A weekend in Looe
Two harbour towns split by a river, with a scenic branch railway
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
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- Updated October 2026
Looe is two towns in one, East Looe and West Looe, split by a river and joined by a bridge. It has a working fishing harbour, a sandy town beach, narrow lanes and a famous scenic railway line from Liskeard.
It is great value for families, with plenty to do around the town, from boat trips to a nature reserve island and coast path walks.
Check prices for a weekend in Looe
Top attractions in Looe
Looe harbour and the quay
A busy harbour with fishing boats, fish markets and boat trips.
Looe Island
A small nature reserve island a short boat ride from the quay.
The Looe Valley Line
A scenic branch railway between Liskeard and Looe, running through a wooded river valley.
The Monkey Sanctuary
A wildlife sanctuary a short distance inland.
Hannafore Point
A pleasant coastal walk and viewpoint on the West Looe side.
Best things to do in Looe
Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.
Camel Trail cycling
The Camel Trail is a flat, traffic-free path along a former railway line beside the Camel Estuary, running from Padstow to Wadebridge and on towards Bodmin. Allow 2 to 4 hours.
Tintagel Castle visit
Tintagel Castle is a ruined fortress on a dramatic Cornish headland, linked by legend with King Arthur. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Seafood in Padstow
Padstow is one of Cornwall's best-known food towns, centred on a working fishing harbour. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Best areas to stay in Looe
East Looe
The busier side, with the main beach, shops and restaurants.
West Looe
Quieter, with a village feel and views across the river.
Hannafore
A scenic seafront area with sea views.
Best hotels in Looe
Prices for a double room in Looe typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.
Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.
Best time to visit Looe
May to September for the beaches and boat trips. Spring and autumn are good for coast path walks.
Seasons that suit Looe well: spring, summer, autumn.
Estimated budget for a weekend in Looe
| Hotel or B&B, per night for two | £90–£150 |
|---|---|
| Food and drink, per day for two | £55–£85 |
| Activities and extras for the weekend | £30–£90 |
| Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel | £320–£560 |
Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.
Getting to Looe
- From Exeter: About 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
- From Plymouth: About 45 minutes by car.
- From London: About 4 hours by train to Liskeard, then the branch line to Looe.
Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.
A sample weekend in Looe
- Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in East Looe.
- Saturday: Start with Looe harbour and the quay, then Looe Island. In the afternoon, head to The Looe Valley Line.
- Sunday: Visit The Monkey Sanctuary or Hannafore Point, then head home.
Packing list for Looe
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Walking gear Wet-weather gear
Good to know
- Parking in the town fills quickly in summer.
- Boat trips to Looe Island depend on tide and weather.
- The coast path to Polperro is steep in places.
Looe weekend FAQs
Is Looe good for families?
Yes. It has a beach, boat trips and a scenic railway, all close together.
Can I reach Looe by train?
Yes. The Looe Valley Line runs from Liskeard, where you can change from the main line.
More weekend ideas
A smugglers' harbour of narrow lanes and cottages, mostly closed to cars
PadstowCornwallA Cornish fishing harbour famous for seafood and the Camel Trail
NewquayCornwallCornwall's surf capital, with long golden beaches
St IvesCornwallGolden beaches, art galleries and a pretty Cornish harbour
Explore more: Best coastal weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK · Best family weekend breaks in the UK · Best UK weekend breaks by train
Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.
Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.