Looe, Cornwall Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Looe

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This guide to Looe, Cornwall, will help you plan the perfect trip to one of England’s prettiest towns. I’ll help you discover the highlights of Looe and must-see spots, from sunny beaches to winding alleys.

I have been visiting Looe since I was a little girl, and not much has changed (other than the amazing selection of restaurants now). Hopefully, you can fall in love with Looe as I did all those years ago!

In this guide to Looe, Cornwall, I’ll take you beyond the postcard views (although there will be plenty of those) to the experiences that make this town memorable. I’ll share where to find the best seafood, how to get to Looe without a car (totally possible from London), and where you should stay if you are taking a weekend break in Cornwall.

Looe, Cornwall Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do in Looe

Why Should I Visit Looe, Cornwall?

Looe is a picture-perfect fishing town in Cornwall, in the southwest of England. The town is split into East Looe and West Looe and connected by Looe Bridge, a seven-arched centerpiece that makes for scenic photos of the river.

Looe is the perfect weekend break from London if you want to get away from the busy tourist attractions and take a moment to enjoy the crystal clear waters and nature that the town has to offer. It’s also not as busy as the hotspots in Cornwall, such as St Ives or Newquay… although it can get a little busy in the summer (especially since Beyond Paradise films here).

Looe is also a great location for exploring other parts of Cornwall, like Polperro, Saltash, Bodmin Moor, and even stopping for lunch at the infamous Jamaica Inn.

How to Get to Looe, Cornwall

The Looe Valley Line offers one of the most scenic train journeys in Cornwall. Winding through the woods and rivers from Liskeard to Looe, it’s the perfect way to start your holiday in Looe! The train station is just a short walk from Looe Bridge, so you can arrive and start exploring right away!

To get from London to Looe, you can take a direct train from London Paddington to Liskeard (about 3 hours and 45 minutes) and hop on the Looe Valley Line! I always book my train tickets with Trainline.com!

Looe is easily found off the A38, the main car park for Looe is located in East Looe, next to Looe Bridge. It’s called the Looe Harbour Car Park, and if you arrive early, there are plenty of spaces available. If you want more of a scenic walk into the center of Looe, park in the Millpool Car Park in West Looe and walk along the side of the river into the center.

Regular bus services from neighboring towns and villages are frequent. The bus route numbers for Looe are 72, 73, 77, and 481. I like to use the First Bus Cornwall Bus Guide for routes and times.

Getting Around Looe

Once you’ve arrived in Looe, you can easily walk around, no need for public transport or driving from one side to the other. All the attractions and restaurants are in one central area. Just take note of where you are staying in Looe, because if your accommodation is at the top of the hill, remember you have to walk back up at the end of the day.

If you need to return to your accommodation and can’t make it up the hill because you’ve been walking around all day, you can head for the taxi rank in East Looe. It’s located just at the end of the bridge, but taxis can be sparse, so I wouldn’t completely rely on them!

Looe Water Taxi

If you are trying to get from one side of Looe to the other, you can take the water taxi! The locals run the service during high tide, and it’s only £1 each way!

You can catch the ferry from the river banks in front of Fore Street and the fire station in West Looe, or next to The Fish Market in East Looe. The journey only takes a couple of minutes, and the ferries will run until the tide is too low for the boats to travel.

Things to Do in Looe, Cornwall

There are plenty of things to do in Looe, so you can easily fill your day (or weekend) with lots of activities! You can spend the day at the beach or fill it with food and shopping. Why not take a boat trip to Looe Island? Or take a filming locations tour?

East Looe Beach

Since Looe is a harbor town, you wouldn’t think it would have a beach, but it does! And a really nice one too! The East Looe Beach is a large stretch of golden sand at the bottom of the town. It’s the perfect family beach because the bay is quite sheltered, so it’s nice for children to paddle around in!

There are cafes, arcades, pubs, and restaurants nearby, so you won’t get bored on your beach day!

Looe Boat Trips

There are plenty of options to take boat tours around the harbor and the surrounding area, so why not? When in Cornwall, am I right?! You can either have a relaxing boat ride, check out the marine life with a glass-bottom boat tour, even get up close and personal with the marine life during a scuba trip, or take an all-day excursion with a fishing trip.

The tours are locally run, and it’s a great way to see Looe and the Cornish Coast from a different perspective. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Looe!

Looe Island

This small island is only one mile off the coast of Looe, and it’s a nature reserve that you can visit during your trip to Looe! The Cornwall Wildlife Trust manages it, and therefore, you can only take their boats to the island.

The crossing takes about 20 minutes (always weather dependent, so keep an eye on the forecast), and you will be allowed to explore the island for 2 hours. The boat leaves from East Looe by the slipway next to the RNLI Lifeboat Station.

Upon arrival on the island, you will be required to pay a small fee and receive a trail guide for the walking path around the island. You need to return the guide when you leave Looe Island. There are no refreshments on the island, and if you bring anything, make sure you take your trash with you!

During low tide, you can technically walk to Looe Island; however, you are not allowed to walk there as this is a nature reserve with regulated visits.

For the most up-to-date information on Looe Island and the boat trip timetable (because it changes day to day), visit the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Website.

Wander the Harbor and Fish market

The seafood scene in Looe is one of my favorites in Cornwall… Looe is a fishing town after all. The fish industry could be considered the beating heart of Looe, with fishing boats coming in and out and fresh seafood available everywhere.

Pengelly’s is a must-visit if you are a seafood lover; all their seafood is brought directly to them from the small local fishing boats with the tide! Not only can you take home some fresh fish to cook for dinner, but you can also eat in there. The seafood platter is just out of this world!

The great thing about Pengelly’s is that they are family-run and have kept the fishing industry alive by purchasing the fish from local fishermen after the fish auction in Looe shut down in 2019, so you know all the seafood you are getting is in-season, sustainable, and completely fresh.

Explore West Looe and Hannafore Beach

West Looe is a lot quieter than East Looe because there aren’t a lot of options when it comes to shopping and dining, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it!

If you want to wander up the hills (they are very steep), you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of Looe above the rooftops. And if you know me, I love finding the best viewpoints everywhere I visit, and climbing to the top is one of the best things you can do in Looe!

You can also stick to the ground level and walk along the river, past The Sardine Factory, and say hi to the seal statue perched on the rocks overlooking the harbor.

Continue following the coastline and arrive at Hannafore Beach (about 15 minutes away) and soak in the views of Looe Island. It’s a rocky beach, so I would choose East Looe Beach if you want a beach day, but it’s lovely to take a stroll down to that side of Looe.

Indulge in the Vibrant Foodie Scene

I’ve been to almost every restaurant in Looe (even the ones that have since closed, RIP Sail Loft), and I have no doubt that Looe’s foodie scene is one of the best in Cornwall.

I’ve already discussed Pengelly’s, but there are many more restaurants where you can find local fish dishes and five-star meals.

Don’t worry, I’ll go into more detail later on in my Looe guide, so here is just a quick of some of your dining options.

One of my favorite restaurants is The Smuggler’s Cott, it’s got a great atmosphere and the food has been perfect every time I’ve eaten here… which is about 5 times now. I also recommend The Sardine Factory, it’s only open on select days, so you need to plan if you want to visit here. Fifty Looe is another great option, with 5-star gourmet dining for half the price!

If you are looking for quick nibbles, then head to Pengelly’s Lobster Shack or Sarah’s Pasty Shop!

Spend Your Pennies at the Local Shops

One of the things I love about Looe is the local experience you get. You’re not going to find chain stores lining the harbor; they’re all locally run!

And if you are looking for any maritime home decor, you’ve come to the right place! There are plenty of clothing stores to choose from, and if you want a little Looe souvenir to take home with you, you can find that here too! There’s also a Harry Potter-themed shop called Henrietta Pyewacket!

Afternoon Tea with a View

I’m a sucker for a good afternoon tea, and this is one of the best things I’ve done in Looe! Head on over to the Portbyhan Hotel and indulge in this dreamy tea time.

I chose to have the afternoon tea outside on their rooftop terrace, and no, I didn’t get attacked by the on-looking seagulls that were eyeing up my scones the entire time.

There is a lot of food involved in this afternoon tea, so make sure you come hungry! There is a selection of three different sandwiches, scotch eggs (which are AMAZING), sausage rolls, Cornish gouda fritters, and a collection of mini desserts. And, of course, you get scones with strawberry preserves and clotted cream.

You HAVE to pre-book the afternoon tea; you cannot just walk in and get it, no matter how slow the restaurant may seem.

Stroll Around East Looe

This is probably a pretty obvious thing to do in Looe, and you will be walking around and exploring anyway, but I just don’t want you to forget to walk down all the cute, narrow streets in East Looe.

Around every corner there is another alleyway with cute cottages lined with planters and maritime decor. It’s such a nice town to get lost in. I love strolling down different streets and looking at the names of all the holiday cottages and seeing all the bright blooms.

Walking Tour of Beyond Paradise Filming Locations

I’m a huge fan of Death in Paradise and Humphrey was one of my favorite detectives, so when they announced they were doing a spin-off called Beyond Paradise, I was more than excited! To top it all off, it was filmed in one of my favorite Cornish towns!

The fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbott is actually filmed in Looe (not sure why they just didn’t make it Cornwall?), and you will instantly spot some of the locations just casually walking around the town.

You can take your time by visiting all the filming locations in Looe, or you can sign up for the Brit Movie Tours’ Beyond Paradise tour!

The tour is 1.5 hours long and covers 2 miles. The tour is led by a local guide who will share insights into the filming of the show, as well as point out all the recognizable locations throughout the series. The tour is only available on select dates from March to October.

Walk the Coastal Path to Polperro

If you want to get your steps in for the day, then start on the South West Coast Path in West Looe and follow it along the rugged coastline, fields of wildflowers, and past hidden coves. The journey is not easy, and it’s a 5-mile hike, but at the end of your journey, you can enjoy everything the Polperro has to offer, a picture-perfect Cornish village with hidden caves and cute cafes.

Once you’re in Polperro, you don’t have to walk back if you don’t want to; you can take the frequent bus service to Looe.

Don’t forget to wear appropriate footwear, stay hydrated, bring some sunblock, and start early in the morning if you’re walking on a hot day!

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Looe, Cornwall

I’ve only touched a little bit on the foodie scene in Looe, but it’s unbelievable. And if you’re not a seafood fan, don’t worry, there are plenty of other options to choose from, but if you are a seafood lover, then it will feel (or taste) like heaven!

I also recommend making a dinner reservation for all these restaurants!

The Smuggler’s Cott

The Smuggler’s Cott has the best atmosphere of any restaurant in Looe. The cozy corners, the creaky floorboards, the hidden dining room in the cellar. It’s all a vibe. And the food is also delicious!

The Sardine Factory

Only open on select days, this restaurant in West Looe is the perfect choice for classy seafood options. The menu is fresh and seasonal, and the atmosphere is modern and airy. The cafe below the restaurant is also a really nice place to grab a coffee and enjoy the view!

Fifty Looe

Fifty is a family-run restaurant that feels like fine dining, but is also reasonably priced with that cozy home-cooked feel. It’s a small restaurant, so you will need to make a reservation if you are visiting during the summer months! It’s quite a small menu, but the dishes are vibrant and seasonal. If you are not a seafood fan, I highly recommend eating here!

The Fish Market

The Fish Market is owned by chef Fred Alsop, who grew up in the fishing industry. The menu is filled with fresh seafood small plates (think seafood tapas), and select bigger plates like lobster and steak. The restaurant is in a great location, right on the quay in East Looe.

Portbyhan Hotel

I’ve already raved about the afternoon tea (which you absolutely need to try!), but the hotel also has a great restaurant if you are not a fan of seafood. Yes, there are quite a few seafood dishes to choose from, but you will have a wider selection of non-seafood dishes compared to a lot of places in Looe!

Sarah’s Pasty Shop

If you love Cornish pasties, you HAVE to try one from Sarah’s! They are all made right in front of you, and they are STUFFED with fillings! You can get the classic Cornish pasty, or opt for one of the other flavors. It’s perfect if you want to grab a quick lunch so you can continue exploring Looe!

The Jolly Sailor Inn

This is a great watering hole! If I were a Jack Sparrow, I would love visiting this pub! If you want to eat here, you’ll find all the pub classics and a Sunday roast! But the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and it’s also one of the oldest pubs in the UK!

The Boscarn Pub and Beer Garden

This pub does sell food, but I don’t recommend it as there are plenty of better options in Looe. However, the beer garden here is amazing! It’s the best place to sit outside in the sun with a pint of rattler and enjoy the waves crashing onto East Looe Beach.

Where to Stay in Looe, Cornwall

There are so many amazing places to stay in Looe, and it’s in such a great area of Cornwall that you can extend your weekend break to longer so you can enjoy everything the area has to offer! Looe has always given me cottage core vibes, and staying in one of the cottages down a cozy, narrow street will make you want to quit your real life and move to the harbor town!

Fieldhead Hotel Looe: I have stayed here a few times, even before it was sold and refurbished. It’s a very modern boutique bed and breakfast perched on the hill in West Looe. Upgrade yourself to a balcony room with a view of the ocean and Looe Island! Trust me!

Beautiful Quayside Cottage: Wow, this place is so cozy and cute. The location is perfect, meaning you don’t have to walk up a massive hill every night after dinner! It’s also in the middle of everything on East Looe’s side.

Looe Self-Catering: This self-catering house is in a great location with an amazing view! And you gotta have an amazing view when you stay in Looe, right?!

Chy Pyscador: This is one of those cozy cottages down a narrow alleyway I was talking about… need I say more?

Cornwall Large Beach House: If you want a little more room or you have a large family, this beach house is perfect for you! It’s got a great view overlooking Looe and the balcony is perfect for enjoying sunset cocktails or dinner al fresco!

Day Trips From Looe, Cornwall

Looe is in a great location to explore other places in Cornwall, and if you are spending an extended time in Looe, you might as well take a look at what’s around you!

• Polperro: I’ve already mentioned Polperro, but you don’t have to walk there! It’s easy enough to take a quick drive or short bus ride to the village… which is one of the prettiest villages in Cornwall.
• Port Isaac: About an hour’s drive from Looe, Port Isaac is the filming location for Doc Martin. Beyond the TV set, the village is filled with charm, pretty views, and narrow streets.
• Tintagel Castle: Tintagel Castle is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The castle, now in ruins, is perched high on the clifftops with a modern footbridge that recreates the historic crossing from the mainland to the headland.
• St Nectan’s Glen: This is the perfect forest walk through the Cornish countryside. It’s an easy walk through the glen to get to the dramatic waterfall at the end.
• Charlestown:

Your Turn to Discover Looe, Cornwall

It’s easy to see why Looe has consistently gained popularity throughout the years. From sandy beaches to winding alleys to the delicious foodie scene to the filming locations for Beyond Paradise, this little town packs a lot of punch for its size!

Whether you are planning a day trip, weekend break, or longer holiday, I hope this Looe, Cornwall Guide has given you plenty of inspiration to plan your next trip! So now it’s over to you… so book that boat tour, reserve that table, and pack your bags for Looe!

And if you are planning your next trip to Looe, let me know in the comments below! I LOVE chatting with you! And follow along on Instagram or join in on the conversation over on Threads!

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