A complete guide to Looe
Looe is a beautiful seaside town in Cornwall, which sits just a short 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk from Tencreek Holiday Park. Sitting on the south coast of the county, it is one of few fishing villages that retains many of its old fishing characteristics and charm. Thousands of visitors walk the ancient streets year upon year and take in the beauty of its historic harbour. As well as the history, small, family-run businesses and delicious eateries make it so popular. In this guide, we take you through everything you need to know about Looe, from the best local beaches, where we recommend you eat and any shops we think you should visit. Keep reading to find out all you need to know.
Where to eat in Looe
Being situated in Cornwall and known for its fishing heritage, Looe has a plethora of delicious eateries all serving different delectable dishes, including hearty homecooked pub meals to fresh and fragrant seafood, straight from the waters. Below are some of the restaurants we think you should try when staying at our holiday park in Cornwall.
Sea Kitchen
Marine Drive
With a relaxed atmosphere with an exceptional sea view, Sea Kitchen is a popular location in Looe serving fresh local fish and shellfish. Caught from the local seas and bought to shore daily, you won’t find a restaurant in the area that serves seafood quite as fresh and delicious. During the summer months, guests can enjoy their food sitting on the front terrace, enjoying the spectacular view on offer.
The Old Sail Loft
Quay Street
Known for predominantly serving cocktails and tapas, The Old Sail Loft is a versatile eatery with a lot to offer. One of their specialities is bottomless lunch, where you can enjoy as much food as you like for just £45pp. If you’re after something a little lighter, then why not try something from the lunch or dinner menu, like Cornish Hake K or Cornish Scallops?
Smugglers Cott
Middle Market Street
The Smugglers Cott is an ancient pub in Looe that used to be the meeting point for Cornish smugglers, hence the name. Built in 1420 out of timbers from the Armada, the quaint and cosy location serves a selection of delicious meats, mussels and fresh fish caught daily. If you’re looking to get cosy after a day of exploration, then this is the perfect location for you.
Beaches to visit in Looe
One of the main draws to a staycation in Cornwall is the wonderful array of beaches that you can visit. Luckily for those visiting Tencreek, there is an amazing selection of great beaches to choose from.
Looe Beach
Probably the best known in the area, Looe Beach sits directly in front of the old town and is positioned alongside the Banjo Pier. Looe Beach was one that Peter from the website Welcome to Looe & Polperro recommended to us, saying:
“Looe Beach is a safe and sandy beach, located in East Looe, SE Cornwall, that sits aside the town’s famous ‘Banjo Pier’. The beach is perfect for those looking to laze in the Cornish sun, or to take part in a number of water sports on offer from Looe Beach Hire Activities. Nearby, visitors can enjoy a variety of boat trips – from speedboats to fishing, which operate from Easter to October half-term. Looe has been a favourite for tourists for centuries with a great variety of places to eat and drink to suit all tastes and budgets too.”
Hannafore Beach
Stretching from the outskirts of Looe to Hannafore Point, Hannafore Beach is a quiet beach that is often graced by the sun due to its south facing position. The predominantly shingle beach is never overcrowded but is great for those looking to enjoy some fresh air or a dog walk as opposed to sunbathing or watersports.
Plaidy Beach
Just around the corner from Looe is Plaidy Beach, another shingle location that is a great summer spot and a nice end to a sunny walk along the coast. At lower tide, rock pools appear and offer the perfect summer activity for the whole family.
Shops to visit in Looe
If you’re visiting Looe, then you’re probably going to want to do a little shopping or souvenir buying for loved ones and family members, so we want to let you know some of the best shops to head to when in the area.
The Schooner
We spoke to Melissa Carne and asked her what shops she’d recommend to those visiting Looe, she recommended the Schooner, a family-run business where you can get all your beachside essentials, she continued: “The historical fishing town of Looe is well known for its picturesque coastline and love of crabbing. Pick up your crabbing and beach essentials from the family-owned shop, The Schooner located in the town centre and venture along the quay to have hours of family fun.”
Looe Gift Shop
Established over 75 years ago, Looe Gift Shop has been at the heart of the town for almost 100 years and has every type of gift you can imagine. The Looe Gift Shop was another shop that Melissa Carne recommended.
“You must also take a trip to Looe Beach where the sand is soft and the sea is calm for a leisurely dip, from the beach you will see the iconic Banjo Pier. Round off your day with a delicious pasty from Sarah’s as well as a souvenir from the Looe’s oldest gift shop, ‘Looe Gift Shop’ where you will find an Aladdin’s cave of nautical treasures and a huge selection of gifts to take home to family and friends.”
If you’re looking to visit Cornwall and are planning to stay at Tencreek Holiday Park, then hopefully this guide has given you some insight into some of the places you should visit. For more articles like this, head to our blog.
