Discover Looe
Find out why this enduring staycation favourite is packed with appeal
Looe is a vibrant, bustling seaside town and working fishing port on the south coast of Cornwall. A favourite holiday destination since the Victorian times, it has plenty to offer its visitors.
Situated on both sides of the River Looe, East Looe and West Looe are joined by a bridge across the river. Whether you’re looking to soak up the bustle of East Looe or enjoy a tranquil getaway to quieter West Looe, a closer look at this Cornish hub reveals a wealth of hidden treasures. Here’s our selection of top-rated things to do, places to stay and eateries to enjoy on your Looe Weekend Escape.
Things to do
Home to Cornwall’s second biggest fishing port, Looe has a long history of fishing and shipbuilding. The harbour in East Looe is a magnet for children looking for the best spot to go crabbing – the bobbing boats also make a picturesque view to stop and enjoy a spot of lunch in one of the many harbour-side cafés and restaurants.
With seven beaches in total, the most popular – East Looe Beach – is a great choice for families, with the town’s amenities in easy reach. From here, stroll along the well-known Banjo Pier for views of Looe Island, a notorious haunt of smugglers in the 18th century. For a quieter day at the seaside, the craggy shores at Hannafore Beach in West Looe are excellent for rockpooling at low tide.
Spend an afternoon wandering East Looe’s medieval layout of cobbled narrow lanes, where you’ll discover the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol, Looe’s former courthouse. If you’d like to escape the town’s hustle and bustle for an afternoon, a short train ride on the delightful Looe Valley Line will take you to the serenity of the Causeland Station Halt, in the valley of the East Looe River. Your walk back into Looe will see you pass a Bronze Age stone circle before wandering through Kilminorth Woods, a lovely ancient Oakland.
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Places to stay
From bespoke luxury lodges to holiday parks with superb family facilities, Looe offers a vast range of options to suit every need and budget.
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Where to eat
A working fishing port, there’s no better place to feast on fresh seafood. Whether you’re after award-winning fish and chips or fine-dining with glorious harbourside views, Looe's diverse eateries have you covered.
