The old fishing town of Looe on the south coast of Cornwall is divided by the
River Looe into East and West Looe. Camping in Looe has been popular for many
years and there are some well-established camping and caravan club sites in the
area. The town itself is sizeable but its narrow streets are now mainly
pedestrianized. Cottages perch on the hillside overlooking the harbour, and
there are plenty of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants to supply all campers’
necessities. The seven-arched bridge carries the coastal road from the main town
of East Looe across to Hannafore Point, where the coastal path can be joined.
Historic Looe
Part of the charm of camping in Looe is the history of the area. The Old
Guildhall dates back to 1500AD and was once the Town Hall. It is still a focal
point of the town and houses the local museum. The surrounding cottages are
equally historic and full of character. Holidaymakers have been visiting Looe
for over 200 years. Once heavily dependant on pilchard fishing, there is still a
small fishing fleet which moors by the fish market in the town.
Things to do in Looe
Looe has a small sandy beach although there are plenty of quieter and better
beaches in the area such as Talland Bay and Millendreath. Boat trips are popular
and sail from the sheltered harbour at the river mouth past the banjo pier and
out to Looe Island. Crab fishing or rod fishing can be enjoyed from the boats.
Shark fishing is also an exciting sport but the fish are tagged rather than
killed.
Walking along the well-trodden south devon coastal path is always a pleasure,
skirting around headlands and passing many isolated beaches and farms. From Looe
the coastal path runs to Polperro. As it is such a small, narrow village,
approaching on foot is much the best way. Have a home-made ice cream with
clotted cream and buy a freshly prepared crab on the harbour to take back for
tea.
There are also many quiet walks along the tidal River Looe. Heading inland it
runs parallel to the local railway for a time, passing isolated cottages and
quaysides. The paths soon enter dense woodland and offer a pleasant way to
explore the Looe area. Camping in Looe makes a great base for exploring this
delightful area.
