The seaside town of Looe offers plenty of things to do for visitors and locals all year round.
Stand on the quayside and watch the boats return with fresh fish supplying the local cafes and restaurants. The town prides itself on its fresh fish; with award-winning fish and chips on offer near the river and gourmet menus in restaurants overlooking the harbour, you won’t be disappointed.
Looe is also a great place for walking. The South West Coast Path passes through the town, and there are countless walks in the beautiful countryside, or along the two rivers that flow inland.
For children, a safe sandy beach with rockpools provides hours of entertainment and there’s crabbing from the quayside. The Banjo Pier is iconic in Looe where you can walk up and down to take in the views of the town from the seaward side. This breakwater protects boats from stormy seas.
One mile offshore you can find Looe Island (also known as St George’s Island), which is part of the Whitsand and Looe Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). Here there is a variety of precious wildlife habitats including woodland, maritime, grassland, sand, shingle and rocky reef.
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- Carpark (Charges apply)
- Public Toilets
- Cafés (Open all year)
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Lifeguards (Summer only)
- Dogs allowed (All year)
- 5 minute walk from carpark
History of Looe
Looe’s history can be traced back to the medieval period when it was an important trading port for tin, copper and other minerals. The town also played a significant role in the smuggling trade, which was a common activity in Cornwall during the 18th and 19th centuries.
In the 19th century, Looe became a popular holiday destination, attracting artists and writers who were drawn to its picturesque scenery and charming character. The town’s harbour and beach were also popular with Victorian tourists, who came to enjoy the fresh sea air and take part in various water activities.
During World War II, Looe was an important base for Allied troops, who used the town’s harbour as a base for training exercises and for the embarkation of troops and equipment. In fact, the town’s beach was used as a training ground for the famous D-Day landings.
Today, Looe is still a popular tourist destination, known for its bustling harbour, beautiful beach, and quaint shops and restaurants. Visitors can also explore the town’s rich history at the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol, which features exhibits on Looe’s maritime heritage, the smuggling trade, and the town’s role in World War II.
Travel / Parking information for Looe
Directions to Looe
To reach Looe take the A38 from Plymouth towards Liskeard, then follow the A390 towards St Austell before turning onto the A387, which leads directly into Looe. This picturesque route offers glimpses of Cornwall's stunning landscapes. For those preferring public transport, Looe is accessible via train on the scenic Looe Valley Line, providing a direct link from Liskeard to the heart of Looe.
Parking for Looe
Parking in Looe can be found at the Millpool car park, located off the A387 just before entering the town center, which offers both short-term and long-term parking options. This large car park is a convenient option, with a short walk into the town or a shuttle service available during peak tourist season. Given Looe’s popularity, especially during summer and festivals, arriving early to secure a parking spot is recommended. The town also provides additional smaller car parks closer to the beach and harbour for shorter visits.
Watch an aerial video of Looe, Cornwall
The seaside town of Looe offers plenty of things to do for visitors and locals all year round whilst still retaining a working fishing port. The town is divided in two by the East Looe River, with East and West Looe.