Banjo Pier
Looe's iconic Banjo Pier offers stunning harbour views and a unique perspective where river meets sea. A local landmark for watching boats and explori...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Explore seabed & unique views
Banjo Pier
Best Time
Explore seabed & unique views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Looe's iconic Banjo Pier offers stunning harbour views and a unique perspective where river meets sea. A local landmark for watching boats and exploring at low tide.
"A lovely little pier, great to sit down there and watch all the boats coming in and out of the harbour."
🚶♀️ Walk the Pier
Enjoy a stroll out to the end for fantastic views of the bay and harbour. It's accessible and not too long!
🌊 Check the Tides
Visit at low tide to explore the seabed and enjoy a different perspective of the pier.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Banjo Pier Views
Looe Harbour
Experience breathtaking views of Looe Bay, the harbour entrance, and Rame Head from this distinctive pier.
Low Tide Exploration
Around Banjo Pier
At low tide, explore the seabed around the pier for a unique perspective and fun stone-skimming opportunities.
Harbour Activity Watching
Banjo Pier
Sit back and enjoy watching the constant flow of boats entering and leaving the picturesque harbour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Banjo Pier
Family Safety at Banjo Pier
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Pier
Enjoy a stroll out to the end for fantastic views of the bay and harbour. It's accessible and not too long!
🌊 Check the Tides
Visit at low tide to explore the seabed and enjoy a different perspective of the pier.
⚠️ Safety First
No railings on the pier, so keep a tight rein on young children, especially in windy weather.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The pier offers incredible photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or with boats in the harbour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Pier
Enjoy a stroll out to the end for fantastic views of the bay and harbour. It's accessible and not too long!
🌊 Check the Tides
Visit at low tide to explore the seabed and enjoy a different perspective of the pier.
⚠️ Safety First
No railings on the pier, so keep a tight rein on young children, especially in windy weather.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The pier offers incredible photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or with boats in the harbour.
✨ Special Occasions
Keep an eye out for events like fireworks displays off the pier during festive seasons.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Banjo Pier for its stunning views of Looe Bay and the harbour, making it a local landmark worth visiting. The opportunity to watch boats and explore at low tide are highlights, though the lack of railings necessitates caution, especially with children. Some mention its role in flood defence plans, indicating its ongoing importance.
"Very much a local landmark, this can be found where the river meets the sea. There is a great tidal range and at low tide, you can walk around the outside at sea level. From the Banjo Pier itself, you can sit and watch the boats and ride. Occasionally the pier is closed during stormy and windy weather, for safety reasons, as there is no railing, so also keep a tight rein on younger children."
Elizabeth Baker
"Watching the Hurricane roll through from my hotel window, I was not surprised to see such a dramatic Sunrise. Looe is such a beautiful place to visit and even with the storm I enjoyed my time spent here."
Tim Betts (spirittraveladventures)
"Stunning views and a nice beach. Worth a little walk out of the town past the RNLI base and shops.
Just down from the RNLI base is a little sandy spot that's got great stones for skimming. Record of 19 skims and one that hit the beach on the other shore line. Nice."
Jay D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Banjo Pier is located at the mouth of the River Looe, where it meets the sea. It's easily accessible on foot from the town centre, just past the RNLI base. If arriving by car, park in one of Looe's main car parks and enjoy a short walk to the harbour.
Yes, the pier itself is generally considered wheelchair accessible, offering a pleasant walk with harbour views.
A walk along the pier offers great views, but for a unique perspective, consider a drone shot or a boat trip departing from the harbour.
No, you cannot drive directly onto Banjo Pier. Parking is available in Looe town, and the pier is a short walk from there.
Looe is served by a scenic railway line, the Looe Valley Line, making it accessible by train.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Banjo Pier is a public landmark and there is no admission fee. You can visit it freely.
Banjo Pier is accessible at all times, but it may be temporarily closed during severe weather for safety reasons.
Walking on Banjo Pier is free of charge for all visitors.
While there aren't specific tours for the pier itself, many boat trips and walking tours of Looe will pass by or include views of it.
The main restriction is for safety during stormy weather when the pier may be closed. Visitors are also advised to supervise children closely due to the lack of railings.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer stunning sunrises and a peaceful atmosphere, while evenings can be magical with harbour lights. Low tide also provides unique photographic opportunities. 
You can capture wide-angle shots of the bay, close-ups of boats, dramatic seascapes during rough weather, and charming harbour scenes.
Drone usage is generally permitted in the area, but always check local regulations and be mindful of privacy and safety.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture details of boats. A polarizing filter can enhance seascapes.
Absolutely! It's a prime spot to photograph fishing boats, pleasure craft, and ferries coming in and out of the harbour.
🎫 🌊 Weather & Safety
During stormy or very windy weather, the pier may be closed for safety reasons due to the lack of railings.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. If visiting during cooler months or potentially windy days, bring layers and a waterproof jacket.
The primary concern is the lack of railings, making it essential to supervise children closely. Be aware of the tidal range as well.
Looe experiences a significant tidal range, which means at low tide, you can walk around the outside of the pier at sea level.
Storms can create dramatic seascapes and powerful waves, but also lead to the pier's closure for safety.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
+1 Early mornings are particularly rewarding for capturing stunning sunrises and the tranquil start to the day in Looe. Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the boats in action, especially during the golden hour. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for expansive seascapes and a telephoto lens to zoom in on harbour details.🚶♀️ Walkers & Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering and Future of Banjo Pier
The pier's design allows it to withstand significant wave action while also providing a scenic walkway for visitors. Its location at the mouth of the River Looe offers panoramic views of the bay, the coastline, and the bustling harbour. This dual role as a functional defence and an attractive amenity makes it a focal point for both locals and tourists.
+1While the pier offers beautiful vistas, it's important to note its lack of railings. This feature, while contributing to its open feel, necessitates caution, particularly for families with young children. The pier's condition and future are subject to ongoing considerations regarding coastal erosion and flood management, ensuring its continued presence and utility for years to come.
Experiencing Looe Harbour from Banjo Pier
Beyond just watching the boats, the pier allows visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of Looe Bay. On calmer days, the water is often clear, and the pier offers excellent views towards Rame Head and along the scenic coastline. The proximity to the sea means you can often hear the calls of seagulls and feel the sea breeze, immersing you in the coastal environment.
+1For those interested in a more hands-on experience, the area around the pier, especially at low tide, is known for its stones, perfect for skimming. This adds a playful element to a visit, making it enjoyable for all ages. The pier's accessibility also means it's a pleasant walk for most, offering a rewarding experience without a strenuous effort.
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