Looe the Town of Looe originally consisted of two towns, West Looe, and East Looe; sited either side of the estuary of the River Looe. The Towns date from about 1201. In 1411:  East and West Looe were joined together by the building of an estuary bridge, the earliest such bridge in Cornwall. From records dating about 1698, we know the bridge was described as a 14 arched bridge. This bridge in-effect made the two towns one  Later a new 7 arched bridge was built, 100 yards upstream in 1853. East Looe is built on a spit of sand and is considered the main part of town. This is where the fishing port, and main town center are to be found. East Looe also has its own nice large sandy beach, with shallow water, and plenty of rock pools for children to investigate, West Looe is considered the quieter of the two towns;  also has shops, restaurants, and hotels. It also has the lovely Hannafore beach, with its fine views of St George's Island; which is also referred to as Looe Island .

Looe's prosperity originaly like all Cornish coastal towns, and villages was founded on the fishing industry particulary in the late 15th century; when many fishermen left the port for the long and dangerous voyage to the Grand Banks; off newly dicovered Newfoundland. The lure was that most loved of fish by the British people cod, which was found in vast quantities off the Canadian coast. However: the journey was not without danger, and many of the boats that set sail from Looe never returned lost without trace in the vast, and dangerous Atlantic Ocean. The rewards however: were great and far outweighed the danger. For the returning fishermen diverted to the Mediterranean where their catch of fish was traded in Portugal, Spain and Italy - the Looe fishermen bringing home vessels laden with such sought after comodities as  fruit, wood and wine.

If waterborne activities are for you, then Looe is the place to be. It host all water sports: from sailing, fishing, scuba diving, to windsurfing. And a recent added attraction is the artificial reef. In 2004, a obsolete Royal Navy Frigate HMS Scylla, was deliberately sunk in Whitsand Bay to create Europe's first artificial diving reef. The perpetrator of this friendly environmental act of vandalism, was non-other than the well know naturist, and TV presenter: Mr David Bellamy. The old frigate quickly attracted sea life, and soon a spectacular insight into the fish and animal species that live in Cornish waters was established. And just as quickly it became the favorite spot for scuba divers, and   oceanologists Looe is also a haven for anglers with boat trips to fish for mackerel, or even shark. The National. Shark Angling Club of Great Britain has its headquarters in Looe. Yes Looe certainly has all that water sports enthusiasts, and fishermen desire.

If waterborne activities are not your cup of tea, you can wander through the narrow cobbled streets, view the historic buildings, or casually browse in the many antique and souvenir shops. Or perhaps you would even prefer to do the sort of thing I like to do on holiday? Visit to a old smuggler's tavern. Yes meeting the locals in their pubs, is one of the best ways to experience the local atmosphere, and when coupled with a visit to one of the fine local  restaurant, for me at least constitutes a perfect day? If restaurants, are not your thing there a many cafés where you can sit admire the views and while away a hour or so.
And for artists amongst you, there are many fine views waiting to be put on canvas, sea, or landscape. or one can visit the art galleries, walkers can enjoy many fine walks through stunning coastal scenery. For botanists, and people who enjoy gardening or just looking at plants, there is an amazing plethora of plant life.

Beside Looe itself, the surrounding area has so much to offer. For golfers, Brindow is a excellent 18 hole course designed by the old open champion, and a particular old golfing favorite of mine. For I and many golfers use the grip he devised. Yes it is the grip designed by no less a golfer than Harry Vardon. The monkey center is situated on Looe Bay, and provides a wonderful days entertainment for adults and children alike. For steam train enthusiasts, there is the Great Scenic Railway, known as the Looe Valley line it links Looe with the market town of Liskeard. This is one of Cornwall's many quaint railway's. The Great Scenic Railway  travels along the beautiful wooded Looe river valley, and offers one a view of fantastic scenery throughout the journey. As one who is old enough to remeber the golden days of steam I find these railways a  wonderful way of transporting myself back in time. I have come to regard them as my own personal Tardis The beautiful historic naval City of Plymouth only 23 miles away is a tourist dream. yes with grat links to other Cornish and Devon attractions;  Looe is an excellent centre from which to explore all of Cornwall and a good part of Devon.

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