Looe town centre is quaint and home to an array of 16th-century buildings, modern boutiques, and catering places. The narrow streets feel like a maze at times and just as you start to feel lost and a little claustrophobic, you get hit by the smell of the sea as you emerge into the wide pier and the beautiful Looe bay. walk for a few more meters and you find the lovely Looe beach. The beach is very popular with families and locals in the summer but we visited on a sunny October day and had it all to ourselves!

Polperro

Polperro is the most beautiful village in the UK in my opinion. Colourful little boats lining the shallow harbour, cottages that look like they’re hanging from cliffs, narrow white streets, and landscaped gardens, walking in Polperro is like stepping inside a postcard and I don’t think any camera lens can really do it justice. It’s just one of those places that have to be seen to be appreciated. I don’t have any plans to stop travelling the world but if life ever forced me to do so then Polperro is where I might retire. Polperro is only 5 miles from Looe but you can walk between the two villages. It’s a challenging but very scenic walk. Halfway between Looe and Polperro lies Talland Bay with its rocky shoreline and pretty coves. There are two main beaches in Talland Bay; Talland Sand to the west has a lot of sand as its name suggests, even at high tide. At low tide, the rock pools are full of shrimps and crabs, a great spot for families with kids to swim and play. And Rotterdam beach to the east, smaller with less sand but better for swimming at high tide.

Freathy Beach

Freathy Beach is Cornwall’s best-kept secret and is mostly known to locals. The beach is adjacent to the South West Coast Path and requires driving to. There is parking opposite the beach and access is via a narrow, winding cliff path. It is an unspoiled and wild beach, nestled between two towering cliffs and surrounded by lush greenery, which gives it a natural and rugged beauty.

Plymouth

Plymouth is in Devon but so close to Cornwall many people use it as a base to explore South East Cornwall. They are connected via the impressive Tamar bridge which is suspended over the Tamar River. But Plymouth is equally interesting so if you were short on time but wanted to tick Devon off your list then Plymouth is a great choice. Plymouth has a rich maritime heritage and has one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world. If you have a taste for nautical things then head to the Barbican Waterfront where you can indulge in several activities. Its  Nartional Maritime Aquarium is home to the biggest exhibit tank in Europe which houses thousands of species of fish and marine life. If the weather is nice you can do a boat cruise where you can enjoy panoramic views of Plymouth Hoe , Sir Francis Drake’s Island, and the historic Naval dockyard. Plymouth has also been named regional capital for culture and is home to many art galleries and shops.

Where to stay in Cornwall?

Cornwall has a lot of great and budget-friendly places from hotels, guest houses to self-catering accommodation.  We stayed at Lydcott Glamping which is a Glamping accommodation on a farm only 4 miles from Looe and we loved being in a quiet and secluded location surrounded by nature.

Where to eat in Cornwall?

Cornwall makes the most of its beautiful shores and rich aquamarine life and is the ideal destination for seafood lovers:

Indulge in seafood with a sea view at the Sardine Factory

Set in an idyllic spot overlooking Looe’s beautiful harbour, The Sardine Factory in Looe is part of Looe’s heritage centre where you can enjoy a private tour of the museum and learn about Looe’s fascinating maritime history.  The Sardine Factory is owned by Award-winning Chef Benjamin Palmer and is one of just 22 new restaurants in the 2020 Michelin Guide to be awarded a Bib Gourmand. The restaurant prides itself on its simple but extensive menu which reflects a passion for Cornish seafood and local seasonal produce.

Try Cornish fast food

Feeling peckish but don’t have time for a full meal? Instead of  MacDonalds (you may not find one by the way), grab a Cornish pasty! I’ve had Cornish pasties in places all over the country but Cornwall has the most delicious ones by far!  

Enjoy an afternoon tea with Scones

Jam first then cream! That’s how you eat scones in Cornwall. (I secretly prefer the Devonian way but don’t tell my Cornish friends!). Bean and Scone is a quaint little café in the lovely village of Polperro. You would need to walk past it to get to the harbour so make sure to stop and enjoy a drink and delicious scones and cakes.