Planning a trip to Looe with the little ones? Great choice! Whether you’re after sandy beaches, unique wildlife, or outdoor adventures, there’s plenty to do in Looe and the surrounding areas to keep yourself and the kids entertained. Here’s a guide to some of the best family-friendly activities near The Vale Peakswater, so you can make the most of your holiday.
Hit the Beach – East Looe Beach
(Author’s image)
Featuring golden sands and calm waters, East Looe Beach is the perfect spot for kids to run around, swim, and build sandcastles. It’s also really close to the town centre, so you can easily grab an ice cream or some local fish and chips after a long day on the beach.
Set Sail – Looe Harbour and Boat Trips
(Looe harbour in South-East Cornwall UK. (2024). Rachel Franco [Photograph]. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/looe-harbour-gm2178739515-598054752)
Looe’s bustling harbour is great for a wander, but the real fun is out on the water! Hop on a glass-bottom boat to spot fish, take a mackerel fishing trip, or cruise over to Looe Island for a mini adventure. The possibilities are endless; you might even spot a seal or two!
Discover Looe Island
(https://welcometolooe.com/explore/looe-island/)
Fancy a pirate-style expedition? Hop on a boat to Looe Island (aka St George’s Island), a peaceful nature reserve packed with wildlife. It’s the perfect place to stretch those little legs and go on a nature treasure hunt! Spot seabirds like cormorants and oystercatchers, and if you’re lucky, you might even see a grey seal lounging on the rocks. With scenic walking trails and a rich history (think early Christian settlements and smuggling tales), it’s an adventure for both kids and adults alike. Just remember to book your boat trip in advance – you don’t want to miss out on this hidden gem!
Woodland Adventures – Kilminorth Woods
(https://www.visitlooe.co.uk/see-and-do/kilminorth-woods-and-the-giants-hedge-p2932083)
If your kids love letting loose in nature, climbing trees and pretending they’re explorers, Kilminorth Woods is the place for them. This ancient forest has easy trails, plenty of wildlife (we’re talking deer, otters, kingfishers and woodpeckers), and lots of green open space for a picnic. Plus, it’s dog-friendly – we mean it when we say the whole family can come along.
Rock Pooling at Talland Bay
(https://cornwallone.co.uk/beaches/talland-bay/)
Looking for a peaceful spot to explore with the kids? Talland Bay is a little coastal gem nestled between Looe and Polperro, and it’s perfect for a day of family fun. Rock pools are basically nature’s playground, and Talland Bay is full of them. Bring a bucket and see if you can find crabs, starfish, or tiny fish hiding in the water. After exploring the rock pools, take a breather at one of the charming nearby beach cafes, or just enjoy the stunning views from the surrounding cliffs and coastal paths. Talland Bay’s relaxed vibe makes it the ideal retreat from the busy tourist beaches, offering plenty of space for everyone to unwind and explore.
Get Wild – Porfell Wildlife Park & Sanctuary
(https://www.visitlooe.co.uk/see-and-do/porfell-wildlife-park-and-sanctuary-p2931533)
Animal lovers, this one’s for you! Porfell Wildlife Park is home to meerkats, lemurs, owls, and more. While not in Looe, it’s only about a 10-minute drive from The Vale Peakswater. It’s a lovely place to see exotic animals up close and learn about conservation. There’s even a Maasai-style village for kids to explore. To make it even better, under 3s get in for free! You don’t want to skip this one.
Underwater Discoveries – Fowey Aquarium
(Children enjoying underwater life in Aquarium. (2021). galitskaya [Photograph]. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/little-boy-kid-watching-the-shoal-of-fish-swimming-in-oceanarium-children-enjoying-gm1306507500-397051832)
If you’re looking to branch out of Looe, why not try Fowey Aquarium? A small but fascinating aquarium that’s all about the sea creatures you can find in Cornish waters. Kids will love the touch pool, where they can meet crabs and starfish up close. It’s about a 30 minute-drive from The Vale, but it’s a great way to get out of the summer heat for a couple hours.
Your Next Family Adventure Starts Now
From splashing in the sea to meeting animals and exploring hidden caves, Looe is packed with family fun. One final piece of advice: if you’ve visited Looe before, you might remember the popular Monkey Sanctuary; unfortunately, it’s closed for the 2025 season, but there are still lots of other activities and trips to keep you busy.
Whether your little ones are beach bums, animal lovers, or mini explorers, there’s something for everyone – and plenty of chances for the grown-ups to enjoy a cream tea or a cheeky pint along the way!
