Pictures of Looe

About Looe

In far off medieval times both East and West Looe were granted a charter and each retained its own identity for several centuries. Of the two Looe's, East Looe is the busiest and has the fine old fishing harbour were the wanderer can watch fresh fish, lobster and crab, being off-loaded and laid out ready for sale. For fish lovers it is a mouth watering sight and latterly it is known that Rick Stein the famous chef has been singing the praises of the fine fish caught in the waters surrounding Looe! Here, there is also a lively shopping area in the form of a long curving street crammed with shops of every description. The street starts at the land end of the town and divides into a web of quaint old streets that surround the harbour and the beach. East Looe's soft golden sand provides a haven for sun-worshippers and a safe place from which to enjoy a refreshing swim.

The estuary dividing the town is spanned by an ancient, graceful arched bridge. West Looe, is perhaps the more residential side of the town. It has elegant Victorian buildings, some of which are fine hotels and guest houses and from here there are relaxing coastal walks giving wonderful views across the sea to Looe Island and beyond. The island is a haven for sea-birds and at just a short distance from Hannafore Point it is easily reached by pleasure craft from Looe.

Looe has long enjoyed a reputation for Shark fishing, it is the base for the Shark Fishing Club of Great Britain whose headquarters are in the town. To learn a little of the early days when Looe was just a little fishing village, a visit to the town museum is a must. The resort is popular with surfers and yachtsmen and as well as pleasure cruises, motor boats can be hired. The coutryside beyond Looe is soft and beautiful, it hides a wealth of pretty Cornish villages and interesting places to visit. There are quaint cafe's serving scrummy cornish cream teas and lovely old inns entice the visitor with a menu full of fresh gifts from the sea. The whole family can enjoy Looe, for it really does have something for everyone. Nearby attractions include; The Monkey Sanctuary, Paul Corrin Music Collection and Lanreath Mill and Farm Museum.