For those seeking oceanside reveries, Looe is a heavenly destination. A characterful harbour town with origins dating back thousands of years, its historic buildings, salt-kissed streets, unique pier, and plentiful attractions offer a charming invitation throughout the year. Settle into spellbinding staycations for summer daydreams and winter retreats and uncover its hidden gems and adored highlights. The star of the BBC’s crime drama, Beyond Paradise, Looe is beloved for its enchanting aesthetics and endless magnetism, from its serene mill pool and rolling oceanscapes to its quaint shops and award-winning restaurants.
To curate a luxury escape in Cornwall, peruse our guide to the best things to do in Looe and start plotting your dreamy sojourn.
Michelin Dining
Cornwall is renowned for its exceptional culinary offerings and Looe is no exception. Home to a working harbour and surrounded by countryside, its eateries benefit from an array of local produce and ingredients, from foraged wild herbs and freshly-caught fish to artisan wine grown on sun-kissed valley slopes. During a Looe retreat, satiate your appetite with a delicious meal in one of the village’s bistros and cafés. Among the best, the Michelin Bib Gourmand Sardine Factory is situated on Quay Road. A beloved brasserie, it nestles within a renovated sardine factory and specialises in Cornish seafood, with favourites such as dayboat market fish, moules marinière, and crab linguine. Also recommended by the Michelin Guide, Yamas can be found on The Quay on the opposite side of the river and shares curated menus of delicious Greek cuisine.
Looe Island
One of the magical islands surrounding Cornwall's coast, Looe Island resides within the Whitsand and Looe Bay Marine Conservation Zone and is looked after by Cornwall Wildlife Trust. A protected area, it provides an invaluable sanctuary for a range of wildlife species, such as Cornwall’s largest colony of great black-backed gulls. For the best way to view the island and the chance to see some of its wild flora and fauna, take a boat ride from Looe Harbour and relish views of the coastline. With a variety of trips, Looe Sea Safari offers a choice of excursions, ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours around Looe Bay and the island. Whilst you cruise along the water, you may be able to glimpse sightings of beautiful marine mammals, such as seals and dolphins.
Talland Bay
Residing at the confluence of the East and West Looe Rivers and the mouth of Looe Bay, Looe enjoys a wealth of waterside settings for savouring moments by the shore. As well as the golden sand beaches that decorate the town, like East Looe Beach and Second Beach, Looe is also blessed with its proximity to Talland Bay. A 3-mile drive through country lanes or a 5-mile walk along glorious coastline, this idyllic bay is a sight to behold with turquoise waters, white sand, and a crown of greenery. Talland Bay is also dog-friendly year-round and is a real treat for cold-water dips on balmy days. Seek ocean escapism to reset your life balance in style and enjoy tranquil days on this stunning hidden beach in Cornwall.
Looe Valley Vineyard
With roots dating back to 2008, Looe Valley Vineyard is one of the finest vineyards in Cornwall and has spent the best part of two decades honing its craft to produce award-winning wines. Open to visitors during the summer, it proposes both self-guided and guided tours around the grounds to uncover its secrets. For the best insights, book onto a tour with the vineyard’s winemaker and learn about how the vineyard is cultivated and the different wines produced from grape to glass. Afterwards, welcome the opportunity to take a seat on the vineyard’s suntrap terrace and enjoy a glass of your favourite reserve in the sunshine.
Should you fancy adding to your epicurean adventures, you can also make way to Copperfish Distillery in Looe. Established in 2018, this tumbler-sized distillery is home to a selection of bespoke moonshine whiskeys, rums, and gins and serves drinks on select days throughout the year.
Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol
Archaeological evidence suggests that people have resided in Looe and its surrounds for as long as 3,000 years. Renowned for its tales of early settlers, mermaids, giants, smugglers, pilgrims and even dragons, its fascinating past weaves together centuries of legends and lore to create a vivid tapestry of fact and fiction. Should you be looking to dive beneath the surface of the town and find out about its history and tales, a trip to the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol is one of the best things to do in Looe. One of the oldest in the area, the building dates back to 1450 and still presents many of its original Medieval features. Explore its former court and gaol and peruse its exhibition spaces over two floors to slip back in time.
For further discovery, you can also visit Looe Harbour Heritage Centre on The Quay which celebrates Looe’s maritime history. A particular highlight is the archive of images and videos that show life in Looe in yesteryears.
Polperro
Take a leisurely drive from Looe and cover the few miles to neighbouring Polperro. A spellbinding idyll on the Polperro Heritage Coast, this peaceful fishing village has a timeless appeal and untouched beauty that make it a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. For one of the best things to do in Looe, venture over to Polperro and meander along its winding pathways past white-washed cottages adorned with climbing flowers. At the foot of the village, a historic harbour shelters crystalline waters topped by colourful boats – the predecessors of which have fished from the village since at least the 14th century. For the lovers of nature, a dip in Polperro’s tidal Chapel Pool is a delight, while a stroll around Polperro Model Village is perfect for families.
Adrenaline Quarry
Whether you’re seeking soul-soothing luxuriation or something a little faster-paced during your dreamy escape, Looe proposes a plethora of things to do. Perfect for those seeking a touch of a rush, Adrenaline Quarry near Looe satisfies all adventure cravings. Book in advance to avoid missing out and make the most of the attraction’s unique offerings, such as zipwires, a clifftop swing, coasteering, inflatable water park, karting, axe-throwing and more. For something a little more sedate, Adrenaline Quarry also has picnic areas to unwind with delicious fare.
South West Coast Path
The star of Raynor Winn’s The Salt Path, the South West Coast Path comprises seemingly endless miles of stunning waymarked trails. For the wanderers and wayfarers, this long-distance trail, which starts in Minehead, Somerset, and ends in Poole, Dorset, tempts with unrivalled hiking opportunities. Especially beautiful, the stretch of coastline around Looe reveals spectacular panoramas overlooking sweeping coastalscapes and thought-provoking landmarks, such as ancient religious sites and the remains of a Medieval chapel. Follow the footsteps of long-gone smugglers and bask in the vistas of vegetation-swathed cliffs, golden beaches, and quiet coves.
Looe Lifeboat Station
At the heart of many coastal towns and villages around the UK, the RNLI plays a crucial role in protecting lives at sea. An unmissable attraction, Looe’s own lifeboat station is open to visitors on certain days of the year, welcoming the public to view its boathouse and selected areas. Promising an unparalleled way to learn about the town’s past, maritime connection, and the work of the RNLI, the station is a great attraction for all generations. Head over from Easter to October and see the impressive vessels and equipment used to brave the roughest seas and face the elements to launch vital search and rescue operations.
Feeling inspired for an unforgettable escape? Uncover our curated collection of luxury cottages in South Cornwall.
