LOOE, CORNWALL
Explore the local area
Talland Bay lies between Looe and Polperro and is one of the most memorable and secluded coves along the coastline of South Cornwall. Discover the beautiful beaches near Looe and enjoy scenic walks, popping into local cafes for an ice cream or coffee stop to fuel up. If you want a proper local adventure, the Talland Bay to Polperro coastal walk is a great choice to take in the views and get to know the area.
Away from the coastline, the quiet hamlet of Talland has a scattering of houses and cottages, plus an ancient church, away from the busy tourist areas to the north and west. It’s a perfect location for walking, fishing and exploring the coast – or just relaxing and enjoying the views.
If you want to venture outside of Talland Bay, make sure you see our top recommendations for places to visit around Cornwall for a fun-filled, adventure-packed day.
Talland Bay Beach
It has three small beaches flanked by a rocky foreshore and a beautiful undeveloped coastline and is sheltered and safe for swimming.
There are two main beaches in the bay and they are great for families as it is a sheltered cove, making it safe for swimming both at low and high tide. There are also lots of rock pools to discover at low tide – keeping the children occupied for hours while you relax on the beach!
Fishing off the rocks is another popular pastime at Talland. The clear waters make it an ideal spot for snorkelling and it’s also very popular with scuba divers who come to visit the old boiler from the French Trawler Marguerite, shipwrecked off Talland in 1922. If you are really lucky you may spot dolphins weaving in and out of the boats. Basking sharks have also been spotted in the bay on various occasions and make an amazing sight. They aren’t a bit perturbed by the swimmers or kayakers and are a testament to the cleanliness of our bay as they only feed in clean waters. On a more regular occurrence, there is a local seal that lives in Polperro harbour and often swims around to Talland for a visit.
Local Cafes
There are two amazing cafes in the bay.
The Smugglers Rest is a licensed cafe serving food and drinks with evening BBQ’s during peak periods.
The Talland Beach cafe is located on the beach serving light snacks, ice creams, cream teas and beach equipment. Both have stunning views of the beautiful Talland Bay.
To find out more, please visit our ‘dining out‘ page.
Kayaking
Sit-on kayaks are available to rent (subject to weather conditions) from the Talland Beach cafe on an hourly basis. Lifejackets are provided and must be worn at all times. They are one-man kayaks but are suitable for an adult and a small child together and are a great way to spend a couple of hours bobbing around on the open sea soaking up the Cornish sunshine and sea air!
Coastal Footpath
The Bay Talland is located with direct access onto the Cornish Coast Path making it the perfect spot for walking. Head off West to Polperro – 1 1/4 miles (allow 55 minutes each way) or East to Looe – approximately 3 miles (allow about 1 1/2 hours each way). The footpath offers fantastic views and is very well trodden. The walk to Looe although longer is slightly less steep than the Polperro walk.
Lucy Daniel undertakes guided walks in the area which is thoroughly recommended, you can find more information using the link below:
Talland Church
Built on a fifth century Celtic site, Talland Church is well worth a visit. One unusual feature of the church is the detached bell-tower, joined to the church in the fifteenth century when a coach-house roof was built between the doors of the church and the tower. There are some exquisitely carved pew-ends in the church, as well as many other features of note, not to mention the stunning views from the grounds.
