Looe is a small seaside town in South East Cornwall. It is split into two, East Looe and West Looe, with the river Looe running through the centre. The beauty spot has a rich history, fun attractions, activities, beaches and wonderful places to eat. There are plenty of things to do in Looe that will keep you entertained.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase or sign up for anything from this website, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Regular readers will know that I love visiting Looe, Polperro and Fowey. 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 fishing village at least once a year. Each trip is different, as there are plenty of things to do around Looe.
The town is a hilly landscape at the mouth of the River Looe. Here fishing boats bob on the water, children test their crab-catching skills on the quayside, and the narrow lanes high quaint local shops and cafes.
Beyond Paradise
You may recognise Looe as it is where the BBC’s Beyond Paradise is filmed. Shipton Abbot is a fictional town on the Devon coast. However, it is actually Looe in Cornwall. The series follows DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and fiancée Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton) in the years following their will-they-won’t-they romance in Death in Paradise.
Free things to do in Looe
East Looe Beach
Right in front of the old town is East Looe Beach. It has a gently sloping sandy beach, making it popular with families for swimming and building sandcastles. You’ll see paddleboarders and wild swimmers in the colder months. There are plenty of facilities nearby, but it is a walk from the car park (about 15 minutes).
Check out this list of all of the beaches near Looe.
🐾 There is an all-year ban; dogs aren’t allowed on the beach
Talland Bay
Talland Bay is a quiet beach between Looe and Polperro. It’s an Area of Outstanding Beauty and a Heritage Coast. The sandy beach is ideal for swimming when the tide is in. When the tide is out, you can see a boiler from a French steam trawler, Marguerite, which ran into the rocks in 1922. You’ll also be able to explore the rock pools and spot sea creatures, from hermit crabs to suckerfish.
There is roadside parking, a small car park near Smugglers Cottage, and pay and display at The Beach Cafe.
🐾 Dog-friendly all year
Don’t Get Caught Short 💩
Tuff Pets Dog Poop Bags are premium, extra thick, and environmentally friendly, providing a reliable and eco-conscious solution for pet waste. These zero-waste, home-compostable poo bags allow pet owners to care for their pets and the planet simultaneously, making walkies so much easier.
Millendreath Beach
Millendreath Beach, also known as Black Rock Beach, lies at the end of a wooded valley in a sheltered cove with soft sands and rock pools to explore during low tide. The beach is owned by Millendreath Beach Resort, which has accommodation with hot tubs, a bar, a café and a restaurant.
🐾 Dog-friendly
South West Coast Path
Even if you want to complete only some of it, you must see this South West Coast Path section. The route takes you past beaches, rockpools, remnants of shipwrecks and cosy fishing villages. It’s been praised as one of the best walks in the world.
🐾 Dog-friendly; however, there are some sheer drops, so it’s recommended to keep them on the lead
Unique things to do in Looe
Looe Island
I’ve never made it across to Looe Island. Our visits over the last few years have been in February or November. The island crossings are from Easter to the end of September when the tide is in. Owned by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, you can discover the remains of the Medieval Lamanna Chapel by following the trail guide offered upon landing. The return boat fee is £10 per adult and £5 per adult landing fee.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Looe Mystery Treasure Trail
Great for all ages, the Looe Treasure Trail will make you a detective for a few hours. It starts at Ferry Steps, and as you explore Looe, you’ll crack clues as you go along. There’s even a text message service if you get stuck. £9.99 for a print-at-home PDF.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Crabbing
Something I used to do as a child on holiday with my parents was crabbing. You can do this alongside the quayside on East Looe or near Ferry Steps in West Looe. Some nearby shops sell supplies or bring your own bait, weight, bucket and a little patience. Watching them scuttle back into the water when you let them go is fun.
Did you know if the crab has a triangular shape on its abdomen, it’s male, and a rounded shape means it’s female?
🐾 Dog-friendly
Indoor activities in Looe
If you’re looking for things to do in Looe in the rain, or if you’re lucky, to shade from the blistering heat, Looe has some things to do inside.
Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol
Like most Cornish seaside villages, Looe is known for smuggling. The Old Guildhall Museum, sometimes known as the Looe Museum, is open from March to October. The building retains many Medieval features, ancient cells and the raised magistrate’s bench. Exhibits include smuggling, stories from the court, WWI and WWII, canals, the Looe Railway and artefacts from the sea. All for only £2 per adult and children are free.
🐾 Dog-friendly, must be kept on the lead
Looe Heritage Centre
Located in The Old Sardine Factory in West Looe, the Looe Harbour Heritage Centre tells the maritime story of Looe. Within the building is Adventure Fit, a climbing wall on the ground floor, a coffee shop and a Michelin Guide restaurant.
The Centre is open from Easter to September, and you can visit for £2.50 per adult or £1 for 5-16-year-olds.
🐾 Dog-friendly, but they must be dry and on a lead
Things to do near Looe
Luckily, there are plenty of places to visit near Looe. Here are some of our favourite things to do.
Monkey Sanctuary, near Looe
The Monkey Sanctuary has been a home for rescued monkeys since 1964. It is home to 40 monkeys rescued from situations of abuse and neglect. The last few years have been tough for the charity; with COVID-19 and the increasing costs, it is appealing for us to help save the sanctuary. Make a donation or make sure you visit when you are in Looe.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Restormel Castle, Lostwithiel
I’m from Wales, the land of castles, but I never get bored visiting one. Restormel Castle is surrounded by a deep moat and perched on a high mound. With a circular shell of stone walls and staircases to climb.
It is an English Heritage site, so members get free entry, or you can pay a small fee. Not sure if membership is for you? I’ve done the leg work for you in National Trust Vs English Heritage.
🐾 Dog friendly
English Heritage Offer
English Heritage Deals: Get 15% off gift and annual memberships by using the promo code EHAFF25 at the checkout. It is valid until 30 January 2025. Making a single membership £54 per year and a couple’s membership £94.50. Get yours here.
Use Top Cash Back when purchasing your membership
I’ve been a member of TopCashBack UK for several years and, to date, have earned over £1000 from it. Trust me, it’s a no-brainer, and you can make extra money by shopping online.
St Catherine’s Castle, Fowey
In the charming fishing village of Fowey, above Readymoney Cove, is St Catherine’s Castle. Although it was built by King Henry VIII around 1530 and designed to defend Fowey Harbour from the French invasion, construction took time. It was also a garrison during the English Civil War. Plus, there’s free entry. There are so many things to do in Fowey. Don’t forget to get the ferry to Polruan and explore there too!
🐾 Dog friendly
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Adrenalin Quarry, Liskeard
Adventure fans of all ages have to check out Adrenalin Quarry. It is a gravity park, water park, race track and wild swimming with spectacular views and picnic spots. It has free entry, with payable activities.
🐾 Dog-friendly, must be kept on the lead
Porfell Wildlife Park, Liskeard
The family attraction, Porfell Wildlife Park, offers sanctuary to many different animals from around the world. They might have been neglected, injured, imported illegally, or no longer wanted. Get up close to meerkats, monkeys and hundreds of exotic animals. It is open from April to the end of October. Adults are £11 each, and children aged 3-15 are £8.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Carnglaze Caverns, Liskeard
The former slate mine is part of Cornwall’s industrial heritage. Go on a self-guided underground tour of Carnglaze Caverns to learn how the mine worked, ending at the Underground Lake, which has crystal clear green/blue water. You can also wander through the Terrace Garden that leads up to the Enchanted Dell. Follow the Woodland Walk through Quarry Wood to a panoramic view of St Neot Village.
🐾 Dog-friendly in the outdoor areas
Looe Valley Vineyard, Liskeard
Looe Valley Vineyard creates high-quality wines. It’s open all year round, but from May to September, there are tours. The tour lasts for about two hours and includes a vineyard tour, a talk about wine making and tasting.
🐾 Dog-friendly, they get water instead of wine. Just mention that you’ll be bringing your dog when booking.
Mount Edgcumbe, Torpoint
Explore the house and grounds of Mount Edgcumbe. The Grade II listed building and Grade I parks and gardens is along a remote coastline and above secret beaches and smugglers’ coves. Walk through history at the ancestral home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe. You can even get there by ferry or boat trip from Plymouth. It’s open Tuesday-Thursday and Sundays between April and September for guided tours for £9.50 per adult. The country park is free every day of the year.
🐾 Dog-friendly, must be kept on the lead
The National Trust Cotehele
The historic Cotehele estate has a truly magical atmosphere. The stone walls rise into the sky and almost glint in the sunlight. Wander through the various rooms, marvelling at the intricate tapestries, elegant furnishings and stunning views from the windows. Head down through the woods to the quay and mill, which has been restored.
🐾 Dog-friendly, they can go everywhere apart from the formal garden, orchards and house.
Restaurants in Looe
Whether you are eating in one of the pubs or the restaurants, you can expect decent, local food. On every visit, I get a crab sandwich from The Sandwich Bar on Quay Street. There are no seats; it’s takeaway only. However, there are seats nearby where you can enjoy the scenery – and dodge the seagulls!
All of the places to eat in Looe.
The Old Sail Loft is an atmospheric fine-dining restaurant. Whereas the Sardine Factory is in the Michelin Guide. Our favourite pubs to eat in are the Smugglers Cott and the Ye Olde Salutation Inn. Whereas Pepe’s Tex-Mex Kitchen, a Mexican restaurant on Higher Market Street, was a fantastic find.
🐾 Most are dog-friendly
Things to do in Polperro
With narrow streets, pretty cottages that cling to the hillside, and a harbour, Polperro is undeniably attractive. You can’t drive into the village (there is a pay and display car park), meaning you explore on foot. Alongside shops, there are plenty of places to eat in Polperro and many things to do in Polperro.
It is a short 10-minute drive to Polperro. There are also regular buses and local taxi companies (which are dog friendly). For those who are more adventurous, you can walk along the West Coast Path and enjoy the incredible sea views. This takes about an hour and a half.
🐾 The village is incredibly dog friendly, including tourist attractions, pubs and restaurants
Things to do in Gunnislake
About 35-minutes from Looe is Gunnislake. It is a picturesque location nestled in the countryside, making it easy to visit many of the local Cornish towns and villages. There are miles of attractions to explore, including Tavistock, Plymouth and Cotehele.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Places to Stay in Looe
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. However, there are plenty of holiday parks in Looe.
Places to Visit in Cornwall
If you are travelling through the county, here are some other ideas:
- Things to do in Newquay
- Explore Padstow
- Healeys Cyder Farm – Tour and Tasting
- Things to do in Bude
- Things to do near Gunnislake
- Free things to do in Plymouth
- Dog friendly restaurants in Plymouth
- Everywhere you can enjoy afternoon tea in Plymouth
Do you want to be the first to read my latest blog posts? If you have enjoyed reading about the things to do in Looe, you can stay updated with my other travel features by signing up for my mailing list:
Follow me on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Related Articles
English Heritage places to visit in Devon
