When's the best time to visit Looe?

The historic fishing port of Looe will once again be welcoming thousands of happy visitors to the town this summer. With its safe sandy beach, large range of accommodation and friendly shops, restaurants and cafés, it’s easy to see why the town has been awarded silver in the British Tourism Awards in the Coastal Resort category in the past.

Families love the town, they return year after year, children grow up and bring their own children, and they in turn love spending the summer playing on the beach or crabbing on the quayside. But for those parents whose children have grown up, September offers a calmer time to visit, though the town is still lively. The sea is at its warmest (OK… warm might not be quite the right word) and it’s a great time to go walking along the South West Coast Path or inland on any number of footpaths that explore hidden corners of the area, including the ancient woodland that fills the West Looe valley.

But as summer turns slowly to autumn and the mist rolls down the river, Looe changes. It quietens down, and once again the loudest sound is that of the sea crashing over the sand and onto the rugged rocks. Many say this is the best time to see Looe, but don’t tell everybody! You won’t have the place to yourselves, there will always be the locals to say hello to, safe in the knowledge that they will be happy to say hello back, and might even stop for a chat.

Many of the shops and restaurants stay open throughout the year and accommodation providers lower their rates, another reason to come out of season. It’s a time for bracing walks along the beach followed by a pasty and a pint in one of the locals, snuggle up in a cottage overlooking the waves and read that novel you’ve been keeping for that right moment….

And then of course there’s Christmas and especially New Year. The town suddenly wakes up again and holds one of the best parties in the UK, fancy dress, fireworks....

....feel free to turn up, you’re all invited.

For more on Looe , read our essential guide.