7 reasons to take a holiday in Looe

For those wanting to experience a true taste of Cornwall, Looe is the perfect location to take a break, and is a holiday destination that you will want to return to again and again. This traditional fishing town lies in the South East of the county and retains much of its coastal charm and character, which Cornwall is well known for. As small towns go, Looe is one of the prettiest in the region, and also boasts an abundance of things to do. So much so, that you may not want to venture anywhere else during your summer holiday in Looe!

Go crabbing on the Quay

A common favourite pastime of many returning holidaymakers is catching crabs along the quayside, as it is great entertainment and can provide hours of fun for all ages. The best locations are in East Looe beside the quay or near the Ferry Steps in West Looe. Numerous shops in the town stock buckets, crab lines and bait, which is all you’ll need for an authentic crabbing experience.
A tip from the locals is that either side of high tide is better, as crabs will be more likely to cling on to the bait for longer when submerged in the water, meaning you’ll have more chance of catching them. However, be sure to release them back into the water when you’re finished, watching as they scuttle along the quayside and back into the depths of the estuary.

Having a lovely time crabbing in Looe Harbour with lily and ellie pic.twitter.com/cFn0drE6

— Charles Fletcher (@Fletch_Charles) 1 April 2012

Take a ride on the ferry

The town of Looe sits in a picturesque valley, with the shops and beach sitting on the East and the more residential side of whitewashed cottages located on the West. The twin towns are connected by a pretty stone bridge, but another great way to cross the river is by taking a ride on one of the quaint wooden ferries at high tide. For just a small fee you can make your way to the opposite side of the town, while admiring the delightful surroundings from the water.

Explore the gift shops

The narrow cobbled streets of Looe’s town centre are a treasure chest of individual and quirky gift shops. Whether you’re searching for the perfect souvenir for your loved ones at home, or want to find a memento of your holiday in Looe, there are plenty of weird and wonderful items to discover. From Cornish ornaments and novelty gifts to surf wear and beach inflatables, an entire afternoon can be spent perusing all that these seaside shops have to offer.

Admire the views from the Banjo Pier

Looe is home to the very first Banjo Pier, which features regularly in images that you will see of the town, including those on the front of postcards. The structure itself is in the shape of a long arm and was put in place to protect the east side of Looe from stormy seas. On days when the weather is suitable, walking out to the end of the pier can provide spectacular views of Looe beach and out to sea, and in off-peak seasons it is also a popular place for fishing.

Visit Looe Island

St George’s Island, as it is also known, is a haven for wildlife and lies just off the coast of Looe. It is managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and is a magnificent place to observe Cornwall’s marine inhabitants in their natural environment. Guided walks will take you on tours of the nature reserve, where you can learn all about the island’s interesting heritage as well as potentially spotting a variety of animals, including the grey seal. In order to prevent disturbing the animals, only organised trips from Looe harbour are allowed to land on the island, so make sure to check the notice board on Buller’s Quay for boat trip times.

Buy local fish at the market

As a lively and colourful fishing port, Looe is one of the finest remaining examples of this traditional trade in Cornwall. Wander along the harbour walls and watch as the vibrant fishing boats are guided to shore by the local fisherman as they return with their daily catch. Boasting its very own fish market, which opens almost daily, a trip to Looe wouldn’t be complete without tasting some of the finest fresh fish that the town is renowned for. Whether you purchase some to take back to your holiday park in Cornwall, or visit one of the fantastic restaurants, your taste buds are sure to be in for a treat.

Eat a traditional pasty overlooking the bay

Another Cornish treat which you’ll find hard to avoid when taking a holiday in Looe is the traditional pasty. Both filling and warming, they’re the perfect way to refuel after spending your day at the beach and can be enjoyed on the sea front while watching the world go by. Sarah’s Pasty Shop is regarded as one of the best in the county, and is located on the narrow lanes of Buller Street, close by the beach.

This content was written by Alex Jones. Please feel free to visit my Google+ Profile to read more stories.