It’s no secret, but I feel like Polperro in Cornwall is my second home. I usually hate revisiting the same places again and again. Especially as there is so much more I’d love to explore. However, I try to get to the tiny fishing village at least once a year. Each trip is different as there are plenty of things to do in Polperro.
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With narrow streets, pretty cottages that cling to the hillside, and a harbour, Polperro is undeniably attractive. You can’t drive into the village, meaning you explore on foot. Alongside shops, there’s also a newsagent, bakeries and plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants. There are plenty of places to eat in Polperro, and the food quality is outstanding.
Things to do around Polperro
Polperro finds its roots in medieval times. It is known for its history of smuggling, including tobacco, brandy and gin. The working harbour still has pride of place in the village today, and you can even purchase fresh fish caught in the area. Today, plenty of attractions will satisfy solo travellers, couples and the family.
The Net Loft
Chapel Rock, also known as Peak Rock, is at the entrance to the harbour. Nestled into the rocks is The Net Loft, the Grade II listed building is thought to have been a chapel. In recent years, before it was abandoned, the ground floor was used to store sails and pilchard nets. It may have also been a lighthouse. Now looked after by the National Trust, it has been restored.
🐾 Dog friendly – it is narrow and rocky, so it’s best to keep them close.
Chapel Cliff Walk
A challenging coastal walk, where the sea views will make up for any exertion. Follow the route; as you take the steps up the hill, blocked-off caves are on the right-hand side. You’ll pass through an area where the fishermen used to have allotments and then into woodlands.
🐾 Dog friendly
Polperro Heritage Museum
The Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing is located in The Warren overlooking the harbour. The museum is in an old pilchard factory. It has a collection of exhibits showcasing Polperro’s history. There is also a remarkable collection of photographs dating back as far as 1860. The highlight for me is the model ships. I would have zero patience (or skill) to build one myself, but I can appreciate the details.
Open Easter to October between 1030 and 1630.
Adults are £3 and under 16s are free.
🐾 Dog friendly
Ebenezer Gallery Polperro
One of the things to do in Polperro in the rain is visiting Ebenezer Gallery. Or a sunny day too. The gallery exhibits work created by East Cornwall Society of Artists members. The building was originally a chapel but closed in the 1930s before becoming a builder’s workshop. Displays are across two floors and include paintings, glass wear and ceramics. There’s also a shop.
Open Easter to October between 1100 and 1600.
🐾 Dog friendly
Polperro Model Village
I once stayed in a hotel which overlooked the Polperro Model Village and Land of Legend, so I have seen it from above. It has been a Cornish tourist attraction since the 1940s and has survived fire and floods. Alongside this is a model railway that will give you a unique opportunity to learn about the legends and superstitions of Cornwall.
Open Easter to November between 1030 and 1700. (Closed on Saturdays)
Adults are £3, children and seniors are £2.
🐾 Dog friendly
South West Coast Path
The south coast walk will take you past beach rockpools and remnants of shipwrecks. The Polperro to Looe walk along the South West Coast Path, or vice versa, is brilliant for those who want to do something more energetic. Some steep hills can cause legs to complain, but it will be worth it. The walk takes about 90 minutes. About halfway is Talland Bay, where you can get a drink and use the facilities if needed. Don’t want to do the walk back? Get a bus or a boat trip.
🐾 Dog friendly
Shell Cottage
During your visit, you’ll want to admire Shell Cottage. The house features a depiction of Eddystone Lighthouse and took five years to complete in the 1930s. Samuel Puckey, a retired sailor, did the design.
Take a Fishing Trip
Pulling into Polperro harbour from the sea is an unforgettable experience, even more so if you bring back a bucket of fish you caught yourself. It’s easy to book a fishing trip or pleasure cruise from the quayside. You’ll find boards with trip details and mobile numbers around the harbour. The highlight of my holiday is a boat trip.
🐾 Dog friendly
Coffee Cake Create
Not only does the Coffee Cake Create serve fantastic coffee and homemade cakes, but it’s also somewhere to get creative. For younger visitors, free activities are available throughout the day, giving parents a few moments of peace. From April to October, art classes and workshops are tailored to beginners running two nights a week starting from £35.
🐾 Dog friendly
Shops in Polperro
If retail therapy is your thing, you will be spoilt shopping in Polperro. I’ve rummaged through the antiques in Car Booty, bought vintage china in Tussie Mussie, and memorabilia for our garden pub in Polperro Home and Garden. There’s also clothing, sweet treats, art, jewellery, souvenirs, local food and drinks, including homemade chilli sauce.
Pubs in Polperro
Ok, I’m going to level with you; I love pub crawling through Polperro. It starts at the Crumplehorn Inn, the start of the village, by the car park and bus stop. Highlights along the route are the Ship Inn, which hosts live music and themed parties throughout the year, and the Three Pilchards, a small pub with a fantastic beer garden that goes upwards. You’ll end up at the Blue Peter Inn.
🐾 Dog friendly. Most pubs have bowls of water and even treats behind the bar.
Restaurants in Polperro
Whether you are eating in one of the pubs or the restaurants, you can expect decent, local food. Couch offers fine dining with a 4-course set menu, and Nelson’s is the longest-established restaurant in the village. Another top spot is Michelle’s, which specialises in fish caught on their own boats. However, there are plenty of places to eat in Polperro for you to try.
🐾 Most are dog friendly
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Things to do in Polperro and Looe
As a small village, if you stay for a few days, you’ll want to explore further afield and look for things to do near Polperro. One of the most obvious choices is things to do in Looe. Explore East and West Looe, the Old Guildhall Museum and Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary. Further afield are the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Places to visit near Looe and Polperro
Fowey is one of the beautiful places near Polperro. You can take a boat trip here and explore the town centre. I generally drive and park at Readymoney Cove. From here, you can discover St Catherine’s Castle, an artillery fort built by King Henry VIII. Another of the places to visit near Polperro is Restormel Castle.
Places to Stay in Polperro
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date and are usually displayed per room rather than per person. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
National Trust Holidays
You can stay in cottages, converted farmhouses and campsites in Looe or Fowey with National Trust Holidays. With countryside views, you’ll have all the facilities and home comforts to hand. Including patio areas or gardens and BBQs to enjoy in warmer weather.
National Trust Promo Code
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
Cornwall Hideaways
Cornwall Hideaways have a massive selection of luxury holiday homes to make your next staycation perfect. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll be able to find properties with the things on your tick list, including dog-friendly, sea views, walking routes or even a log fire. There are barn conversions, cottages, lofts and manor houses.
Sykes Cottages
Sykes Cottages has over 17,500 holiday cottages to rent across the UK, including in Polperro, Looe and the surrounding areas. There are pet-friendly cottages, large holiday homes and even houses with hot tubs. They’ve been operating for over 30 years, so you know you’re booking is in good hands.
Parkdean Resorts
I have stayed at Looe Bay Holiday Park. You can even walk to Polperro from here; it is all downhill and takes about 60 minutes. I’d recommend booking a taxi to come home to avoid the steep climb. The caravan park and lodges have a children’s play park, indoor swimming pool, tranquil gardens, pub and restaurant. It is a short drive to Polperro.
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
Create your Itinerary
Using TripAdvisor when booking a hotel allows you to access a wealth of reviews and ratings from fellow travellers, helping you make an informed decision on where to stay, while also providing recommendations and insights on planning things to do during your trip.
Last Minute Deals
You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price. When booking a hotel, utilising LastMinute enables you to secure fantastic deals on accommodations, ensuring a budget-friendly and spontaneous travel experience.
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