The full guide
Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.
East Looe
Looe is a fishing town that is divided by the River Looe into East Looe and West Looe.
East Looe has tiny streets that contain the bulk of the shops, restaurants and pubs of Looe and also the fish market.
East Looe has a large sandy beach and also a lifeboat station.
West Looe
West Looe is on the opposite side of the river Looe to East Looe and many of the buildings are built high into the hillside.
A road runs along the quayside and then up over the hill to the west where you will find St Georges Island (also known as Looe Island).
There is also a rocky shoreline with ample parking along the roadside.
Talland Bay
Talland Bay is situated between Looe and Polperro and is accessed by a narrow road so we would only recommend driving down to the beach if you are confident at reversing!The beach is a mixture of amazing coloured rocks, many of them pink and sand.
Sea Fishing in Looe area
Around the Looe area you should easily catch mackerel, dogfish, wrasse and pollock.
Polperro is a good spot for mackerel, wrasse and pollock but it can get very busy with tourists during the summer months.
Fishing off the rocks at Talland Bay is probably the preferred option as it is far less touristy and there are some great spots to fish.
Looe RNLI
The Lifeboats
B-894 Sheila & Dennis Tongue II - B Class Lifeboat
Ollie Naismith - D Class Lifeboat
The Lifeboat Station
Established in 1866 and operating from a prime location on Looe’s seafront, Looe lifeboat station is home to two inshore lifeboats, an Atlantic 75 and D class.
Common questions
- Where is Looe?
- Looe is on the south-east coast of Cornwall, between Plymouth and Fowey, set where the River Looe meets the sea. The town is divided into East Looe and West Looe, joined by a bridge across the river.
- What is Looe known for?
- Looe is known as a traditional fishing town with a busy harbour and fish market, and as a long-established seaside resort. It's also the main centre for shark fishing in England and looks out to Looe Island, a wildlife sanctuary.
- What is there to do in Looe?
- You can explore the harbour and narrow streets of East Looe, relax on the sandy town beach, go crabbing from the quayside, take a boat trip to Looe Island, and walk the coast path towards Polperro or beside the river through ancient woodland.
- Can you visit Looe Island?
- Yes. Looe Island, off West Looe, is a nature reserve managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust and home to nesting seabirds. During the summer it can be visited via boat trips from the harbour, tides and weather permitting.
- Is Looe worth visiting?
- Yes. With its twin-town setting, working harbour, sandy beach and easy walks to nearby Polperro and Talland Bay, Looe is one of the most enjoyable and family-friendly bases on the south Cornwall coast.
