Looe is a town of simple pleasures. It is famous for its crabbing culture, its safe sandy beach, and the mysterious island that sits just offshore. It is less about high-adrenaline sports and more about exploring rock pools, taking boat trips, and walking the spectacular South West Coast Path that runs through the town.

Whether you want to visit a sanctuary for rescued monkeys, catch your own mackerel for dinner, or take one of the most scenic train journeys in the UK, here is our curated guide to the best activities in Looe.

Our Top Picks

These three experiences are the highlights of a trip to Looe.

1. Visit Looe Island (St George’s Island)

This nature reserve sits just a mile off the coast. Owned by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, it is a haven for marine life and birds.

The Experience: You must book an official boat trip to land on the island (usually a 2-3 hour guided visit). It is famously inhabited by grey seals, and the waters around it are crystal clear.
Good to Know: Boat trips are tide-dependent and weather-dependent, so check the boards on the quay daily.

2. Crabbing on the Quay

It sounds simple, but crabbing in Looe is a serious business. The long harbour wall along the river is arguably the best crabbing spot in Cornwall.

The Activity: Grab a bucket and a line (please use eco-friendly, plastic-free lines) and some bacon for bait. The harbour is teeming with shore crabs. It keeps families entertained for hours.
Tip: Always put the crabs back gently!

3. Walk the Coast Path to Polperro

Head west from Looe along the coast path for a stunning 5-mile hike to the neighbouring village of Polperro.

The Walk: It is a moderate walk with a few steep climbs, passing rock formations and hidden coves (like Talland Bay) along the way.
The Reward: Arrive in the smuggling village of Polperro for a pint, then catch the bus back to Looe if your legs are tired.

Nature & Wildlife

The Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary

Located a few miles east of Looe (towards Seaton), this sanctuary is home to rescued monkeys, including Woolly Monkeys and Capuchins.

The Visit: It is an educational charity rather than a zoo. The gardens are beautiful, and hearing the monkeys’ stories is both moving and fascinating. It offers a great break from the beach.

The Banjo Pier

Located at the end of East Looe beach, this unique pier is shaped like a banjo. It is the perfect place to stand and watch the fishing fleet head out to sea or return with the evening catch.

On the Water

Shark Fishing: Looe is the shark angling capital of the UK. Several boats offer “catch and release” trips where you can fish for Blue Sharks and Porbeagles. It is a bucket-list experience for anglers.
Mackerel Trips: For something more family-friendly, take a 2-hour mackerel fishing trip. The skipper will usually prepare the fish for you to take home and BBQ.

Travel Tips

The Looe Valley Line: If you are visiting for the day, consider taking the train. The branch line from Liskeard to Looe is one of the most scenic railways in the country, winding through the wooded valley and arriving right at the river’s edge.
East Looe Beach: This is the main swimming beach. It is very safe and sheltered, but it gets packed in August. Get there early to claim your spot on the sand.