Looe itself is a wonderful place to explore with it's quaint fishermen's cottages and winding narrow streets. Looe Beach is a safe sandy beach, a wide expanse of flat sand, with some rocks at either side and backed with the promenade. There is a seating area to one side. On the other side Banjo Pier stretches out into the sea and gives good shelter for sunbathers with some rock pools.

Looe has many shops, too many to mention them all,  but whilst you are walking around Looe and looking for a unique gift, then keep an eye out for Clive's Cats, you can't miss it - near to the Quay.  Clive is an artist who has created his own unique brand of cartoon cats. The cats can be seen adorning walls throughout Looe. 


Clive has his own web site, where you can also buy on line.

Looe isn't a clone town. All of the shops in Looe are local to Looe or the surrounding area.

A visit to Looe wouldn't be complete without a Cornish pasty. The traditional pasty contains steak and veg, the steak is at one end of the pasty, the veg at the other. Nowadays pasties come in all shapes and sizes. If you want to take them home, then most places will sell boxes of ten.

Looe is a fishing town and has its own fleet. The boats are mainly day boats, some using nets, others trawl. The fish landed at the quay is fresh. You cannot buy direct from the fish market, but just next to the market is Pengelly's which sell fresh fish. If you fancy catching your own mackerel Ella will grill it for your lunch for you - you can't beat a fresh mackerel salad.

Fishing and boat trips are available in abundance.

Trips can be short - Mackerel fishing for a couple of hours, or full day trips for conger eel and shark fishing. We can arrange trips for you, or you can walk along the quay and you will see the signs telling you when the trips are setting off. The Looe River is tidal, so the trips are timed to suit the tides.

Longer trips need to be booked in advance at the Shark Angling Club 01503 262642.

The photo's on the right are from the boat Typhoon on a conger trip in 2010.

We were out fishing for the whole day and we caught about 10 congers (all were returned to be caught again) We also caught a box full of macekrel, whiting and pollock. Neil's friend Bob wasn't so lucky - it's amazing what a wide angle lens can do!

Back on dry land.....

Looe is an ideal starting place for walking along the coastal path. Heading west, Polperro is about 7 miles. The walk is moderate, but there are some hills. Half way is Talland Bay, which has a couple of cafes.

Our local "celebs" Richard and Judy live in Talland Bay.

If you walk to the east the path will take you to Plaidy, the on to Seaton. Half way you will pass The Monkey Sanctuary, just inland from the coast path. At Seaton there is a beach, with cafes a pub and a restaurant. If you are still feeling strong a few miles further on is Downderry, where The Inn on The Shore serves great food and they have a terrace which overlooks the sea.

For the sporty! In West Looe at Hannafore there are tennis courts, putting and a bowling green. It is said that Looe Tennis Club has the best view of any club in the country, looking out over Looe Island and the sea. There are also a couple of cafes and Tom Sawyers pub on Hannafore, plus a beach, which is small, but quiet.

Just outside Looe is Looe Golf Club. 01503 240239 It has stunning views. Neil has some clubs, which you are welcome to borrow.