The Mud Maid at the Lost Gardens of Heligan — a sleeping figure sculpted from earth and living plants in a woodland glade.

Cornwall · Family · Looe

Things to do with kids in Looe.

A working fishing town with a proper sandy beach, boat trips to a seal colony on Looe Island, and a branch line that arrives dramatically from the moor — Looe handles families without fuss and entirely on its own terms.

Photograph — Daderot / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Looe · South-East Cornwall

Looe is divided by its river into East Looe and West Looe, connected by a bridge that children cross dozens of times a day because the division is inherently interesting. The town has a sandy beach directly east of the harbour — wide enough, lifeguarded, and with the facilities (beach cafes, toilet blocks, hire equipment) that make a long day manageable without much forward planning.

Looe Island, clearly visible offshore, is managed as a nature reserve by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and accessible by seasonal boat trip from the harbour. The Looe Valley branch line from Liskeard descends 8.5 miles through wooded river valley and is an attraction in its own right. Hannafore Point, west of the main beach, offers some of the most productive rock pooling on the south Cornish coast at low tide. Looe is self-contained in a way that suits families who prefer not to drive between activities.

East Looe town beach is a broad arc of sand with the harbour at its western end and a rocky headland to the east. Lifeguarded in season, the beach is suitable for families with young children — the sand is firm, the gradient gentle, and the surf generally manageable. Facilities include toilets, beach huts for hire, a seasonal cafe and watersports hire. At low tide the beach extends east toward Hannafore Point where rock pools provide additional entertainment. A practical, self-contained family beach within walking distance of the town.

Best for

Ages 2–12, toddler-friendly

St George's Island — known locally as Looe Island — is a 22-acre nature reserve managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, half a mile offshore. Seasonal boat trips run from Looe harbour, landing on the island to explore the wildlife sanctuary: grey seals, nesting shags and cormorants, and wildflowers including several nationally rare species. The island has a resident warden during summer. Landing trips are tide and weather-dependent; viewing trips operate more frequently. An outstanding family experience when conditions allow.

Best for

Ages 5–14, wildlife enthusiasts

The 8.5-mile branch railway from Liskeard to Looe descends through one of the most scenic wooded river valleys in Cornwall, crossing the East Looe River several times on bridges that make the journey feel genuinely adventurous. The line has one of the steepest and sharpest curves in Britain just outside Liskeard. Children with any interest in trains will find the journey memorable. Trains run roughly hourly; the return trip from Looe is equally good. The 30-minute journey costs a standard local fare and is worth every penny.

Best for

Ages 3–12, train enthusiasts

West of Looe Beach, the Hannafore Point headland drops to extensive rock platforms among the most productive pooling sites on the south Cornish coast. The pools hold anemones, topshells, urchins, and at low spring tides occasional cephalopods under overhangs. The platform is accessible at mid to low tide from the Hannafore seafront; parking available at Hannafore. The views across to Looe Island are excellent from the point. Bring a hand lens — the invertebrate detail rewards close examination.

Best for

Ages 4–12, nature enthusiasts, free activity

The tidal Millpool inlet on the West Looe side of the river is used by Looe Sailing Club and watersports operators for dinghy sailing and kayaking, particularly suitable for beginners in a sheltered environment. The calm tidal water is ideal for children taking first sailing lessons — the Optimist dinghy course is well-established here. Sessions run during school holidays and weekends in summer. The adjacent Millpool car park makes access straightforward. A good alternative to beach activities on calm summer days.

Best for

Ages 7–14, sailing and kayaking beginners

Practical notes

Getting there: Looe has a railway station on the branch line from Liskeard (connect to GWR main line). By car: A387 from the A38. Large car parks at Millpool and behind East Looe beach. Summer traffic on the A387 can be slow — the train from Liskeard is genuinely faster.
Rainy day options: The Looe Valley branch line ride to Liskeard and back is enjoyable in any weather. The Guildhall Museum on Higher Market Street covers Looe history. Polperro (4 miles) has the smuggling museum. Liskeard has several indoor cafes and the Stuart House arts centre.
Eating out: Pengelly's Fish and Chips on the quay is consistently excellent. The Fishing Line restaurant on the harbour front for a sit-down fish dinner. The Jolly Sailor pub for pub lunches. The Beach House cafe on East Looe beach for quick meals during the day.
Pushchair access: East Looe beach and the quayside are accessible with a pushchair. The town bridge connects both sides of the river on a flat route. Hannafore Point involves some rocky terrain. The town centre has some steep lanes but is generally manageable.
Best ages: Looe suits all ages. Toddlers are well-served by the beach and harbour. Primary-school children love the rock pooling and island boat trips. The branch line train is a hit with train-interested children of any age. Teenagers find sailing lessons a good use of a summer day.
Budget tip: The beach is free. Hannafore rock pooling costs nothing. The branch line train is a modest fare. Pack lunch from the bakeries and delis on the main street. Millpool car park is cheaper than the town centre car parks.

Things to do with kids in Looe.

Looe Beach

Looe Island boat trip

Looe Valley branch line

Hannafore Point rock pooling

Millpool dinghy sailing

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