Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Looe has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Looe.
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Sights in Looe
Looe is a small town in southern Cornwall, England. The town is divided in two by the River Looe, East Looe and West Looe being connected by a bridge. East and West Looe are also joined by a bridge over the River Looe, on the coastline at Hannafore.
Looe Harbour is a natural harbour and is the estuary for the River Looe which flows through the town. The town has a long history of fishing and was once a major port, although its importance as a port has declined since the 19th century. Looe continues to be a popular destination for leisure sailors.
Outside of the town centre, key landmarks include St. George’s Island (also known as Looe Island),banana plantations, and the Looe Golf Club.
In the town centre, there are many pubs, cafes, and shops, as well as a church and a museum. The church is dedicated to St. Mary and it is thought to date from the 14th century. The museum is located in the former Guildhall and it focuses on the history of the town, particularly its fishing industry.
Looe is a popular tourist destination and is particularly busy in the summer months. The town has a number of hotels and holiday apartments as well as camping and caravan sites. There are also a number of beaches in the vicinity which are popular with visitors.
History of Looe
Looe is a town, civil parish and fishing port on the south coast of Cornwall, England. It has a population of 5,280. Looe lies in the East Looe river valley, and marks the lower limit of this otherwise partly tidal river. It is also know as the “Gateway to Cornwall”.
The history of Looe is closely linked to its role as a fishing port. It is thought that the name ‘Looe’ comes from the old Cornish word for a pool or inlet, and that the town developed around the natural harbour formed at the mouth of the river. The harbour has been in use since at least the 13th century, and was an important base for the region’s fishing fleet.
In medieval times, Looe was a member of the powerful Hanseatic League, a trading alliance of cities in northern Europe. This allowed the town to prosper as a centre for trade and shipbuilding.
The town was badly affected by the English Civil War, and was sacked by Parliamentary troops in 1644. It later fell into decline, and by the early 19th century was a small, sleepy fishing village.
However, the town’s fortunes changed in the mid19th century with the arrival of a railway link to the nearby city of Plymouth. This brought increased trade and tourism to Looe, and made it a popular resort for Victorian holidaymakers.
Today, Looe is still a thriving fishing port, and a popular tourist destination. Its narrow streets and historic buildings give it a unique atmosphere, and it is wellknown for its annual Pirate Festival.
Vacation in Looe
Looe is a small town located on the southeast coast of Cornwall, England. The town is divided in two by the River Looe: East Looe and West Looe. East Looe is the larger of the two settlements, while West Looe is the primary tourist destination.
Looe is renowned for its scenic beaches, which are popular with both locals and visitors alike. The town’s main beach, Hannafore Point, offers stunning views of the coastline and is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. For those looking for a more quiet and secluded beach experience, Monkey Island is a great option. This small island, located just offshore from Hannafore Point, can be reached via a short boat ride and is home to a colony of friendly seals.
In addition to its beaches, Looe is also home to a number of historic landmarks and attractions. The Old Guildhall Museum is a mustsee for history buffs, while the Looe Island Nature Reserve is perfect for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Families will enjoy a visit to the Monkey Sanctuary, where they can learn about the work that the sanctuary does to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned and mistreated primates.
With its beautiful beaches, stunning coastline, and wealth of things to see and do, Looe is the perfect destination for a relaxing Cornwall vacation.
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