I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year - I'll catch up with all my reads and rates whe...
I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year - I'll catch up with all my reads and rates when my guests have all gone home!
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Looe is situated in south-east Cornwall and is built on the estuary of two rivers. East Looe and West Looe are joined across the estuary by a broad seven arched bridge.
The labyrinth of narrow streets rise steeply from the river up the sides of the valley so if your hotel is at the top be prepared to get some exercise, whether you want it or not!
Looe used to be a pilchard fishing community but the arrival of the railway in 1859 brought the first summer visitors and tourism has been strong in the town ever since. The quayside is still lined with fishing boats and you can go on a shark fishing expedition if you’re feeling brave. For anglers who prefer to keep their feet on dry land there is a circular area at the end of Banjo Pier, which is ideal for fishing.
There are the usual gift shops you would associate with any sea side town together with cafes and tea rooms where you can sit and watch the world go by. You can get a boat trip out to St George’s Island or you can visit the park and feed the swans.
Looe is a good base for getting out and about and exploring Cornwall. Polperro is only about 5 miles south of here and is well worth a visit. You park at the top of the valley near the Crumplehorn Mill and walk down the steep street to the sea. There are plenty of shops, pubs and cafes on the way down to the harbour and pony and trap services run during the summer for those who don’t fancy the walk. The walk down isn’t too bad – it’s the walk back up again that’s a bit hard on the legs!
At the bottom jagged rocks guard a pretty harbour where fishing boats are moored. Until last century pilchard fishing was the main occupation of the villagers and Polperro has retained the atmosphere of a fishing village. It even has a fisherman’s choir. It does get very busy in the height of the season so a visit out of season is a good idea so that you can really enjoy the unique character of the village.
If you visit the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing you can see photographs and articles about the 35 foot pulling and sailing lifeboat, Ryder, which was stationed in Looe from 1902 to 1930. The restored boat is afloat in the harbour adjacent to the museum.
Fowey is a further 10 miles or so the other side of Polperro, with its narrow streets of architecture ranging from Elizabethan to Edwardian. If you walk along the high narrow lane of Bull Hill you get a panoramic view over the rooftops of the town to the river. There is a museum in Forte Street called Noah’s Ark museum where domestic items are displayed in their period settings. Beware of the ‘I had one of those’ factor – it makes you feel old!
The Bodinnick car ferry crosses the river at Caffamill and a passenger ferry makes its way in between all the boats to reach Polruan on the other side. Talking of boats, there’s a Trent class lifeboat to go and visit in Fowey as well. Mind you that goes without saying in most of the Cornish towns!
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Advantages: Quaint unspoilt gorgeous little town, and Clive's cat's! Disadvantages: Could possibly suffer with an overabundance of tourists at the height of Summer
kazziebears 07.10.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Looe (England)
Advantages: Quaint unspoilt gorgeous little town, and Clive's cat's! Disadvantages: Could possibly suffer with an overabundance of tourists at the height of Summer
kazziebears 07.10.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Looe (England)
Feb 1st, 2001
(Feb 2nd, 2001)
very helpful by (96%):
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