The attractions of Looe, Cornwall

Attractions and historical features of Looe
	Looe Harbour Quay The harbour quay has traditionally been the focus of attention in Looe when the fishing boats come back to harbour to unload their catches. Even though the fishing fleet is smaller these days (see pages on the fishing industry) it still makes a busy and colourful scene and the ice room facilities have just been extended again
Low tide in Looe Harbour Looe harbour is tidal so twice in every twenty four hours it experiences both high tide and low tide - the result is a constantly changing visual scene
	West Looe beach and the harbour mouth A long harbour arm (the "banjo" pier) protects the east side of the mouth of the Looe river from winter storms and gives safe passage into the harbour for returning craft - the west side is naturally protected by the rocky river bank and coast line. Across the river can be seen the sandy East Looe beach - very popular with families with children.
Looe's famous "banjo" pier The banjo pier is a natural and popular point to aim for on a walk around Looe harbour, especially to see the returning fishing trawlers at high tide. But in bad weather it can be the last place to be and dramatic and tragic tales can be told about the banjo pier (see history pages)
	Looe Island Looe Island is only just off the coast of Looe and once a year, when there is an exceptionally low tide it is just possible to walk to it. At other times boats take visitors. In winter storms it can be cut off for days or even weeks. The island's proper name is St.George's Island and it housed a monastic community in mediaeval days. In 1965 two sisters bought it and lived there alone, sadly one died recently but the surviving sister lives on despite the undoubted hardships.
The Old Guildhall The Old Guildhall in East Looe is one of Looe's oldest buildings, dating back to about 1500. Its role as the "Town Hall" has been taken over by the "new" Victorian Guildhall in Fore Street and today the Old Guildhall houses the Museum Photo courtesy of Steve and Rebecca Troyer of Knoxville, Tennessee, USA © March, 2000
	West Looe Though facing its larger neighbour (East Looe) across the river, West Looe has its own individuality and character Photo courtesy of Steve and Rebecca Troyer of Knoxville, Tennessee, USA © March, 2000
Seagulls - a mixed blessing? No visit to Looe would be complete without seeing its seagulls. These surprisingly large and, generally, immaculately groomed birds are something of a curse on Looe and you'll be lucky if you return to your car and find it not bearing a seagull's calling card. This one looks lucky - at least up until the photo was taken! Photo courtesy of Steve and Rebecca Troyer of Knoxville, Tennessee, USA © March, 2000
If you have interesting photos of Looe, especially old ones, and/or interesting stories about Looe, please let us know - use the e-mail adddress on the homepage. All photos on this page, except those credited individually, were taken by R.J.Tarr © 1999 \| Home \|