
East Looe Beach
A charming town beach in Cornwall, perfect for swimming, crabbing, and enjoying harbor views from its iconic Banjo Pier.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters & fewer crowds

East Looe Beach
Best Time
Calm waters & fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming town beach in Cornwall, perfect for swimming, crabbing, and enjoying harbor views from its iconic Banjo Pier.
"Beautiful sandy beach with really gentle waves ideal for young ones. With a picturesque harbour too."

Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Beach size varies greatly. Plan your visit around low tide for maximum sand space.
Beware of Bold Seagulls! :bird:
They love food! Keep snacks secured or eat at nearby cafes.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Banjo Pier Views
East Looe Beach
Iconic pier offering picturesque views of the harbor and coastline. Perfect for a stroll and photos.

Family-Friendly Swimming
East Looe Beach
Sheltered waters with gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and paddling, especially for younger visitors.

Harbor Activity Watching
East Looe Beach
Observe fishing boats and pleasure craft coming and going from the bustling harbor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tide for the Best Experience
Seagull Savvy: Protect Your Snacks!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Beach size varies greatly. Plan your visit around low tide for maximum sand space.
Beware of Bold Seagulls! :bird:
They love food! Keep snacks secured or eat at nearby cafes.
I’m seeking suggestions for my holiday in Cornwall.
Just looking for some inspiration for day trips from a regular visitor, please and thank you.
Easy Access to Amenities :coffee:
Cafes, toilets, and shops are right on the beachfront. Toilets cost 30p, card accepted.
Great for Crabbing :fishing_pole:
Bring a line and bait for some fun crabbing off the pier or harbor walls.
Is it possible to do a solo Cornwall trip without a car?
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Beach size varies greatly. Plan your visit around low tide for maximum sand space.
Beware of Bold Seagulls! :bird:
They love food! Keep snacks secured or eat at nearby cafes.
Easy Access to Amenities :coffee:
Cafes, toilets, and shops are right on the beachfront. Toilets cost 30p, card accepted.
Great for Crabbing :fishing_pole:
Bring a line and bait for some fun crabbing off the pier or harbor walls.
Clean & Well-Maintained :sparkles:
Generally tidy, but watch for occasional broken glass on walkways.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
East Looe Beach is praised for its convenient location, clean sandy shores, and gentle waters ideal for swimming and families. Visitors appreciate the picturesque harbor views and the iconic Banjo Pier. However, the aggressive seagulls are a common complaint, and occasional broken glass on walkways can be a minor concern.
"The sheltered nature of the beach makes it suitable for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and crabbing, especially during the summer.
The beach is conveniently located near the town, offering easy access to amenities and facilities."
Joanna Mocek
"Loved this beach. Very clean, lots of nice cafes right on the beachfront and close by. Decent public toilets by the beach. Cute little pier and lovely views.
Only negative is the nuisance seagulls constantly circling overhead and swooping on unsuspecting people with food on the beach. My advice.. don't take anything edible onto the beach as you won't have it for long!! We only took coffee and water and they didn't bother us."
Jeannie Loveday
"Beautiful sandy beach, with really gentle waves ideal for young ones. With a picturesque harbour too. Toilets were 30p and you can pay by card!"
De Mo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
East Looe Beach is centrally located in Looe, easily accessible on foot from the town center. If arriving by train, the station is a short walk away. Parking is available in Looe, but can be busy during peak season.
Yes, East Looe Beach is very accessible without a car. Looe has a train station, and the beach is a short walk from there. Many visitors explore Cornwall without a car by utilizing public transport and walking.
There are several car parks in Looe town, some closer to the beach than others. Be aware that parking can be limited and expensive during peak times. Consider arriving early or using public transport if possible.
Yes, local bus services connect Looe to surrounding towns and villages. Check local bus timetables for routes and schedules that serve Looe town center, which is a short walk from the beach.
The scenic Looe Valley Line railway offers a charming way to arrive by train. Buses are also a viable option, connecting Looe to larger towns like Plymouth and Newquay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, East Looe Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sand, sea, and pier freely.
East Looe Beach is accessible at all times. However, amenities like cafes and public toilets will have their own operating hours, typically during daylight and early evening.
No booking is required for East Looe Beach itself. It's a public space. If you plan to attend events like the Kernowfornia Festival, tickets would be necessary for that specific event.
Generally, there are no major restrictions. However, during events like festivals, specific areas might be cordoned off. Always be mindful of tide times and safety notices.
The public toilets located by the beach cost 30p per use, and payment can be made by card.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, go crabbing, and enjoy the views from Banjo Pier. Kayaking is also popular.
Yes, the sheltered nature of East Looe Beach makes it suitable for swimming, with gentle waves ideal for all ages.
Absolutely! Crabbing is a popular activity here, especially from the pier or harbor walls. Bring a line and bait for a fun experience.
While the provided information doesn't explicitly state dog restrictions, many Cornish beaches have seasonal dog bans. It's advisable to check local signage or council websites for current dog policies, especially during summer months.
The Banjo Pier is a distinctive, curved pier on East Looe Beach, offering excellent vantage points for observing the harbor activity and enjoying coastal scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are numerous cafes, fish and chip shops, and restaurants located right on the beachfront and in the nearby town, offering a variety of dining options.
Looe is known for its fresh seafood, traditional fish and chips, ice cream, and various pub fare. You'll find options to suit most tastes.
You can have a picnic, but be very cautious of the seagulls who are known to aggressively target food. It's often easier to enjoy your meal at one of the nearby cafes.
Most restaurants in Looe will offer some vegetarian options, and increasingly, vegan choices are becoming more common, especially in cafes and dedicated eateries.
Prices are comparable to other popular tourist destinations in Cornwall. You can find budget-friendly options like fish and chips, as well as more upscale dining experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The Banjo Pier offers iconic shots of the harbor and beach. The picturesque harbor itself, with its boats, is also a great subject. Capture the sunrise or sunset over the water for stunning light.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) provide beautiful, soft light. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the vibrant activity of the harbor.
Drone usage is subject to regulations and permissions. It's essential to check current drone laws for the UK and specific local bylaws for Looe before flying. Respect privacy and safety.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and harbor. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on boats or distant coastal views. A polarizing filter can enhance sky and water colors.
Photographing the boats coming in and out of the harbor, the colorful fishing nets, and the charming architecture of the town provides unique local flavor.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't forget to bring a crabbing line and bait, as it's a highly recommended and fun activity for kids. While dining on the beach is possible, be extremely vigilant with food due to the seagulls. Opting for one of the many family-friendly cafes or fish and chip shops nearby is often a more relaxed option. The convenience of nearby amenities like toilets also adds to the ease of a family day out.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Backpackers
Enjoy a peaceful morning swim, a stroll along the Banjo Pier, or try your hand at crabbing. The town offers plenty of cafes for a solo coffee or meal, and the beach provides a relaxing spot to read or simply soak in the atmosphere. Be mindful of the seagulls if you bring snacks!
couples
Consider a sunset picnic (with careful seagull management!) or enjoy a meal at one of the many cozy restaurants overlooking the water. The gentle sound of the waves and the vibrant harbor activity create a lovely ambiance for a relaxing getaway.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating East Looe Beach: Tides and Accessibility
Accessibility to the beach itself is generally good from the town, with relatively flat access points. However, the charming town of East Looe is known for its hilly terrain, so be prepared for inclines if you plan to explore beyond the immediate beachfront. Public toilets are available and are reasonably priced, with card payment options, adding to the convenience for visitors.
The Banjo Pier: A Looe Landmark
Many visitors enjoy walking along the pier, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light casts a magical glow over the water. It's also a prime location for crabbing, a beloved activity for families and individuals alike. The pier's structure provides easy access to the water, making it an ideal spot to try your luck at catching some small sea creatures.
Culinary Delights and Seagull Strategies
However, a word of caution from seasoned visitors: the seagulls are incredibly bold and will readily attempt to snatch your food. Travelers strongly advise keeping all edible items securely stored or consuming them within the cafes to avoid a swift aerial raid. While you can picnic, be prepared for a constant battle with these opportunistic birds.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit