Local Area Information

Looe's main business today is tourism, with much of the town given over to a range of independent shops, with a large selection of pubs, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.

Alongside local crafts, the range of shops provide a good selection of beach equipment, clothing and souvenirs.

Ice cream and Cornish Pasty vendors will tempt you in, but beware as the seagulls are partial to these tasty treats too!!

Inland from Looe lies the famous Monkey Sanctuary, a great place to visit for all the family.

Other local attractions include the beaches, sailing, fishing and diving and spectacular coastal walks (especially via Talland to Polpero).

South East Cornwall boasts several stately homes, including Antony House, Cotehele, Mount Edgecumbe and Lanhydrock House as well as the Eden Project near St Austell which tourists can access by road.

A new attraction nearby is The Story of Emily, an immersive historical bringing to life the incredible story of Emily Hobhouse.

Looe remains a fishing town, and with its fleet of small fishing boats returning their catches to port daily, Looe has a reputation for procuring excellent fresh fish. Local business Pengelly's provide an excellent range and they also serve prepared dishes for consuming on their terrace at The Lobster Shack.

Outside the busy summer months, the town remains a centre for shopping and entertainment for local villagers. Annually in late September, the town is the destination of choice for thousands of music lovers and top name performers for the Looe Music Festival, which takes place in temporary venues around the town, harbour and on East Looe beach.

There is a tradition of the townsfolk wearing fancy dress on New Years Eve, when the streets are thronged with revellers in inventive outfits. Looe has been on the list of the top ten places in the UK to celebrate New Year.

Looe beach is not accessible to dogs year round, but Second Beach is dog friendly and is only 5 minutes from the cottage.