コーンウォールのルー：海辺の町ルーのツアー – 素晴らしい朝の訪問！

コーンウォールのルー：海辺の町ルーのツアー – 素晴らしい朝の訪問！

Discover the timeless charm of Looe, 
a captivating seaside town perfect for your next adventure. Delve into its rich history, 
exploring its ancient back streets and uncovering its fascinating fishing heritage. Enjoy a 
leisurely stroll along the golden sandy beach, a family favourite, and learn the intriguing story 
behind the uniquely named Banjo Pier. Throughout your visit, you’ll be treated to breathtaking 
views from various vantage points around town. Join us as we share our tips, guide, and a journey 
through the history of this wonderful coastal gem. This is the pretty Cornish coastal harbour town 
of Looe, nestled where the River Looe carves its path to the sea. Picturesquely divided into two 
distinct halves, east and west. Historically,  these were separate boroughs, each with its own 
character. East Looe typically presents a busier face, home to a concentration of shops and the 
main sandy beach. At the same time, the West offers a quieter, more residential ambience 
with different yet equally charming views. We are arriving from our base in 
Lostwithiel, just 20 minutes away. If you watched our first episode in Cornwall, 
you’ll know this gorgeous old Stannery town is where we’re staying for our week. Do 
check out that video if you missed it. Whilst we are driving into town, it does 
have a station and you can get here from London Paddington via Liskeard in 4 hours 
and 20 minutes or other parts of the country via Plymouth. If you’re using the Cornish bus 
service, check out this website for a timetable. Just parked up at the car park in 
Looe. It is massive. Gives you an indication of how busy this 
place gets. Parking charges, we are staying for about 3 hours. So we’ve 
gone for a 3 to 4-hour ticket, which is £6.80. It’s an absolutely glorious Sunday morning 
to start this new travel series. Travelling around Cornwall as we will be for the next week, 
and making a number of videos for you. You’ve been asking for a Cornwall series for quite some 
time. So, here we are and I’m hoping the weather is going to be fantastic all week. It’s looking 
pretty good for at least the next 4 days. So, we should have some fantastic shots from the 
various locations. Looe’s story begins long  before written records, with archaeological 
findings suggesting human inhabitation in this area as far back as 1,000 BC. Its 
strategic coastal location and natural harbour were instrumental in its rise as one 
of Cornwall’s largest and most important ports. From these quays, locally sourced resources such 
as tin, arsenic, and granite were exported. While the town also gained renown for its proficient 
fishing industry and boat-building skills, the pursuit of pilchards being a particularly 
significant activity that shaped the fortunes of many Cornish coastal communities, including 
Looe. However, the maritime history of Looe, like many Cornish ports, is not solely one of 
legitimate trade. Smuggling was an undeniable and often significant part of its past. The 
early 19th century brought huge challenges. The protracted Napoleonic Wars and the British 
blockade of 1808 had a devastating impact on its primary source of income, preventing the fishing 
fleet from accessing their traditional pilchard fishing grounds. This period of decline, 
however, spurred innovation and adaptation. The Liskeard and Looe Union Canal, completed in 
1828, transported lime, copper, and granite from inland mines and quarries to the port. When canal 
capacity was exceeded, the Looe Valley Railway opened in 1860, superseding it for raw material 
transport. As mining declined, the railway pivoted to passenger transport, initiating tourism. 
This pattern of adapting infrastructure for shifting economic drivers from fishing to mining 
to tourism ensured Looe’s continued prosperity. The first recorded bridge, a wooden structure, 
was built in 1411 to link the two settlements. After its destruction by fire, it was replaced in 
1436 by a stone bridge. The seven-arch Victorian bridge that stands today was constructed in 
1853. Its creation was a direct response to increased traffic and commerce flowing 
through Looe, likely stimulated by the economic activities surrounding the canal and 
burgeoning railway and the mineral trades. We are visiting Cornwall in mid-May, a couple 
of weeks before the main tourist season begins. This means it’s quieter, but also that some 
shops are closed on Sundays. In June, July, and August, expect the streets 
to be very busy with visitors. For a comprehensive guide to all your 
shopping options in Looe, visit this website. The new Guild Hall was built in 1877. A striking 
Gothic revival structure with its impressive clock tower. replaces one from the 15th century we’ve yet 
to see. Originally, it was a bustling hub housing a drill hall for military volunteers, a courtroom 
for justice to be served, and a grand hall for civic gatherings. Today, while its original 
governmental functions have evolved, the new guild hall remains a vibrant heart of the community, 
managed by the East Looe Town Trust. Its stunning guild hall chamber with its high ceilings, 
captivating oil paintings, and beautiful stained glass windows now provides a wonderful historic 
backdrop for weddings and civil partnerships. If Looe looks a little familiar, you might 
recognise it from the popular BBC series Beyond Paradise. Much of the show is filmed right here 
with Looe playing the fictional town of Shipton Abbott, which should actually be in Devon. 
The guild hall we just visited, was the police station in the series, and many scenes feature 
the bustling harbour and the beautiful East Looe beach. It’s no surprise filmmakers are drawn to 
Looe. Its timeless charm and picturesque streets, and stunning coastal backdrop make it 
a natural star. But beyond the TV fame, Looe has those quieter, hidden corners, 
too. Slipping off the main thoroughfare, you can lose yourself in the historic 
back streets away from the main bustle. Partway down High Market Street is an 
interesting dwelling. The Smuggler’s Cott restaurant was originally built in 
1420 but saw its main merchants’ house constructed in 1590 using oak timbers 
salvaged from the Spanish Armada, with a reported royalty of £10 and 10 shillings 
paid to Queen Elizabeth I for these beams. They are apparently still visible in the cellar 
restaurant. The building is named after an old hidden stone staircase and a smuggling tunnel 
that led to the quayside, rediscovered in 1932. Further down High Market Street is 
this remarkable 15th-century building, the old guild hall museum and jail, retaining many 
of its medieval features, including ancient cells and the original raised magistrate’s bench. 
It exhibits various aspects of Lou’s history, including its fishing heritage, the 
canal, and the evolution of the railway. It’s only open on weekdays during 
the tourist season, and entry is £3. On the corner of Buller Street and Middle Market 
Street is Ye Olde Cottage, dating from 1456. It features painted rubble with 
two rendered timber framed gables jettied over the ground floor to the 
front, likely a merchant’s house. On our left, we are again 
passing the Smuggler’s Cott, which you can enter from either 
High or Middle Market Street. Let’s lose ourselves in the back streets 
for a moment. A combination of holiday lets and residential homes. Hopefully, we’ll 
eventually pop out at the harbour and beach. St. Mary’s Church has origins from the 13th 
century and a distinctive 15th century tower, which served as a vital navigation landmark 
for mariners entering the harbour until World War I. The main body of the church 
underwent significant rebuilding in 1806. It was declared redundant by 
the Church of England in the 1980s and subsequently converted 
into sheltered accommodation. East Looe Beach is a wide sandy expanse that 
is a favourite with families. Its sheltered position generally provides calm waters, making 
it ideal for paddling and sand castle building, a delightful feature just a stone’s 
throw away from the working harbour. A walk along the Banjo Pier offers 
splendid panoramic views of the beach, the town, and the coastline. A structure 
that is both picturesque and a testament to Victorian engineering prowess. Originally, 
a simpler straight pier was built in 1840, but it proved insufficient in preventing the 
harbour mouth from repeatedly silting up, a critical issue for a working port. The solution 
came from Cornish architect and civil engineer Joseph Thomas, who in 1896 to 97, designed 
and oversaw the construction of the current pier with its distinctive circular end. This 
innovative design successfully mitigated the silting problem and even became a prototype for 
other peers worldwide. The light on the pier was a gift from Admiral Riley, a former 
chairman of Looe Harbour Commissioners, and for a time, it was intended that the pier 
bear his name. However, the local populace, struck by its unique shape, affectionately 
dubbed it the Banjo Pier, and the name stuck. You can’t help but notice several large 
arches on the west side of the harbour wall. The Hannafore Road arches, 
along with the turreted section, support the road as it runs along the 
harbour side. They are a prominent feature of the harbour area and contribute to the town’s 
historical landscape, and are listed structures. The old lifeboat station has a rich history 
dating back to its establishment in 1866. This distinctive Italianate-style building on the 
east side of Looe Beach housed three pulling and sailing lifeboats and featured an assembly room 
with a two-story tower. It served the community for over six decades until its closure in 1930. 
A victim of advanced motorboat technology. If you’d like to get out on the water, then 
why not consider booking a boat trip with Looe Sea Safari. They offer a diverse range of 
boat excursions ideal for discovering Cormal’s breathtaking coastline and abundant marine life. 
Choose from thrilling wet and wild rides around Looe Island, extensive coastal safaris, or 
the longer Eddy Lighthouse Safari for iconic views and the chance to spot dolphins. They 
also provide official trips to Looe Island, a protected marine reserve, allowing 
visitors to explore the island itself. For a unique perspective on the vibrant underwater 
ecosystem, opt for their glass-bottom boat tours. The heart of Looe undoubtedly beats 
strongest right here in its bustling harbour. Looe’s fishing fleet is made up of dayboats, 
which means they head out often on the early high tide to fish for around 12 hours and 
return on the next tide. The type of fish landed can be diverse, ranging from pollock, 
dover sole, lemon sole, mackerel, conger eel, john dory, cuttlefish and many more. Looe 
is also known for its Cornish crab, lobster, scallops and mussels. If you fancy a spot 
of fishing yourself, then there are plenty of operators to take you out for a few hours. No 
tackle is needed, and you can keep your spoils. We had planned to take the ferry service across 
the harbour, but having left our change in the car, we couldn’t stump up the £1 charge, which 
is cash only. It’s always a good idea to carry some loose change for such instances, and also 
for public toilets, which are rarely free in Cornwall. Instead, we’ll have to walk back across 
the bridge to explore the west side of Looe. What a lovely, tranquil walk we had on this 
side of the harbour, just listening to the water sloshing about, the seagulls and the odd boat 
going by. It really was helped by the beautiful weather. I mentioned earlier about the strong 
pilchard industry, or as some say “sardine” industry in Looe that was affected by the 
Napoleonic wars. Well, a recovery took place at the end of the 19th century. Catches were abundant 
and the fish were processed in local factories primarily for export. The most notable example 
of this processing was in this sardine factory which was built in 1905. It played a crucial role 
in salting and processing the pilchards into oil and meal, as well as canning them for sale. The 
legacy of this important fish is preserved here. While no longer a working factory, it has been 
beautifully restored into a multi-purpose venue. now houses a renowned restaurant specialising in 
local seafood and significantly the Looe Harbour Heritage Centre, which tells the story of its rich 
maritime history, including its once flourishing sardine industry or pilchard industry, depending 
on how you like to say it. One of the town’s most  cherished residents, though not human, was Nelson the Seal, a truly iconic and distinctive bull grey seal. For over 25 years, this one-eyed, 
scarred character became a beloved fixture of Looe Harbour, making his home on the nearby rocks 
of Looe Island, but regularly venturing into the harbour for his meals. Fishermen, locals, and 
countless tourists delighted in feeding him, captivated by his playful nature and making 
him a genuine local celebrity. Sadly, Nelson passed away in 2003, a loss keenly felt by 
the community. To ensure his memory lives on and to commemorate his unique contribution to Looe’s 
charm, a beautiful life-size bronze sculpture was commissioned. Created by Cornish artist Susie 
Marsh, the statue was unveiled in 2008 and now sits proudly on Pennyland Rocks, gazing 
out over the water he so famously inhabited. We’ve reached the Hannafore Arches. 
We’ll take the steps up onto the road and head to the viewpoint that gives us 
the best harbour and town views possible. This is a lovely spot to look back on 
the town. There is also a more secluded viewpoint down some steps with a shelter in 
case your day is not as glorious as ours. This is as far as we’ll walk on our morning tour of this lovely town. Let’s show 
you where we continued our day. Our next adventure takes us just a few miles down 
the road to Polperro, a Cornish fishing village so incredibly preserved it’s like stepping directly 
onto a film set or, better yet, back in time! Tucked away in its secluded cove, this is a 
place where every narrow winding lane, an ancient lichen-spotted cottage tells a story. Tales of 
the seas embrace, of hardy fishermen battling the waves and the daring, cunning smugglers. 
Come with us as we explore its enchanting past and discover why you’ll want to experience it 
firsthand. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss the episode. We’ll see you again 
soon. Thanks for watching the Memory Seekers.

Welcome to the enchanting coastal gem of Looe, Cornwall! A town where historic charm meets breathtaking natural beauty
In this video, we’re setting our sights on Looe, Cornwall, a truly unforgettable destination that promises adventure, relaxation, and a taste of authentic Cornish life.
Nestled on the southeastern coast, Looe is a picturesque fishing town split into two distinct halves – East Looe and West Looe – by the winding Looe River, all connected by a charming seven-arched bridge that dates back to 1853. This idyllic setting, with its narrow, winding streets and traditional cottages clinging to steep hillsides, creates an atmosphere that feels straight out of a storybook.

The town’s vibrant harbour is still a working fishing port, meaning you can often see the day’s catch being brought in, guaranteeing the freshest seafood for your plate in the many local restaurants.

So, why should you visit this captivating Cornish haven?
Looe offers a perfect blend of serene coastal beauty, fascinating history, and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. For nature lovers, the town is situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offering stunning coastal views, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches, such as East Looe Beach, which is perfect for families with its gently sloping sands and safe swimming waters.

Hannafore Beach, just a short walk away, is a rock-pooling paradise with fantastic views of Looe Island. Speaking of Looe Island, this tranquil nature reserve, managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust, is a must-visit. Accessible by licensed boat trips from the harbour.

Beyond the beaches, Looe offers a wealth of activities. Explore the charming narrow streets of East Looe, lined with independent shops, art galleries, and traditional pubs. Delve into the town’s past at the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol, a 15th-century building that tells tales of fishing, boat-building, and even smuggling, complete with ancient cells.

Looe also boasts a lively calendar of events and festivals throughout the year, including the renowned Looe Music Festival and the Looe Carnival, ensuring there’s always something exciting to do. And let’s not forget the culinary delights – with fresh seafood straight from the boats, traditional Cornish pasties, and a plethora of cosy cafes and restaurants, your taste buds are in for a treat!

From its ancient origins as a trading port to its evolution into a beloved tourist destination, Looe, Cornwall, remains a truly special place. It’s a town where history breathes in every stone and every tide, inviting you to create your cherished memories amidst its timeless charm.

Helpful Links:-
Bus Timetable https://www.transportforcornwall.co.uk
Shopping https://welcometolooe.com
Smugglers Cott https://www.looerestaurants.co.uk
Looe Museum https://www.looemuseum.co.uk

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00:00 Welcome to Looe
01:14 Getting to Looe
02:50 History of Looe
04:31 Looe Bridge
05:13 East Looe Walk – Historic Streets
11:34 East Looe Beach & Pier
15:24 East Looe Fishing Harbour
18:07 West Looe Walk
20:31 Nelson the Seal
21:43 West Looe Viewpoints
24:11 Next Time…