Things to see and do around Polperro, Looe and Whitsand Bay

The Net Loft

This restored building has been used for boat building, storing sails and pilchard nets in the past. The Grade II building may also have been used as a lighthouse, as it’s ideally situated for a beacon. Having once stood empty at the edge of the harbour, it’s now available for the community and we welcome ideas from everyone for its use.  The building advertises itself; once the shutters are thrown open visitors are intrigued to see what's happening and walk over to see what's going on inside.

The upstairs is one open room, punctuated by the stairwell to the lower floor (which is just storage and not accessible to the public). Facilities are simple; lighting is powered by the solar panels on the roof and from all the windows around the building.

Please get in touch if you would like to be part of the Polperro Net Loft team, or if you would like to use the space for an exhibition or other community event.

Call the ranger team on 01726 870146 or email southeastcornwall@nationaltrust.org.uk

Talland Bay

A good resting point on a coast path walk from Looe to Polperro. Rotterdam and Talland beaches are on either side of this small bay. The rocks here are a soft green and pink, becoming more vibrant when the tide has come up to dampen them. The church up the hill to the east side of the bay is worth a detour to visit. Parking here is very limited and the lanes are very steep and narrow, so arriving by foot is by far the less stressful way to visit.

Hendersick and Talland Bay Loop

Portnadler

Head west from Hannfore in West Looe or walk down from our small car park at Hendersick and you'll find Portnadler beach. As it’s off the beaten track this bay is peaceful and a good rock-pooling spot. Look over to your left and you'll see Looe Island, and on the right is the headland of Hore Point.

Looe

Looe is a busy fishing port, with dayboats catching the fish you can buy in the local fishmongers. The beach at East Looe is popular with families but if you want a bit more peace then head to Hannafore and explore the rocky nooks and crannies on the beach as well as having a front-row view of Looe Island.

The coast path from Hannafore leads along to Portnadler beach and then round Hore Point and onto Talland Bay (0.8 miles and 2.4 miles respectively).

Polperrro to Looe coast walk

Bodigga Cliffs and Struddicks

Two stretches of coastal land between Seaton and Millendreath which the South West Coast Path running through.

The cliffs around Bodigga are quite unstable and so the coast path here runs inland slightly, up the lane which was part of the main east-west route through Cornwall in medieval times.

Follow the walking trail at Struddicks for a short, but demanding stroll around this wild landscape.

Struddicks circular walk

Trethill Cliffs

Just along from the tiny fishing village of Crafthole lie the Trethill cliffs. Heading south-east the coast path weaves through them, before taking you around Tregantle Fort where you can descend down to the beach or stay up high on the South West Coast Path.

Sharrow

Sharrow at Whitsand Bay on the Rame Peninsula is a great surfing beach. Miles of golden sand also make it an ideal place for a family day out and for picnics. Above the beach, on a rock shelf is Sharrow Grot. This terraced area was once a pilchard palace and the grotto, also called Luggar's Cave, was excavated in 1784. Still just visible on the back walls of the cave are words from a verse that Luggar wrote inviting people to find shelter from the storm here. 

There are no National Trust car parks along this stretch, but above Sharrow is a council car park (app or card payment only) and further up the lane on the main road is further parking.

Whitsand Bay circular walk

Beaches activities around Polperro, Looe and Whitsand Bay

Surfing

The south coast of Cornwall is not always thought of for riding the waves but the long bay at Whitsand, which faces south-west, is very popular with surfers.
•    Break - 7km of beach breaks
•    Swell - SE to W
•    Wind - North-easterly
•    Tide - All tides

Fishing

Dig out your rod and reel and head for the coast or jump on one of the boat trips from Looe and Polperro.

Rock-pooling

With so many beaches, from Whitsand to Polperro, you're spoilt for choice for where to go rock-pooling. Once the tide has ebbed back you'll find a world in miniature to explore. Under the seaweed forest look out for starfish, snails and small fish as well as molluscs, barnacles and  ammonites. 

‘50 things to do before you're 11 ¾’

Grab a ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ book and get going on your very own adventure.

50 things to do before you're 11¾ | Visit | National Trust

• Check the tides so you don't get cut off 
• Check the surfing conditions 
• Consult the weather and bring sun protection and hats, or waterproofs and a change of clothes
• The coast paths can get muddy so stout footwear is advisable 
• It's not always obvious how fragile the cliffs are, so be aware around cliff edges from above and from below
• Currents and winds can make swimming hazardous; keep within your limits
• Keep children supervised
• Keep dogs under close control around livestock and other people
• Let your dog off the lead if you feel threatened by livestock or horses and avoid getting between farm animals and their young