If you’re on the hunt for afternoon tea in Looe, whether it’s a fancy hotel experience or a cosy cuppa in a local tea room, this guide is your jam-tastic passport to sweet (and savoury) success. Let’s spill the tea…
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Let’s settle this before we even start: when it comes to a Cornish cream tea, jam goes on first, followed by a great, towering dollop of Cornish clotted cream. That’s the law in this part of the world – and no, we won’t be taking any Devonshire-style nonsense, thank you very much.
Afternoon Tea Looe
Afternoon tea in Looe is a delightful way to slow down and immerse yourself in the charm of this coastal Cornish town. Whether you’re craving dainty sandwiches, fresh-from-the-oven scones, or a traditional Cornish cream tea, the variety of options is sure to pique your interest and excite your taste buds.
Hannafore Point Hotel & Spa
This seafront spot isn’t just for spa days and stunning views – Hannafore Point Hotel serves a delightful afternoon tea, daily between 12.30 and 6pm. Think scones, sandwiches, cakes, and a lovely pot of tea with sea views. Book ahead to secure the best table with a view, and consider booking a massage while you’re at it. Cake tastes even better when you’re this relaxed.
📍 Marine Drive, West Looe PL13 2DG
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Portbyhan Hotel
A favourite restaurant in town for good reason. The Portbyhan Hotel afternoon tea is no average sarnie affair – we’re talking smoked salmon, peppered pastrami, curried egg and cress sandwiches, Cornish gouda and chive fritters, sausage rolls, a scotch egg… and that’s just the start. Add scones and clotted cream, cakes, desserts, and your choice of Cornish tea or cafetière coffee. Full? You will be. Served Monday to Saturday, until 4pm, for £25 per person.
📍 Quay Road, West Looe PL13 2BU
///connector.life.rope
The Original Looe Bakery
Want the best cream tea in Cornwall delivered to your door (or holiday cottage)? The Little Maid Cream Tea Box is your girl. It comes with four fluffy scones, Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream, jam, a luxury saffron loaf and four Cornish Tea bags. It’s the perfect picnic kit – no napkin required, just try not to eat it all before you find a scenic spot. It’s only £24.50, ideal for two. Pick up from the Original Looe Bakery or get free delivery on a Friday (within 6km).
📍 Fore Street, East Looe, Looe PL13 1DT
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Afternoon Tea Hamper
Devon Hampers sends the best of the South West to your front door. The cream tea and afternoon tea hampers include scones, clotted cream, and jam. There are also cheese hampers, chocolate, cider, and BBQ hampers.
Devon Hampers Promo Code
Get 5% off hampers or create your own. Order anything from a clotted cream tea for two or a large hamper full of goodies. There is no minimum order amount. Use DEVON5 at the checkout.
Afternoon Tea Near Looe
Afternoon tea near Looe offers the perfect excuse for a scenic detour and a tasty treat. From countryside hideaways to coastal gems, you’ll find indulgent spreads with all the classics.
Talland Bay Afternoon Tea
Tucked away in one of Cornwall’s prettiest corners, this is a more luxe take on tea. The Talland Bay Hotel menu features finger sandwiches (including pastrami, smoked salmon, and egg mayo), their signature sausage roll, scones, clotted cream, seasonal jam, and patisserie-style cakes. Fancy an upgrade? Add G&T, Cava or go full Champagne. It is available daily between 1 and 4pm, starting from £30 per person.
📍 Porthallow, between Looe and Polperro PL13 2JB
///investors.rinsed.smarter
🐾 Dog-friendly – mention when booking and you’ll be seated in The Conservatory
The Plantation Tearooms
A charming spot in a picture-postcard fishing village, perfect for a cuppa and cake after exploring. Ideal if you want to combine a wander with a relaxed tea room experience. No fuss, just really lovely teas, sweet treats, and plenty of Cornish character.
📍 The Coombes, Polperro PL13 2RG
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🐾 Dog-friendly
Clements & Hope
Known for their delicious homemade bakes and freshly baked scones, this place is a must-visit if you’re after the real deal. There’s something cosy and authentic about Clements & Hope – and that clotted cream might just be the thickest you’ve ever seen. No complaints.
📍 Fore Street, Polperro PL13 2QR
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🐾 Dog-friendly
Afternoon Tea St Austell
Okay, so Carlyon Bay Hotel is a little further afield. Still, it’s worth the detour if you prefer your afternoon tea with elegance and a stunning sea view. The offering is posh with a capital P – homemade scones, finger sandwiches, and a carousel of cakes including ruby chocolate choux buns and elderflower mousse. Plus, you can upgrade with bubbles. Because why not? Served daily between 2-6pm from £33 per person.
📍 Sea Road, Carlyon Bay, Saint Austell PL25 3RD
///masterful.president.lazy
The Best Cream Tea in Looe
There’s no shortage of contenders – here are a few more local tea rooms for your cream tea radar:
Miss Marple’s Tearoom
The name alone sets expectations: vintage vibes, proper tea pots, and generous helpings of jam and cream. It’s like stepping into an Agatha Christie novel, minus the murder mystery.
📍 Fore Street, Polperro PL13 2QR
///stoops.aboard.kings
🐾 Dog-friendly
Martin’s Dairy
Martin’s Dairy is a local favourite, and for good reason. Their cream teas, served daily with scones fresh from the oven, are legendary. When you visit, you’ll feel the warm welcome and the sense of community that locals and visitors alike love about this place.
📍 Martins Dairy, 1 Fore Street, East Looe PL13 1HH
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🐾 Dog-friendly
Sarah’s Pasty Shop
You might come for the pasties, but don’t overlook the sweet side – Sarah’s Pasty Shop offers a small but mighty cream tea setup, too. A good excuse to try both ends of the flavour spectrum.
📍 6 Buller St, East Looe PL13 1AS
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🐾 Dog-friendly – there’s even a treat jar!
Island View Café
As the name suggests, Island View Café serves up delicious bites alongside cracking views of Looe Island. It’s a laid-back, friendly café where you can enjoy light lunches, sweet treats, and cream teas, all set against a coastal backdrop. Ideal for refuelling after a walk along Hannafore.
📍 Marine Drive, Looe PL13 2DJ
///remaining.windmills.shields
🐾 Dog-friendly
The Lookout
Perched above East Looe, The Lookout lives up to its name with stunning panoramic views and a relaxed café vibe. Their homemade scones and cakes pair perfectly with a pot of tea, and there’s plenty of seating to soak in the scenery while you tuck in. A hidden gem for a peaceful afternoon pick-me-up.
📍 Seafront Court, The Quay, Looe PL13 1AL
///tour.eyepieces.nicely
🐾 Dog-friendly
Tea-Riffic Times in Looe
The food reviews speak for themselves! Whether you’re after five-star finesse or a rustic box of goodies to enjoy on the beach, afternoon tea in Looe has something for every tea lover.
Restaurants in Looe
Looe is packed with fantastic restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to classic pub grub. Whether you’re after fish and chips with a harbour view or a romantic candlelit dinner, there’s something for every palate. Standout spots include The Sardine Factory for modern coastal cuisine, The Ancient Mariner Bistro for hearty, locally sourced dishes, and Smugglers Cott, a charming 15th-century gem known for its seafood and steaks. With menus that celebrate Cornwall’s best produce, dining in Looe is a real foodie treat.
Get 50% off Food
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 25% off the food bill or 2-for-1 meals for the price of one at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Places to Eat in Polperro
Polperro may be a quaint fishing village, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to places to eat. From cosy pubs to seafood restaurants, there’s plenty to tempt your tastebuds.
For fresh, local seafood with harbour views, head to The Blue Peter Inn – a firm favourite known for its fish dishes and friendly atmosphere. Michelle’s Restaurant is a small, family-run gem offering beautifully cooked Cornish produce (booking ahead is a must!). The Three Pilchards is the oldest pub in Polperro, serving hearty pub classics with a rooftop terrace that’s perfect on sunny days.
Things to do in Looe
Looe may be small, but it’s bursting with things to do – whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or just a really good ice cream by the sea. There are plenty of things to do in Looe.
Wander through the narrow streets of East Looe, explore the independent shops, or take a stroll over the bridge to the quieter West Looe. Hop on a boat trip to spot seals and dolphins, or take the ferry across the harbour for unbeatable views. Looe Beach is perfect for sandcastle building and paddling, while nearby Hannafore offers rock pooling galore at low tide.
History buffs can visit the Old Guildhall Museum & Gaol, and nature lovers shouldn’t miss a coastal walk along the South West Coast Path or a visit to Looe Island (accessible by boat). Add in fishing trips, crabbing on the quay, and plenty of cream teas, and you’ve got the recipe for a proper Cornish day out.
Beaches near Looe
Whether you’re looking for sandy fun or a peaceful escape, the beaches near Looe have something for everyone.
East Looe Beach is the main sandy stretch right by the town – ideal for families, with safe swimming, nearby cafés, and bucket-and-spade vibes. Across the river, Hannafore Beach in West Looe is great for rock pooling and offers fantastic views of Looe Island (especially at low tide). A little further afield, Talland Bay is a quieter, sheltered spot between Looe and Polperro, great for a dip or paddleboarding.
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. Step into the world of DI Humphrey Goodman with the Beyond Paradise tour in Looe and the surrounding area, where you can visit filming locations from the hit BBC series. From picturesque harbours to cosy village streets, it’s a must-do for fans of the show!
Where 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.
Looe Bay Holiday Park
Caravan holidays are a brilliant option for dog owners. Not only do they give you the flexibility to bring your furry friend along, but they also offer a comfortable and convenient base to explore the stunning surroundings. We’ve stayed at Looe Bay Caravan Park three or four times over the last twelve years, including before we had a dog.
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 – perfect for self-catering holidays.
🐾 Dog friendly
Cornish Days Out
There are so many unusual things to do in Polperro; it’s full of surprises. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or just exploring solo, this charming Cornish town has something for everyone. So, the next time you visit Looe, be sure to venture off the beaten path and enjoy these unique activities.
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