Looe basking in the sunshineDivided into East and West Looe, these delightful towns are stacked with traditional 16th and 17th century buildings, lining the waterfront. Looe’s magical setting by the river makes it feel like a secret escape. A perfect blend of woodland, moorland and beaches make this the ideal holiday destination.
Looe is a fantastic place for families. Pay a visit to the Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary for a unique day out. Home to 39 charming monkeys, you can even meet them and find out more from their keepers. Looe Music Festival is another key event to keep an eye out for. Having welcomed big name acts such as the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Proclaimers and Johnny Marr, festival fans will not want to miss this. For a more seasonal event, Looe is renowned for hosting one of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations in the UK. Don’t forget your fancy dress and head into the centre for a good party.
For a traditional coastal holiday activity, why not take the opportunity to go crabbing at Looe harbour? Stretching up to the stunning Victorian bridge, the harbour is an ideal spot to relax and watch the world go by.
You'll often find families crabbing in the harbour
Nearby, the Looe Island Nature Reserve is a beautiful spot to observe some of Cornwall’s resident marine life. With grassland, sandy, shingle and rocky reefs to explore, keep an eye out for seals, oystercatchers, butterflies and a plethora of flora and fauna. If you’d like to explore the beaches nearby, you’re not too far from resident Looe beach, Plaidy, Hannafore, Millendreath and Talland Bay.
“Set across both sides of the River Looe, this magnificent town is renowned for its sumptuous local food, beaches and beautiful vistas.”
Seafood restaurants, gastropubs and quaint cafes can all be found in Looe’s bustling centre, offering unique twists on classic Cornish food. Squid Ink is one such place. This intimate restaurant can only seat 28 and specialises in local fish and seafood. So if sautéed black tiger prawns in garlic butter or pan-fried sea bass fillet with squid ink pasta sound like your type of thing, don’t miss out on a visit.
The Smugglers Cott is another renowned eatery in Looe. Built in 1420, this quirky restaurant serves more traditional British food, such as breast of Barbary duck or rib roast carveries. For a more informal dining experience, grab a takeaway from The Coddy Shack. With an extensive yet traditional seaside menu, this is the perfect dish to enjoy on Looe Beach.