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Discover Polperro
In Polperro it is easy to step back in time in what is a largely an unspoilt fishing village on the South East coast of Cornwall. Its beautiful cottages cling to steep hillsides around a small harbour with spectacular views of land and sea making it an artist’s paradise. Like its neighbour Looe, Polperro offers plenty of places to eat and relax and has a great selection of accommodation. Dotted around the village are several galleries selling work by local artists. Many of these artists are involved in the arts and music festival in June, which includes the crowning of the mock mayor and parades through the narrow streets.
Reasons to visit Polperro
- The coast either side of the harbour provides fantastic walking
- Its infamous history as a smugglers haunt
- Unique tidal sea pool
- Beautiful beaches close by including Polperro beach, Talland Bay beach, Lansallos beach, Lantic Bay
- Famous for its delicious seafood caught by local fishermen
- Relaxed pace of life
- Situated in an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’
- An exciting calendar of events including Open Studios Cornwall and Polperro Music and Arts Festival
- The abundance of quirky independent shops
- Easy access to nearby attractions
Things to do in Polperro
- Walking Stroll along the coastal footpaths for spectacular views and access to beautiful beaches, often empty even in the summer. One great walk is from the village to the nearby town of Looe via the five mile coastal footpath, one of Cornwall’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Beaches Polperro has a small sandy beach located just outside the main breakwater. The beach is in front of Willy Wilcox cave, believed to have been used by smugglers. There is a small walkway across the beach, used at low tide, to convey holiday makers to the frequent boat trips that leave Polperro's small inlet. Other beaches close by include Talland Bay beach, Lansallos beach and Lantic Bay
- Tidal pool At the foot of Chapel Cliff on the small sandy beach at Polperro lies a small tidal bathing pool which has been the site of many first swims. As natural as they come it could be described as a giant rock pool so buckets and nets, along with a keen eye are essentials. There’s also a call for a head for heights and steady legs, for the steps carved into the cliff giving access to the pool. There are no hand rails here but what waits is more than worth the beating heart.
- Fishing trip Pulling into Polperro from the sea is an unforgettable experience, especially when you've caught a basket full of fish! Fishing trips or pure pleasure cruises are easy to arrange from the quayside
- Museum Learn about the village’s trials and tribulations at the hands of the sea with a visit the heritage museum where you’ll discover stories of pressganging, smuggling and even unique knitwear
- Shopping and eating Mercifully free of traffic (there is a tram for those who want to arrive in style) you can wander through the streets and browse the shops that major in locally made handicrafts and confectionery. After a long day strolling round and taking plenty of photos of the picturesque harbour, you’ll have developed a good thirst and appetite. Enjoy a crab sandwich at the harbour or head to one of Polperro’s excellent cafes, restaurants or pubs
- Visit attractions nearby Located in South East Cornwall, visitors staying here can enjoy plenty of great attractions nearby including the Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Restormel Castle
Useful Polperro links:
LovePolperro.com
South East Cornwall Tourist Information Centre
Where to stay in Polperro
B&Bs in Polperro
Self catering in Polperro
Farm holidays in Polperro
Things to do in Polperro