Direct Holiday Homes

About the Area

Polperro is one of the most popular places in Cornwall and the village of Polperro itself is undoubtedly one of the prettiest. Set in a steep valley on either side of the River Pol, the colour washed cottages and twisty streets offer surprises and an air of mystery at every turn, from the famous house on props, the old watch house, the Saxon and Roman bridges and the fish quay to the 16th century house where Dr Jonathan Couch lived. Crouch was a naturalist and the grandfather of the celebrated writer Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch.

The whole area is steeped in history and with its protected inner harbour full of colourful boats, Polperro is still a working fishing village. Take the time to visit the Museum of Smuggling and be amazed at some of the things they used to get up to all those years ago. Don't forget the Model Village and all the great places to eat. Arrive in style on the old horse drawn carriages, or the slightly more modern trams. You will need more than just a couple of days to sample all the delights that Polperro has to offer.

When you have sampled some of the delights Polperro has to offer make your way over to Looe. This particular part of the Cornish coastline has been a popular family holiday destination for many years.

Looe still retains its importance as a major Cornish fishing port, with quite a sizeable fleet and a very busy fish market. Looe was important in the middle ages and during the French wars and then during the nineteenth century continued to be busy shipping stone and copper from the mines in the north.

You can still enjoy a guided tour around East Looe's maze of narrow streets and courtyards or visit the 16th century Old Guildhall Museum and re-live Looe's maritime past, or just while away the hours on the sandy beach separated from the river mouth by the Banjo Pier. We still have pictures of our own kids on the Banjo Pier and that was over 26 years ago.

Looe is made up of two towns, East and West and they are separated by a seven-arched Victorian Bridge, West Looe, with its 16th century Jolly Sailor Inn and St Nicholas Church and the best way to find out more is by delving into the beauty, culture and wildlife of the area by visiting the South East Cornwall Discovery Centre situated by the Millpool car park.

Whilst you are that side of the bridge take a trip up to Hannafore and explore the rock pools, view St George's or Looe island, which has 12th century monastic cells and once belonged to the Abbot of Glastonbury. The island was later popularized by the Atkins sisters in their books, "We Bought An Island" and "Tales From Our Cornish Island". There are daily boat trips to and around the island in the summer season, as well as along the coast.

For the more adventurous there are also shark-fishing trips, again most of everything you want from the seaside is available at Looe, did you know that Looe is the 4th most popular place in the whole of the UK on New Years Eve and the streets and fancy dressed inhabitants are a sight to behold.

At-a-Glance Tick List