The best way to spend a day in and around Looe, Cornwall

Looe is a charming harbour town on the south coast of Cornwall, where history, nature and local culture come together for the perfect day out. Whether you're wandering the narrow streets, crabbing on the quay, or exploring the beaches and coast path, there are plenty of things to do in Looe for every kind of guest. The Vale is about 5 miles away, so it makes an easy, peaceful base for exploring Looe and the surrounding area.

Here's our guide to the best things to do in and around Looe, from rainy day ideas to beaches, boat trips and family days out.

Discover Looe's history

Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol

Start your day at the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol on Fore Street in East Looe. Set in a 15th-century listed building, this little museum gives a glimpse into the town's past. Learn about local smuggling legends and peek inside the old prison cells.

Old Sardine Factory Heritage Centre

Across the river on the quay in West Looe, the Old Sardine Factory Heritage Centre tells the story of Looe's maritime and fishing history. You'll also find a climbing wall and restaurant on site.

Looe beaches and the coast

East Looe Beach

No visit to Looe is complete without some time by the sea. East Looe Beach is a sheltered bay with golden sand and rock pools at low tide, flanked by the famous Banjo Pier. Spend the morning in the rock pools, then enjoy a Cornish ice cream or fish and chips from one of the cafés nearby.

Hannafore Beach

On the West Looe side, Hannafore Beach is a quieter stretch of shingle known for its rock pools and views across to Looe Island.

Millendreath Beach

Just east of the town, Millendreath is a sheltered cove with watersports hire and a beach café.

Walk the South West Coast Path

The coastal path from Looe to Polperro is one of the most beautiful walks in Cornwall, with sea views, wildflowers and secret coves along the way. The walk is around 5 miles, with benches and viewing points along the way. Stop at Talland Bay for a picnic, or turn back at any point for a shorter walk.

Boat trips, crabbing and wildlife

Looe Island

Looe Island is a marine nature reserve managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and you can only visit on official organised trips. Boat trips from the quay show you wildlife and viewing points along the way, from seals on the rocks to seabirds on the island.

Fishing and boat hire

Try mackerel fishing on a trip from the harbour, or hire a self-drive boat to explore the river.

Crabbing on the quay

Crabbing is a Looe tradition and a favourite with children. Bring a line, bait and a bucket, find a spot on the quay and see who catches the most.

The Monkey Sanctuary

Run by the charity Wild Futures at Murrayton House near Looe, the Monkey Sanctuary cares for rescued monkeys of several species. A heartwarming visit for all ages.

Porfell Wildlife Park and Sanctuary

If you're travelling with little ones or simply love animals, don't miss Porfell Wildlife Park, a family-run sanctuary just up the road from The Vale.

Food, drink and local flavours

For something a little different, visit Copperfish Distillery in Looe, an award winning craft distillery making Cornish gins and vodkas with local botanicals. Book a tasting and take a bottle back to your deck at The Vale. For the best places to eat, see our guide to restaurants and cafés in Looe.

Things to do near Looe

Here are our favourite things to do near Looe, all an easy drive from The Vale.

Polperro

About 4 miles from The Vale, Polperro is one of Cornwall's most picturesque fishing villages, with whitewashed cottages, narrow lanes and a tiny working harbour. Arrive early in summer, as it gets busy.

Fowey

Fowey is a pretty estuary town known for sailing, independent shops and its literary history.

The Looe Valley Line

Take a scenic train ride along the Looe Valley Line between Looe and Liskeard. The branch line follows the river through wooded valleys.

Kilminorth Woods and Deerpark Forest

For woodland walks, Kilminorth Woods runs along the West Looe river, with peaceful trails and birdlife. Deerpark Forest, close to The Vale, is perfect for a morning walk with the dog.

The Eden Project

Around 30 minutes' drive from The Vale, the world-famous Eden Project is one of Cornwall's most iconic attractions. Its giant biomes make it a great day out in any weather.

Things to do in Looe when it rains

There are still plenty of things to do in Looe on a wet day. Visit the Old Guildhall Museum or the Heritage Centre, book a gin tasting at Copperfish, or head to the indoor biomes at the Eden Project. Our rainy day guide has more ideas.

Things to do in Looe with kids

Looe is brilliant for families. Go crabbing on the quay, explore the rock pools on East Looe Beach, take a boat trip to spot seals, or meet the animals at Porfell and the Monkey Sanctuary. For more ideas, see our guide to activities for kids near Looe.

Make The Vale your base near Looe

The Vale by Ohana Mua is a peaceful countryside retreat about 5 miles from Looe and 4 miles from Polperro and Fowey, and 3 miles from the nearest beach. Choose from nine lodges and cottages, each with its own outdoor copper bath or private hot tub, a Ninja BBQ and private outdoor space. Dogs are welcome, up to three.

After a day exploring Looe, come home to a BBQ on the deck and a soak under the stars. Check availability and book direct.

Looe: good to know

How far is The Vale from Looe?

The Vale is about 5 miles from Looe, around a 15-minute drive.

Can you walk from Looe to Polperro?

Yes. The South West Coast Path links Looe and Polperro, a walk of around 5 miles with beautiful sea views.

Can you visit Looe Island?

Yes, but only on official organised trips, as the island is a nature reserve managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Rainy day? Step back in time at the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol.

Film fan? See which TV shows and films were made around South East Cornwall.