What to Do in Looe with Kids: The Essential Family Guide

Start with Looe's Best Family-Friendly Beaches

A beach day is one of the easiest ways to keep the whole family entertained in Looe. Pack buckets and spades, swimming gear, snacks and a few beach essentials and you can easily spend a morning or afternoon beside the sea.

East Looe Beach

East Looe Beach is a popular choice for families thanks to its sandy shoreline and convenient position beside the town. Cafes, shops and places to eat are close by, making it particularly useful when travelling with younger children or when you do not want to carry everything you need for the day.

Talland Bay

For something quieter, head to Talland Bay. At low tide, rock pools appear around the bay, giving children plenty to investigate between paddling and playing on the beach.

Talland Bay is especially convenient for guests staying at The Bay Talland, with the coast and beach accessible on foot from the holiday cottages.

Hannafore Beach

Hannafore is another good option for rock pooling and coastal exploring. Its rockier shoreline offers a different experience from East Looe Beach and gives families views across the water towards Looe Island.

Explore more of our favourite beaches near Looe before deciding where to spend your beach day.

Family tip: always check local tide times before exploring rock pools or smaller coves, and supervise children carefully around wet rocks, uneven surfaces and the water.

Take a Boat Trip to Looe Island and Look for Wildlife

For a family adventure beyond the beach, consider a trip to Looe Island, also known as St George's Island.

The island is managed as a nature reserve by Cornwall Wildlife Trust and its mixture of coastal habitats supports marine life, seabirds and other wildlife. Grey seals can sometimes be spotted around the island, while the surrounding waters and coastline attract a variety of birdlife.

Visits to Looe Island are only possible on official organised trips. The passenger-boat crossing takes around 20 minutes and trips are dependent on tides, daylight, weather and sea conditions.

Once ashore, families can explore the reserve and learn more about the island's wildlife and history. Paths can be steep, uneven and slippery in places, so suitable footwear is important and families with very young children should check current access information before booking.

For current sailing dates, availability and visitor information, visit the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Looe Island visitor information .

Try Coastal Walks, Crabbing and Harbour Time

Some of the best family things to do in Looe cost very little. A wander around the harbour gives children the chance to watch fishing boats coming and going, explore the waterfront and spend some time crabbing.

Explore Looe Harbour

Slow the pace down with a walk around Looe's harbour and riverside. It is an easy activity to combine with lunch, an ice cream or a look around the town's independent shops.

Walk part of the South West Coast Path

Families with older children who enjoy walking can tackle part or all of the Looe, Talland and Polperro section of the South West Coast Path.

The official route is approximately 5.7 miles and passes coastal scenery, beaches and historic sites before reaching the fishing village of Polperro. The route includes climbs, descents and uneven coastal paths, so families should choose a section appropriate for the age and walking ability of their children.

Staying at The Bay Talland places you directly between Looe and Polperro, with the South West Coast Path just steps from the site. That makes shorter family walks towards Talland Bay or along part of the wider route easy to build into your stay.

Check the official Looe, Talland and Polperro walk information before setting out.

What Can You Do in Looe with Kids When It Rains?

Cornwall's weather does not always follow the holiday itinerary, but a wet day does not have to mean losing a day of your trip. Looe has several indoor and sheltered options, while guests at The Bay Talland can also make use of the facilities back at their cottage base.

Discover Looe's Local History

The Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol offers an introduction to the history of the town through local artefacts and displays. Opening days can be seasonal, so check current information before travelling.

Visit the Old Sardine Factory

The Old Sardine Factory Heritage Centre explores Looe's relationship with fishing and its maritime past. The site also gives families somewhere to take a break from the weather and learn more about the town they are visiting.

Enjoy The Bay Talland's Indoor Facilities

If everyone would rather have a slower day, head back to The Bay Talland. Guests have access to an indoor swimming pool, fitness facilities and family-friendly spaces, making it easier to keep children entertained when outdoor plans change.

See everything available in our facilities at The Bay Talland.

Plan Easy Family Days Out Near Looe

One of the advantages of staying on this part of the South Cornwall coast is that you do not need to plan every day around one big attraction. Beaches, harbour towns, coastal walks and family activities can all be combined into shorter days out.

Explore Polperro

The nearby fishing village of Polperro makes an easy addition to a family itinerary. Wander through its narrow streets, explore the harbour and stop for something to eat before returning to Talland Bay.

Take the Train Along the Looe Valley Line

For a change from travelling by car, families can take the railway between Looe and Liskeard. The journey offers another way to see the local landscape and can be turned into a simple half-day outing.

Keep a Free Afternoon for Talland Bay

Not every family day needs a packed itinerary. Talland Bay is close enough to The Bay Talland for a spontaneous trip to the beach, some rock pooling or a short coastal walk when everyone wants a more relaxed afternoon.

For more inspiration, explore our guide to things to do in Looe and the surrounding area .

Make The Bay Talland Your Family Base Near Looe

Choosing somewhere that works for both days out and downtime can make a family holiday much easier. The Bay Talland sits on the coast between Looe and Polperro, with Talland Bay and the South West Coast Path within walking distance.

Our self-catering cottages give families their own living, dining and sleeping space, while the wider site offers facilities including an indoor heated pool and children's play areas.

Properties vary in size and layout, so families can choose accommodation that suits the number and ages of the people travelling rather than trying to fit everyone into the same type of holiday home.

Browse our family-friendly cottages in Cornwall to find the right base for your stay.