housed in the old Guildhall on Fore Street; it’s small, but it gives you a fantastic insight into Looe’s fishing history and local life for a couple of quid. It’s a welcome break from the crowds and offers a real sense of place that the commercial shops just don’t.

Finding Hidden Gems Beyond Fore Street

The key to enjoying Looe town centre is to wander. Don’t be afraid to take the narrow, winding lanes and alleyways, especially behind Fore Street. You’ll often stumble upon quaint cottages, small, independent businesses, and quieter residential areas that feel miles away from the hustle. I love walking along the quayside in West Looe, past the fishing boats, towards the quieter residential streets. You get a real sense of the working harbour and the community that still thrives there. There are often little pop-up stalls or small, unmarked shops selling local produce or crafts that you’d completely miss if you stuck to the main thoroughfare. These are where you’ll find the authentic souvenirs, not the plastic junk.

Walking Around Looe: The Trails I Swear By

One of the absolute best things about Looe is its access to the South West Coast Path. You can walk for miles in either direction, and the views are consistently breathtaking. Forget driving everywhere; pull on some proper shoes and explore on foot. These paths are challenging in parts, but the reward is immense. I’ve spent countless hours on these trails, and they never get old. They offer a perspective of the Cornish coastline you simply can’t get from the roads.

The Looe to Polperro Coastal Path: Expect This Difficulty

This is my absolute favorite coastal walk, hands down. The path from Looe to Polperro is about 5.5 miles (9 km) one way and typically takes me around 2.5 to 3 hours, not including stops. It’s a moderately challenging walk, with some steep ascents and descents, particularly after Talland Bay. You’ll be climbing some significant hills, so don’t expect a flat stroll. **Good walking shoes are non-negotiable**. Bring water, especially on a warm day. The path winds along clifftops, through fields, and offers incredible panoramic views of the sea and coastline. When you reach Polperro, you’re greeted by one of Cornwall’s most picturesque fishing villages, a perfect reward for your efforts. I usually grab a pasty or some fish and chips there before catching the bus back to Looe (the bus service is reliable, but check times in Polperro). It’s a proper adventure and a fantastic way to see two beautiful Cornish villages in one go.

Alternative Inland Walks for Rainy Days

Sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate for coastal path hiking. On those days, I head inland. Looe has some lovely woodland walks, especially along the River Looe. One easy option is to follow the public footpath that runs alongside the river, heading north from the bridge. You can walk for a couple of miles on relatively flat terrain, through beautiful wooded areas, until you reach the village of Sandplace. It’s a peaceful walk, perfect for a drizzly day, and you’ll often spot kingfishers or herons along the riverbanks. It’s well-maintained and provides a completely different scenery than the exposed coastal path. You can turn back whenever you like, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can continue further to Duloe or even Liskeard, though that becomes a much longer day out. These inland paths are often less muddy than the coast path after rain, too.

What I Skip in Looe (and Why You Should Too)

Not everything in Looe is a winner. Over my visits, I’ve learned to steer clear of a few things that either feel like a rip-off, are consistently disappointing, or simply don’t offer much value compared to other options. My goal is to maximize my enjoyment and avoid the tourist traps that suck your money and time.

• The Overpriced Tourist Traps Near the Bridge

  You know the ones. The shops right near the bridge selling generic “Cornwall” branded items, cheap plastic toys, and mass-produced fudge. I’ve bought enough magnets and keyrings to know that these places are rarely worth it. The quality is usually poor, and the prices are inflated. If you want a genuine souvenir, look for local craft shops or galleries, or pick up some local food from a deli. You’ll get something with real character that actually reminds you of Looe, not just any seaside town.

• Some Souvenir Shops Just Aren’t Worth Your Time

  This ties into the above. There’s a difference between a quaint little shop selling locally made items and a sprawling store packed with identical items you could buy anywhere. I’ve wasted too much time browsing these places hoping for a hidden gem, only to find nothing but more of the same. My advice? If it looks like it belongs in a generic airport gift shop, just walk past. Spend your time exploring the backstreets of West Looe, visiting the small art galleries, or simply enjoying the harbour views instead. Your time is better spent experiencing the real Looe.