Over many visits to Cornwall, I have seen many places and these are the best things to do in Looe, as well as others nearby. Cornwall is a destination in Britain that’s close to my heart, as this region is part of where my father’s side of the family comes from.

Looe is a charming coastal town, known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque harbour, and laid-back atmosphere.

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Things To Do In Looe

Looe is one of the best seaside towns in Cornwall and should be on your list of places to visit in the southwest of England.

To be honest, there are not a lot of things to do in Looe itself, but there are a lot of places to visit nearby, so this article will be about some things to do in Looe and other things to do nearby Looe.

Things to do in Looe, Cornwall. Looe harbour.

Looe Old Town

The narrow streets of Looe’s old town are filled with colourful buildings, shops, cafes, and traditional pubs and is a lovely area of Looe to explore on foot, and you can find unique souvenirs and local crafts in the quaint shops.

Wandering the old town is one of the best things to do in Looe itself.

Looe to Polperro Hike (or Drive)

The hike from Looe to Polperro is a popular coastal walk in Cornwall, offering stunning scenery along the way.

The distance from Looe to Polperro via the South West Coast Path is approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometres). The hike typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops along the way.

Follow the South West Coast Path signs as you make your way eastward along the coast. You’ll pass through a mix of coastal woodlands, fields, and cliffs.

About halfway between Looe and Polperro, you’ll come across the picturesque Talland Bay. It’s a great spot to take a break, enjoy the views, and perhaps have a picnic.

After leaving Talland Bay, follow the South West Coast Path to Polperro. You’ll encounter some steep descents and ascents as you approach Polperro, but the panoramic views of the coastline are well worth the effort.

Your hike will bring you to the village of Polperro, known for its narrow streets, cottages, and fishing history. Take some time to explore the village, visit the small harbour, and perhaps have a meal or refreshments at one of the local pubs or cafes.

Relax at Looe Beach

Looe Beach is one of the main attractions in Looe and offers a beautiful spot to relax, swim, and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

Looe Beach is situated in the eastern part of the town, known as East Looe. It is easily accessible and within walking distance from the town centre, making it a convenient destination.

The beach is set in a sheltered bay and is framed by cliffs, providing a stunning backdrop. The cliffs and surrounding landscape make it a scenic place to relax and take in the views of the sea.

Looe Beach is a sandy beach, making it ideal for sunbathing, building sandcastles, and playing beach games. The sand is clean and well-maintained, providing a comfortable place to spread out and enjoy the sun.

Take a Boat to Looe Island

Take a boat trip to Looe Island, also known as St. George’s Island, which is a nature reserve managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

It is a designated nature reserve and is known for its rich wildlife, stunning natural beauty, and historical significance.

Looe Island is situated approximately a mile off the coast of Looe. It is easily visible from Looe Beach and the surrounding areas.

Looe Island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The island is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Additionally, it hosts a colony of grey seals, which can often be spotted sunbathing on the rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters.

The island has been designated as a nature reserve, and access is restricted to protect its fragile ecosystem. Visitors are only allowed on the island by guided tour or with special permission.

Guided tours to Looe Island are available from Looe. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the island’s history, geology, and wildlife. They also lead visitors through the island’s various habitats, including woodland, grassland, and rocky shoreline.

Looe Valley Line

The Looe Valley Line is a scenic branch line that connects Looe to the mainline railway network at Liskeard, which is located approximately 15 miles (24 kilometres) away. The Looe Valley Line is known for its picturesque views of the Cornish countryside and its proximity to the coastline.

The Looe Valley Line travels through the beautiful Looe Valley, offering you stunning views of rolling hills, wooded areas, and the river as it meanders through the valley.

The Looe Valley Line is also classified as a heritage railway due to its historic significance and its use of older rolling stock. It adds to the charm of the line and gives you a sense of travelling back in time.

The train service on the Looe Valley Line typically operates year-round, but the frequency of services may vary depending on the season. It’s advisable to check the latest timetables and schedules before planning a journey.

The Looe Valley Line provides both residents and visitors with a convenient and scenic way to explore this part of Cornwall. It’s a popular route for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the region and the charm of Looe itself.

Get some Fish Fish at Pengelly’s Fishmongers

Unless you’re vegetarian or vegan, or don’t eat fish, then a trip to the seaside would not be complete without some fresh seafood. Pengelly’s Fishmongers is an excellent place to go for some freshly caught fish.

Looe is famous for its fishing heritage and you can even consider booking a fishing trip to try your hand at catching your own mackerel, cod, or other local fish. It could be one of the best things to do in Looe!

Visit Looe Museum

Learn about the town’s history and maritime heritage at the Looe Museum, which features a collection of artefacts and exhibits.

The building that houses the museum is itself a historic structure dating back to the 16th century. It was originally constructed as a guildhall and later served as a magistrate’s court and a jail.

The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics related to the history and culture of Looe and its surrounding area. You can find displays on local industries, maritime history, fishing, the town’s development, and more.

The Looe Museum plays an important role in preserving and sharing the local heritage of the town and its residents. It helps you gain a deeper understanding of the traditions, customs, and way of life in this part of Cornwall.

Looe Coastal Walks

Looe is situated on the South West Coast Path, making it a great place for hiking and enjoying breathtaking coastal views. Walking is one of the best things to do in Looe area.

The Hannafore to Talland Bay Walk takes you along the coast to the beautiful Talland Bay. Along the way, you’ll pass by the striking Banjo Pier and enjoy views of the coastline. Talland Bay is known for its beach and the historic Talland Church.

The Coastal Path to Seaton and Downderry takes you eastward from Looe along the South West Coast Path towards the villages of Seaton and Downderry. It offers a mix of coastal views, woodlands, and open countryside.

The Lantic Bay Walk is a longer and more challenging coastal walk. It’s a beautiful, secluded beach located between Looe and Fowey. The walk involves some steep descents and ascents, but the views of the bay and the surrounding cliffs make it worthwhile.

The Millendreath to Plaidy Beach Walk Starting at Millendreath Beach, this coastal walk takes you along the South West Coast Path to Plaidy Beach. It’s a relatively short walk with lovely sea views and a chance to explore the beaches along the way.

The Looe to Portwrinkle Walk takes you to a small coastal village. It’s a longer walk but provides stunning coastal scenery and the opportunity to visit Portwrinkle’s beaches.

Visit Looe Monkey Sanctuary

Visit the Looe Monkey Sanctuary in nearby St. Martins, where you can see rescued monkeys and learn about primate conservation efforts. This is great if you’re with children.

It is a specialized facility dedicated to the care and conservation of various species of monkeys and primates, as well as other animals. The sanctuary’s primary mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for these animals while also educating the public about their conservation and welfare.

The Looe Monkey Sanctuary offers educational programs and opportunities for you to learn about primates, their natural habitats, and the importance of conservation efforts. Visitors can gain insight into the lives and behaviours of the resident monkeys through guided tours and educational displays.

In addition to providing permanent homes for rescued primates, the sanctuary is involved in conservation and rehabilitation efforts. They support initiatives aimed at preserving primate species in the wild and work to raise awareness about the challenges facing primates due to habitat loss, deforestation, and illegal wildlife trade.

Looe Harbour Heritage Centre

The Looe Harbour Heritage Centre can be found in the Old Sardine Factory by the quay in the west part of Looe.

Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Looe if you have an interest in the maritime history of the region, and of course given the name, sardines as well

There is also a good coffee shop to take a break in when visiting or passing by.

One Extra: Go Wine Tasting at Looe Valley Vineyard

Things to do in Looe, Cornwall. Wine tasting.

This is obviously one for the adults out of the things to do in Looe. It’s located outside of the town and is an excellent option for some wine tasting in the region.

The Looe Valley Vineyard was started in 2008 and has summer tours available between May to September.