Top 10 Best Things to do in Looe in 2025

Beaches in Looe

Looe is blessed with some of Cornwall’s most inviting beaches, perfect for relaxing, exploring, and making memories with all the family. East Looe Beach is the town’s main sandy beach, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles during the summer months and school holidays.

Just a short walk across the river, you’ll find Hannafore Beach on the opposite side, a haven for nature lovers with its fascinating rock pools teeming with marine life—perfect for curious kids and adults alike.

For those seeking a quieter spot, Talland Bay is a hidden gem just outside Looe, offering a mix of sandy stretches and stunning views of the Cornish coastline. Whether you’re paddling in the shallows, exploring the rock pools, or simply soaking up the sun, Looe’s beaches are a highlight for visitors of all ages.

Local Attractions in Looe including Looe Island

Read our definitive guide on the Top 10 Best things to do in Looe, right on your doorstep.

Many of these attractions have been visited and recommended by families and travelers alike, ensuring a great experience for all ages.

Family Boat Trips/Looe Sea Safari
Discover amazing wildlife and experience the wonder of the Cornish coastline with boat trips from Looe, Cornwall! Looe Sea Safari offers wildlife lovers and thrill seekers alike a fantastic opportunity to explore the picturesque Looe Bay in comfort and safety. The boats are operated by professional skippers with many years of experience. Trips are perfect for groups, couples, and families and range in length from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Contact Looe Sea Safari to book a wildlife spotting tour today!

Looe Self Drive Boat Hire
These are great for exploring Looe River and are simple to drive. Whaly boats powered by 6hp outboards are extremely stable and are suitable for up to 5 people. All boats are fully equipped with safety kit and to MCA standard. Lifejackets are provided for everyone. At least one of the hirers must be 18 or over.

Glass Bottom Boats
Glass Bottom boat trips run daily from Looe Harbour during the season, explore life under the water from the comfort of a custom-built boat. Times will vary due to the tides, you will see the signs on the quayside with details of the trips.

Looe Island Nature Reserve | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Looe Island is a marine nature reserve and the waters around it are teaming with life. The island provides a quiet haven for wildlife, with a variety of habitats. Please note that visits can only be made on official, organised trips and access by any other means is not allowed. All visits are weather and tide dependent. The crossing via a small passenger boat takes 20 minutes and, unless advised otherwise when you book, you will have about two hours to explore.

Where to get the boat

Board the boat from the floating pontoon, near the RNLI lifeboat station slipway in East Looe.  The boat operator, Looe Sea Safari, also have an office on the quayside so can point you in the right direction.

Monkey Sanctuary
Nestled into the side of the south Cornish coast between Looe and Seaton, Wild Futures’ Monkey Sanctuary has been offering a safe haven for monkeys since 1964. The Sanctuary cares for a range of different species of rescued monkeys, giving visitors an intimate insight to a working sanctuary and a chance to meet some of its amazing monkey residents and wildlife inhabitants.

There’s a lot to do for the whole family who can take a tour of the monkey enclosures and learn about these fascinating animals from the team of expert carers. It’s not just monkeys though! Kids will love the wild play area where they can learn about the environment around them and let off some steam in the playground. The wild play area is a great way to keep kids entertained during your visit. Take a gentle stroll around the beautiful wildlife gardens and check out the sea view or enjoy a vegetarian light lunch in the Gift Shop.

E-Foil Cornwall
Water sport for the more adventurous! E-foil Cornwall is the first and only centre in Cornwall for Electric Hydro-foiling. Base in the tranquil waters of Looe Bay, it is the perfect location to learn how to e-foil and a different way to explore the iconic Cornish Coastline.

fishing-cornwall.co.uk
Skipper Patrick Davis owns and runs a large fishing boat operating out of Looe. Patrick knows these waters well and will take you to prime fishing spots and if fishing is not your cup of tea he will happily skipper you on a guided tour of the Cornish coastline.

Coast walks/National Trust
There are numerous beautiful walks locally. We recommend Looe to Polperro for those up for a reasonable hike. It is a beautiful walk and the Talland Bay Beach Café is the perfect spot for a halfway break.

Looe Valley Vineyard
Looe Valley Vineyard established in 2008. Open for summer tours and tastings from May to September.

Cornish Orchards
Cornish Orchards offer Cider and Cheese Tasting experiences every week from the beginning of April. Perfect for cider lovers, these experiences take you through the way the cider is made and include time in the heritage orchard. Book online or in the shop.

For indoor fun, Looe's leisure centre offers a range of activities including a swimming pool and gym, making it a great option for families, especially on rainy days. The leisure centre also features a dedicated soft play area for younger children, providing a safe and enjoyable space for them to play while parents relax.

History and Culture

Looe’s rich history and vibrant culture are woven into every corner of the town. Step back in time at the Old Guildhall, a beautifully preserved 16th-century building now home to a fascinating museum, or visit St. Nicholas Church, dating back to the 13th century, for stunning views over the harbour and town.

For a truly unique experience, take a boat trip out to Looe Island, a protected nature reserve brimming with wildlife, from seals basking on the rocks to a variety of seabirds and marine life. The island’s tranquil setting makes it a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Throughout the year, Looe celebrates its heritage with lively events and festivals, including the popular Looe Food Festival, where you can sample the best of Cornish cuisine and local produce. Exploring Looe’s history and culture is a must for any visitor looking to discover the town’s unique character.

Food and Drink

Food lovers are in for a treat when visiting Looe. The town is renowned for its fresh seafood, with the daily catch brought in by local fishing boats and served up in a variety of restaurants, cafes, and traditional Cornish pubs. Enjoy classic fish and chips by the harbour, tuck into a hearty Cornish pasty, or indulge in a cream tea with stunning sea views.

Looe’s traditional pubs offer a warm welcome and a taste of local ales, making them the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. Don’t miss the annual Looe Food Festival, where you can sample delicious local dishes, watch live cooking demonstrations, and browse food stalls showcasing the best of Cornwall’s culinary scene. Whether you’re after a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Looe’s food and drink options are sure to satisfy every appetite.

Events and Festivals

Looe comes alive throughout the year with a fantastic line-up of events and festivals that offer something for all the family. The Looe Food Festival is a highlight, drawing foodies from across the region to enjoy local flavours and live entertainment. Music lovers won’t want to miss the Looe Music Festival, which brings the town to life with performances from top acts in a stunning coastal setting.

The Looe Carnival is another family favourite, featuring colourful parades and fun activities for children of all ages. For those who love scenic journeys, the Looe Valley Line offers a memorable train journey through beautiful Cornish countryside, perfect for a day trip or a relaxing way to arrive in town.

With so many events, outdoor activities, and local attractions to enjoy, Looe is a great place to visit year round, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, a taste of Cornish culture, or planning their holiday.

Things to do just outside of Looe

Adrenalin Quarry
Unique gravity park, water park & racetrack with spectacular views and picnic spots, free entry, and wild swimming. Located at Menheniot a 12-minute drive away from Looe.

The surrounding countryside also offers charming cottages for those seeking a picturesque and authentic stay, perfect for a relaxing rural escape.

Porfell Wildlife Park & Animal Sanctuary
Just 20 minutes from Looe and famous for its meerkats! Porfell Wildlife Park offers sanctuary to many different animals from around the world. They might be neglected, injured, imported illegally or simply no longer wanted. Unlike a zoo, children and adults can get up close to wildlife, feed the animals, touch them an lean all about the natural world.

Siblyback Lakes
Just 30 minutes away, surrounded by the striking backdrop, of Bodmin Moor, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There is a beautiful 5km round late circuit, which is perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. The path runs adjacent to the lake and passes by the impressive Siblyback Dam and through the woodlands. Dogs are welcome on leads, and we highly recommend a visit to OLIVE & CO. CAFE for refreshments.

Carnglaze Caverns
One of Cornwall’s best kept secrets, an underground, all-weather, family tourist attraction. Explore part of Cornwall’s mining heritage and take a walk in 8 acres of riverside ancient oak woodland. It is also a totally unique underground music and performance venue. Due to the shape and height, the acoustics in the caverns are outstanding.

If you visit any local play centers or family attractions, you'll find open plan layouts that provide a spacious and inviting environment for families to enjoy together.

Lanhydrock/National Trust
Lanhydrock is the quintessential country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home. After a devastating fire in 1881 the Jacobean House was refurbished in high-Victorian style, with the best in country house design and planning and the latest mod-cons.

Make sure you take a stroll around the extensive gardens and enjoy their year- round colour. The estate is well worth exploring too, with ancient woodlands and tranquil riverside paths. There are also off-road cycle trails, with special routes for families and novice riders. You can even hire bikes.

For visitors looking for unique activities, consider trying a nearby ski slope for some winter sports fun.

Attractions Further Afield

Cornwall has so much to offer that we cannot list everything, so here are just a few ideas:

The region also boasts many beautiful sandy beaches perfect for family outings, making it an ideal destination for those seeking scenic coastal attractions and relaxing days by the sea.

The Eden Project
Explore world famous massive, covered biomes to trek through one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests and immerse yourself in the calm fragrance of the Mediterranean biome. Enjoy extensive outdoor gardens, contemporary artworks, performance, and storytelling. Discover places to rest, play and eat, and pick up inspiring ideas to take on home on how to care for the planet that cares for you.

Birds of Prey - The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre
Providing a safe home for rescued birds and other animals at Winnards Perch, approximately 45-minute drive away.

Flambards Theme Park in Helston
The Flambards Experience is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South West of England. With a fantastic variety of rides for all ages, unique exhibitions boasting the Flambards Victorian Village, Britain in the Blitz and Memory Lane exhibitions. Flambards offers a great value day out for the whole family, whatever the weather!

The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Heligan is one of the most mysterious estates in England. Lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1, this Sleeping Beauty was re-awakened in 1990 to become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Today Heligan’s 200 acres are a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic.

Surfing Lessons / Schools / Activities in Newquay, Cornwall, UK
Newquay Adventure Centre specialises in outdoor adventure activities for groups visiting Cornwall. Our outdoor activity centre has a large range of activities to choose from including surfing, coasteering, climbing, mountain biking, kite sports and kayaking as well as team building. We pride ourselves in offering a great service in a safe environment.

National Trust
For details of all their houses, gardens and parklands in the southwest.

Tate
The London gallery’s Cornish offshoot provides a fabulous location to browse the best in British modern art. The gallery revises its exhibitions three times a year.

National Maritime Museum Cornwall | National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Opened in 2003 this super museum charts our maritime history.

Things To Do & Family Days Out In The UK | Day Out With The Kids
Absolutely brilliant site with masses of ideas of things to do across Cornwall and the southwest. If you are coming this way with or without children don’t miss it!

Golf

Golf in Cornwall
Definitive list of all the golf courses available

Looe Golf Club
Our local picturesque course designed by Harry Vardon - visitors welcome. Take proof of staying at a Cornish Collection holiday property and receive a 30% discount. Pay £20 instead of £28.