11 Best Things to do in Looe, Cornwall

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When you think of quintessential English seaside destinations, Cornwall often takes centre stage. With sandy beaches, postcard-perfect towns, and hidden bays you wouldn’t believe are in England, it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the UK. It was my parents’ go-to summer holiday destination when I was growing up, so returning now felt almost like a reunion! 

Our base was the pretty town of Looe, nestled on the scenic south coast. Over the course of our stay, we meandered through its charming streets, explored its beautiful beaches, and uncovered all of the best things to do in Looe and the surrounding area.

Is Looe, Cornwall Worth Visiting?

100% yes! Looe is well worth visiting. It has everything you could want from a Cornish town. In the harbour, you can see small fishing boats bobbing about on the waves and the town itself is a collection of cute cobbled streets. 

You’ll find traditional pubs, ice cream parlours, and bakeries that fill the air with the irresistible smell of freshly baked Cornish pasties. There’s an array of unique, independently owned stores offering everything from souvenir magnets to elaborately hand-crafted tapestries.

As well as shops and eateries, the beaches near Looe don’t disappoint. There are wide stretches of sand and enchanting rocky coves that are absolutely stunning. Plus, if you enjoy breathtaking landscapes, you’re just a stone’s throw from Bodmin Moor where you’ll find vast expanses of open moorland, woodland walks, and waterfalls.

Where to Stay in Looe

One of the highlights of my trip to Looe was our accommodation. Whenever I travelled to Cornwall with my parents, we always stayed in little cottages, so this brought a delightful wave of nostalgia. Our stay in Barn Owl Cottage, by Classic Cottages, is undoubtedly one of the most charming cottages in Cornwall. 

Nestled just a 10-minute drive from the heart of Looe, it had a cosy living space downstairs with a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and lounge. There was a family bathroom downstairs too with a beautiful bathtub that I took full advantage of! 

There’s a twin bedroom next to the lounge that would be ideal for children. Upstairs was the large master bedroom, complete with an en-suite bathroom, skylight, and beautiful views over the Cornish countryside.

Outside, there was a secluded garden with a fire pit, seating area, and BBQ grill, perfect for al-fresco dining. There’s also a shared outdoor area with the neighbouring Bumblebee Cottage with a second fire pit, a large garden, several different seating areas, a swing set, and colourful flower beds. 

If you ever travel as a group, as I frequently do with my immediate family, you’d have the option to reserve both cottages, ensuring plenty of space for everyone. The shared outdoor space becomes an ideal spot for unwinding in the evening.

The whole place was beautifully decorated and very comfortable. On the second night of our stay, we opted for a quiet night in. It was so relaxing to have a delicious home-cooked meal and a glass of wine, followed by toasted marshmallows over the outdoor fire pit. 

All in all, we had a fantastic time in Barn Owl Cottage and I cannot recommend Classic Cottages enough.

For more cottages in Cornwall, click here.

Places to Eat in Looe

During your stay in Cornwall, you’d be missing out if you didn’t try some of the local cuisine. One of the best things to do in Looe is to sample the seafood and the restaurants don’t disappoint.

Here’s a selection of restaurants I recommend while you’re in Looe:

• The Ship Inn – A cosy place serving home-cooked pub food down Looe’s most central street. You’ll find traditional fish and chips, hearty pies, and many other classics.
• Smugglers Cott – One of the most historical places to eat in Looe, this restaurant has been going since 1420. They serve a delicious selection of dishes including seafood and steaks. They even have a carvery – perfect if you love a Sunday roast!
• Chennai Indian Fusion – If you want something a little different, try this Indian fusion restaurant. Serving traditional Indian recipes and a few more unique dishes (their Sea Bass curry is delicious), you don’t want to miss this place.

11 Things to do in Looe, Cornwall

Are you already sold on cute cottages and delicious fresh seafood? Well, prepare to be even more excited to visit this corner of Cornwall because these are the 11 best things to do in Looe:

1. Explore East Looe Beach

Easily walkable from the town centre (just follow the road signs leading to the seafront), East Looe Beach is one of the best places to visit in Looe. Its wide expanse of sand is framed by green hills and colourful houses. 

At one end of the beach, you’ll find the unique Banjo Pier, which you can stroll along for great views over the sand, the town behind you, and the harbour. 

You’ll find plenty of opportunities for watersports here, particularly in the summer months. It’s also a great spot for sunbathing and swimming in the ocean, and the gentle slope of the beach makes it good for families too. 

2. Take a Boat to Looe Island

If your passion lies in experiencing nature and wildlife, a journey to Looe Island is an absolute must. Also known as St George’s or even St Michael’s Island, this entire island is a designated nature reserve. 

It’s a haven for various species of fish, marine creatures, birds, plants, and insects. As the island is uninhabited, it provides the perfect place for wildlife to thrive. Access to the island is exclusively available through organised tours, making it a truly exceptional experience for enthusiasts.

3. Visit Talland Bay

Easily one of the best beaches I visited in Cornwall, Talland Bay is almost the complete opposite of East Looe Beach. Located about a 10-minute drive from the centre of town (or reachable via a scenic walk along the South West Coast Path), you’ll find a small cove surrounded by towering cliffs, trees, and beautiful countryside. 

There’s a paid car park as you arrive at the beach, and a little cafe, shop, and restroom. The seating area outside the cafe has a delightful coastal charm and some of the tables have been cleverly fashioned from converted beach huts.

The beach itself is sandy but also covered in quite a lot of seaweed, so you might need to search a little harder to find somewhere to place your towel! Still, if you aren’t too fussed about catching a tan, there’s a lot to do here. I could’ve spent hours climbing the rocks around the bay, looking in the rock pools, and admiring the kaleidoscope of colours on the cliffs. 

For those who love dramatic and secluded beachscapes with breathtaking scenery, Talland Bay is a true gem. It’s undoubtedly one of the best beaches near Looe.

4. Wander the Historic Old Town

Of course, your visit to Looe wouldn’t be complete without exploring the old town. We parked by the harbour, but there’s also a second larger car park, just outside the centre. From here, you can walk into town in about 5 minutes.

In Looe itself, there’s lots to explore. Treat your tastebuds to traditional Cornish delights such as pasties, Cornish ice cream and, my personal favourite, clotted cream fudge. Visit some of the restaurants for a spot of lunch or dinner. Grab a portion of chips and sit by the harbour front overlooking the fishing boats. Or simply wander the cobbled streets, window shopping for trinkets, and admiring the scenery. 

There are lots of little shops where you can buy souvenirs, ornaments, and fantastic hand-crafted homewares. And there’s also a lot of history in the town. Some of the restaurants date back centuries, and you’ll also find an old church and Guildhall that are perfect for diving into Looe’s past.

5. Visit the Looe Guildhall and Gaol

For those with a passion for history, this is easily one of the best things to do in Looe. It’s very affordable at only £3 admission and you can learn all about the history of the town. This includes how they built the old fishing boats, more about Looe Island, relics of World War II, and even the history of smuggling in Looe. 

The actual building is from the 15th century and the ancient mismatched brickwork, medieval coat of arms, and cannon outside are intriguing enough on their own. Once you get inside, the museum is spread over two floors. There’s also a gaol cell downstairs where prisoners used to be held.

6. Walk the South West Coast Path

Often said to be one of the best walks in the world – and certainly one of the best hikes in the UK – the South West Coast path is a must when in Cornwall. 

The total distance can take about 2 months to complete, so most people choose to hike sections instead of tackling the whole thing. In Looe, the most popular part to explore is the section between Looe and Polperro. 

Starting from the Looe railway station, this is roughly a 5-mile circular hike. Depending on your hiking ability, it takes around 3 hours, but the views are well worth it. You’ll also pass Talland Bay which is the perfect place to stop at the beach cafe for a cup of coffee and a sandwich.

The path snakes past several other gorgeous bays and clifftop viewpoints before reaching Polperro. The walk then circles back along a more inland trail, away from the coast. Of course, if you’d prefer the coastal views, you can always return the way you came!

The hike itself isn’t too tricky. There are a few steep sections but overall it’s an easy-moderate hike with breathtaking views. Just make sure to bring plenty of water!

7. Explore the Quayside

Do you fancy sitting by a sunlit quay savouring some fish and chips and watching the boats gently swaying on the waves? I love exploring quays and harbours and Looe’s was really pretty. 

Numerous benches line the waterfront, perfect for a picnic stop. Or for those seeking a more refined dining experience, several restaurants offer picturesque quayside views. You can also simply walk around the quay, exploring the shops and restaurants, and admiring the views.

8. Visit the Adrenalin Quarry

If you fancy trying something a little more exhilarating, the Adrenalin Quarry would be right up your street. Just a short 20-minute drive from Looe, this old, flooded quarry has been transformed into a fantastic adventure playground. 

Offering a range of rides from the thrilling zipline to the giant inflatable aqua park, Adrenaline Quarry promises an exciting day out for the entire family and is one of the best things to do in Looe. 

9. Take a Day Trip to Fowey

About a 50-minute drive west of Looe, you’ll find Fowey, another charming coastal gem in Cornwall. This town makes for a delightful day trip. You’ll find yet more gorgeous beaches, hidden bays (Lantic Bay, below, was my favourite in this entire area), water sports, and an aquarium. 

History enthusiasts can explore the castle, whereas if you prefer scenic viewpoints, head to Fowey Estuary. You could easily spend a day (or longer) exploring Fowey, so definitely don’t miss this spot if you’re in the area. 

10. Drive North to Bodmin Moor

Another enchanting corner of Cornwall that’s easily accessible from Looe is Bodmin Moor. Renowned for its rich smuggling history, imposing granite tors (including Cornwall’s highest peak) and vast, unspoiled moorland, Bodmin is a great place to visit if you enjoy the outdoors. 

This is another place that you could easily spend a few days exploring. There are plenty of walking trails across the moorland where you’ll find historical ruins, and stone circles, and wild ponies freely roaming the moor. There are also medieval bridges, picturesque valleys, ancient oak woodlands, and cascading waterfalls. It’s a nature lover’s paradise and one of the best spots to visit near Looe.

11. Take a Day Trip to Plymouth

Last but not least, Looe is just a short distance from Devon and, if you fancy a little taste of city life in southern England, take a day trip to Plymouth. Devon’s largest city is a vibrant contrast from the little town of Looe. It was bustling and rather busy in places, with sky-high university buildings and lots of shops and restaurants. But it still somehow managed to maintain a small-town vibe by the coast.

A must-visit in Plymouth is Plymouth Hoe, one of the prettiest parts of the city. Here, you’ll find a red and white striped lighthouse, an ancient fortified citadel, a lido, and a sprawling green parkland. History enthusiasts can explore the Royal William Yard and the Barbican, boasting some of England’s most charming cobbled streets. And for families, it’s also home to the largest aquarium in the UK.

*This post is sponsored by Classic Cottages. All opinions are my own.

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