Looe is a coastal town in south-east Cornwall, located on the English Channel between Polperro and Seaton. It is divided into East Looe and West Looe by the River Looe, connected by a bridge and ferry. The town has a working fishing harbour and functions as both a traditional fishing community and a small seaside resort.
About Looe
Looe is arranged around its estuary and harbour, with most visitor facilities concentrated in East Looe. This side contains the main beach, shops, restaurants and narrow streets leading down to the waterfront. West Looe is quieter and more residential, with access to coastal paths and views across the river.
The harbour remains active, with fishing boats landing catches that supply local restaurants. The town centre is compact, with limited space between buildings and steep streets rising away from the waterfront. Looe is known for its fishing heritage, busy harbour activity and proximity to other south coast locations such as Polperro and the Looe Valley.
Beaches in Looe
Looe and the surrounding area offer a mix of small sandy beaches and quieter coves, generally more sheltered than the north coast.
East Looe Beach – Sandy beach backed by the town, gently sloping and sheltered, popular with families and suitable for swimming at most tides.
Hannafore Beach – Rocky and shingle beach on the west side, facing open sea, used for walking, rock pooling and coastal views.
Millendreath Beach – Small sand and shingle cove east of Looe, more enclosed, suitable for swimming and occasional watersports.
Seaton Beach – Larger sand and shingle beach a few miles east, more open and exposed, with space for walking and less crowding.
Things to Do in Looe
The town offers a combination of coastal activities, harbour-based experiences and access to nearby countryside.
Looe Harbour and Fishing Quays – Active harbour area where fishing boats operate daily, with regular landings supplying local shops and restaurants.
Boat Trips and Fishing Trips – Regular departures for coastal trips, wildlife watching and sea fishing, typically operating from the harbour throughout the season.
Looe Island (St George’s Island) – Small island nature reserve offshore, accessible by organised trips, known for wildlife and limited visitor access.
South West Coast Path – Coastal walking routes passing through the town, offering access to cliffs, coves and nearby villages such as Polperro.
Looe Valley Line – Scenic railway connecting Looe to Liskeard, following the river valley and providing an alternative route into the town.
Visiting Looe
Access to the town is via narrow roads that descend into the town, which can become congested during peak periods. Parking is limited in the centre, with larger car parks located on the outskirts and near the harbour. The Looe Valley Line provides a direct rail connection from Liskeard, linking to the mainline network.
Facilities include shops, restaurants, public toilets and seasonal services. The town is busiest in summer, when the beach and harbour area can become crowded. Spring and early autumn offer easier access with fewer visitors. The compact layout, steep streets and limited parking can make movement around the town more difficult, particularly at busy times.