Launching spring 2025…. Looe Walking Tours offers you the opportunity to discover, or rediscover, the historical harbour town of Looe in SE Cornwall.
Explore the wonderful town of Looe with our informative and entertaining guided walks.
Guided by Mark, with over 30 years of experience in tourism and hospitality, you will learn about Looe’s fascinating & historic past, hear tales of the characters from the Town and stories of the smugglers & fishermen who called Looe their home.
There are 3 tours to choose from. Each covers approximately a 1-mile walk between West & East Looe & lasting around 90 mins to 2 hours.
Each of the walks takes place on pavements & even ground, with just one small slope along the way. There are plenty of spots to take a seat & rest a while!
Follow the Looe Walking Tours Facebook page for all the latest.
TOUR ONE - FROM APRIL 2025
Historical Tales - From Pennyland to the Pier
Commencing along Pennyland, near The Sardine Factory & Heritage Centre, you will meet the famous ‘Nelson’, the bronze statue of the one-eyed seal – gazing out across the river around which Looe was built.
-
Walking along West Looe Quay, you will learn about the 14th century St. Nicolas Church, & then one of Cornwall’s oldest pubs, the Jolly Sailor, before your taken back in time yet further to the foundations of the former medieval bridge that first linked East & West Looe.
Crossing to East Looe you will learn where the ‘new’ bridge’s 8th arch disappeared to give way to the railway that ran all the way along East Looe quayside to waiting ships to load granite & minerals.
The tour continues along Fore Street and to the winding ‘back streets’ areas, stopping at the Old Guildhall, dating to 1450, before reaching the old & new Lifeboat stations, & concluding on Looe’s iconic Banjo Pier.
On your tour with Mark, you will not only learn the historical facts & see the original buildings that made up this busy port; you’ll learn tales of its residents, fishermen and workers along the way.
-
Adults – £20pp
Under 16s – £14
TOUR TWO - FROM APRIL 2025
Taste of The Town -Culinary Tour
Mark will guide you through the Town, whilst sampling the delights modern Looe has to offer. Along the way he will share tales & interesting facts about this beautiful Cornish harbour town. This tour is for those aged 18 & older.
-
From the Crows Nest of the Portbyhan Hotel, in West Looe - you will gaze out over the river whilst sipping on a glass of wine & enjoying some tapas.
Crossing the bridge to East Looe (by ferry when the tide is in) we will visit either the Looe Gin or Penrock Rum distillery for a guided tasting.
The tour concludes in one of Looe’s newest venues - where you’ll enjoy a sharing platter & a cocktail of your choice.
The tour will last approximately 2 hours with all samples & tasters included in the tour price. The above is an example tour & the itinerary will change with the seasons, always including at least three venues.
Whilst non-alcoholic options will be available, the tour is strictly for those aged 18 & older.
-
Over 18s only - £50pp
TOUR THREE - FROM JUNE 2025
Smugglers & Skullduggery
Tales of smugglers haunts, press gangs & skulduggery along the quaysides….as you join Mark on the tour that explores the exploits of old amongst the medieval drinking houses.
-
From the wreckers who lured boats onto the rocks, to royal navy pressgangs rounding up recruits, it is the Looe you never knew!
From ghostly tales of the white hare of West Looe Hill & hauntings at the Jolly Sailor - to trapped souls in the cells of the Old Guildhall… the tour will discover tales of the Town’s darker days.
During the tour, you hear about Amran & Jochabed, who used Looe Island as a stopping point for their contraband… as well as ‘Battling Billy’ and his kegs of illicit liquor.
-
Adults – £20pp
Under 16s – £14
Additional Information
Group Size
The tour will have a maximum of 12 people – and the tour may be reserved exclusively. Suggest a minimum age of 12.
What to Bring
Sensible footwear, suitable clothing to suit the weather, bottle of water, camera…….a thirst for history!
Meeting Point
The Quayside Centre on West Looe Quay (opposite Looe Fire Station). Please arrive 10 minutes ahead of the start time.
All local bus routes stop here (No. 10, 73 & 73A)
Parking
We recommend Millpool parking as it has plenty of space and easy to access. It is 8-10-minute walk from the meeting point. There is limited parking on West Looe Quay and Buller Quay in East Looe, these often fill very early in the day during the summer months.
Train
Looe has a railway station (the Looe Valley Line from Liskeard). To reach West Looe Quay, walk towards the town centre, cross over the bridge and turn left, following the riverside until you reach West Looe Quay.
