New Year’s Day in Cornwall
Who can imagine a better way to spend New Year’s Day than in the crisp sunny outdoor air in...
Looe is a popular harbour town in South East Cornwall. Split into two parts, East and West Looe, there are plenty of bridges and ferries connecting them to each other. Although Looe truly comes to life during the summer months, there are still plenty of things to do in Looe all year round.
Whether you’re looking to explore a gorgeous garden one day, an art gallery or museum the next, or get the blood pumping with a little outdoor adventuring, you’re bound to find something everyone will love.
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Here at Cornish Cottage Holidays, we love Cornwall. There are so many attractions on offer, from the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Tintagel Castle to Newquay Zoo and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. However, if you’re staying in Looe these are the best one’s within just a couple of miles from the town centre:
Linking the historic market town of Liskeard to Looe, the Looe Valley Line takes you on a beautiful journey through wooded valleys teeming with wildlife. Our favourite part? The glorious unveiling of estuary views as the river heads towards the sea.
Bird watchers will love the Looe Valley Line, especially at low tide, as the river is filled with wading birds such as Little Egrets, Grey Herons, Oystercatchers, and Curlews.
Why not break up your journey and stop off in one of the quiet stations in England? Before hopping back on board to finish your journey.
This is also a great dog-friendly thing to do in Looe.
Book your tickets via the Great Scenic Railway website.
Cornwall’s Monkey Sanctuary is home to 40 individuals and each one has its own personality and character. During your visit, you’ll get to meet some of the residents and the carers are on hand to answer any and every question you may have.
Have a look at the Monkey Sanctuary’s website to get a better understanding of the work they do and book your tickets today. There’ll be plenty of monkeying around to do.
Whether you have young detectives, budding spies, or you’re an adult who never really grew up, the Looe Treasure Trails provide a captivating challenge. The trails combine mind-twisting clues and fascinating stories to help get you all out in nature.
Find hidden treasures, track down sneaky spies and catch crooks. These self-guided walking trails will take you through winding backstreets, villages and towns, and will help you problem-solve as a family.
Buy your Looe Mystery Detective Trail through the Treasure Trails Website.
Adventure Fit South West is a family-run activity centre that’s perfect for both youngsters and adults that are young at heart. They have a climbing wall located in The Old Sardine Factory in West Looe and they also offer canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding trips along the river and shoreline.
If you’re not so keen on the water or don’t fancy scaling the wall, they offer you and your family the chance to explore the coast on foot with map reading, navigation lessons and hill walking. It’s one of the best things to do in Looe.
Cornwall is a pretty lively place, no matter where you go, and with plenty of music festivals out there it can sometimes be anything but quiet. Looe Live is one of the most anticipated Cornwall Music Festivals.
So if music, having a good time and rocking the night away sounds like your cup of tea, we highly recommend that you book a holiday cottage in Cornwall, and get down to this epic event.
For more music events across the county check out our blog on what’s on in Cornwall 2023.
There is nothing better on a rainy day in Looe than getting pampered. Spa Days are the perfect way to escape the rain, relax and let your worries and stresses melt away. We certainly love a good pamper session.
Home Spa Cornwall has teamed up with independent self-employed massage therapists, beauty specialists, and personal trainers to bring you the complete at-home spa experience. This means you won’t even have to leave the comfort of your holiday rental, you’ll just have to open the front door when they arrive.
To book your treatment and therapist, check out the Home Spa Cornwall website.
Another great thing to do in Looe in the rain is visit a National Trust property. Whether you’re a member or not, there are plenty of places you can explore. From the atmospheric Tudor manor house of Cotehele to the wild and quiet Cornish landscape of Lansallos, you’ll find a vast array of properties all within a short distance of Looe.
Check out the National Trust website for more properties, beaches, and landscapes worth exploring.
Read our blog on 9 National Trust properties to visit in Cornwall for more inspiration.
Museums are the perfect way to learn about the history of Cornwall and Looe, plus they provide shelter on those rainy days.
The Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol in Looe allows you to learn about the Boat and Shipbuilding in Looe over the years as well as the story of Thomas Bond. They even have a children’s activity area with word searches, quizzes, colouring in, and stickers.
Visit their website to take a 3D tour and find out more information about their exhibitions.
There are plenty of museums across Cornwall, and if you’re up for a drive, check out our blog on the best art galleries and museums in St Ives.
Getting out in nature is one of our favourite things to do in Looe and there are plenty of trails to enjoy. Whether you have a four-legged companion or not, these are some of our favourite woodland walks:
Dogs will love discovering fetch sticks on these country trails! If you’re looking for more walks a little further afield, take a look at our blog on woodland walks in Cornwall for lots more inspiration.
With a coastline that stretches for over 250 miles, Cornwall has no shortage of beautiful beaches and hidden coves. Ranging from barely accessible rocky coves to vast expanses of golden sands, there are plenty of beaches you and your pooch will love. Expect sandy paw prints and waggly tails!
Our favourite dog-friendly beaches near Looe include:
For more dog-friendly beaches, discover our dog-friendly beach guide here.
Offering bottomless brunch, lunch, and dinner, The Old Sail Loft restaurant is one of the oldest buildings in Looe. This characterful restaurant serves fresh seafood straight from the quay, Cornwall’s finest steak, poultry, and a broad selection of wines, ales, spirits, and soft drinks.
Built in 1420, Smugglers Cott is situated in the heart of East Looe just 100 yards from the seafront. The 65-seater restaurant specialises in fresh local seafood and prime steaks as well as their now famous Sunday Carvery. Smuggler’s Cott is always popular with both locals and visitors and will require advance booking to guarantee a table.
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s light-hearted and casual, then The Sardine Factory should definitely be on your list. With award-winning Chef Benjamin Palmer heading up the kitchen team, you’re in for a real treat.
Serving local seasonal produce, and with stunning views over Looe Harbour, a meal here is one to remember. Their friendly welcoming staff will have you feeling at ease.
Located on the quay in Looe, Quayside Fresh Farmshop is open 7 days a week. They offer a mouth-watering range of local food and drinks from the network of Cornish producers, including fresh fruit and vegetables, high-quality meats and cheeses, fresh bread, and a refillable milk station.
Heather’s Treasures has a large selection of souvenirs, jewellery, Frenchic paint, and unique vintage items. A wander around here and you’re bound to find that perfect gift for you or someone special.
Here at Cornish Cottage Holidays, we have over 900 self-catering holiday cottages in the county for you to choose from. Whether you’re searching for a dog-friendly property, a romantic bolthole, or a family-friendly holiday home, we’ve got the perfect property for you.
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