Looe, a charming Cornish seaside town in South East Cornwall, has been recognised as one of the finest seaside destinations in the UK for a family staycation. The town boasts sandy beaches, vibrant fishing boats, quaint cottages, and a working harbour that supplies local restaurants with fresh fish.
What Makes Looe a Top Staycation Destination
According to the article, Looe has managed to hold on to its authentic local character, drawing visitors seeking a genuine taste of Cornwall. The town's working harbour has been cherished by generations of hardworking fishing families, who continue to head out to sea daily. One visitor described East Looe Beach as 'a beautiful stretch of dark golden sand, cleaned daily, ideal for having a picnic or just taking in the sun's rays. The sands shelve gently into the sea if you fancy a paddle.'
Activities for Families in Looe
Looe offers a range of activities for families. Visitors can explore The Monkey Sanctuary, paddle at East Looe Beach or Talland Bay, or visit the Seaside Sweets shop. Adventure activities include Looe Sea Safari, Boatzer Glass Bottom Boat Trips, speedboat trips, and canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding with Adventure Fit Southwest. On TripAdvisor, Adventure Fit Southwest outlined other activities: 'Other adventure activities, such as bushcraft, mountain biking, hill walking, navigation and outdoor rock climbing.'
Beaches and Coastal Walks
The two principal beaches are East Looe Beach, located in the town, and Talland Bay, accessible via the South West Coast Path or by car. East Looe Beach features the iconic Banjo Pier and is considered a 'great family beach.' Talland Beach has received glowing reviews, with one family describing it as a 'beautiful bay.' Their TripAdvisor review portrays Talland Beach as a 'small bay fronted by a cafe and adjacent car parking,' adding: 'Good walks nearby along the coastal path. Slightly difficult drive due to the very narrow roads, but worth the effort.'
Getting Around Without a Car
Looe has a railway station in the heart of town, making it easy to explore the surrounding area without driving. The Looe Valley Line takes passengers to Liskeard in under half an hour, with connections to other parts of Cornwall. Many describe this train journey as like 'going back in time.' The picturesque woodland surrounding Looe is best experienced along the South West Coast Path, with the 'unspoilt' fishing village of Polperro lying five miles to the west, passing Talland Beach along the way.
