The picture perfect harbour village of Polperro nestles in a sheltered valley on the south coast of Cornwall between its more famous neighbours Looe and Fowey. Dating back to the 13th century you can feel the history of the village all around you. This is a true Cornish hidden gem.
Find The Blue Peter Inn at the end of the quay at the fishing village of Polperro - the last pub before France'. Expect a warm welcome, a toasty fire and, quite possibly, a bit of live music thrown in.
A five mile walk best suited to the energetic as the paths are rough in places with some steep ascent/descent (and muddy in winter!). Start from the car park at Talland Bay and turn left through the kissing gate onto the coastal path. Climb the steps and follow the path to Looe. Enjoy the dramatic coastline with rugged cliffs and stunning scenery as you drop down into the town. Looe is a great place to stop for a break and sightseeing so enjoy your time there before heading back either the way you came or by turning inland, up West Looe Hill onto the main Polperro Road turning left before you reach it to the sharp right-hand bend at Tencreek. Follow the footpath through the caravan park and keep to the waymarkers through the fields to the bottom. On reaching the road turn right toTalland Bay. Not suitable wheelchair users or pushchairs.
A traditional village pub with relaxing interior and large covered patio for al fresco dining. Children and dogs are welcome and you can even order a takeaway to enjoy in your self-catering cottage.
This traditional pub with its flagstone floors is situated in the heart of Duloe. It is very much a huge part of the local community and serves a varied menu for both lunch and dinner.
Relax and enjoy the view, inside or out, from this award winning beach cafe. Offering a selection of locally produced food, why not indulge in one of the many treats they have to offer?
Serving up delicious food seven days a week, The Inn on the Shore provides guests with an extensive menu from breakfast to evening meals. All of their meals are created using local produce and traceable farm meats, and their fish is sourced from West Country ports. Tasty meals are topped off with beautiful views. There is decking and a children's play area.
This lovely 'secret' cove is reached by a track that winds down through the woods from the church in the village above. It can also be incorporated as part of a walk on the South West Coast path from Pencarrow Head or Polperro. A small waterfall tumbles down to the left of the cove on the site of an old watermill.
This large sandy beach is ideal for families, with shallow waters safe for paddling. In the height of summer it can get busy here; head for the quieter, rockier eastern end of the beach. Banjo Pier at the western end is a popular hangout for rod and line fishing and is also a lovely spot to sit and watch the trawlers as they come and go from the harbour.
This sandy, family-friendly beach is about a mile east of Looe. Easily accessed by road.
A few years ago, the Classic Cottages team started writing about where we live and why we love it. Over time these have evolved into the Classic Guide.
18 May 2026
The picture perfect harbour village of Polperro nestles in a sheltered valley on the south coast of Cornwall between its more famous neighbours Looe and Fowey. Dating back to the 13th century you can feel the history of the village all around you. This is a true Cornish hidden gem.
18 May 2026
Find The Blue Peter Inn at the end of the quay at the fishing village of Polperro - the last pub before France'. Expect a warm welcome, a toasty fire and, quite possibly, a bit of live music thrown in.
2 September 2024
A five mile walk best suited to the energetic as the paths are rough in places with some steep ascent/descent (and muddy in winter!). Start from the car park at Talland Bay and turn left through the kissing gate onto the coastal path. Climb the steps and follow the path to Looe. Enjoy the dramatic coastline with rugged cliffs and stunning scenery as you drop down into the town. Looe is a great place to stop for a break and sightseeing so enjoy your time there before heading back either the way you came or by turning inland, up West Looe Hill onto the main Polperro Road turning left before you reach it to the sharp right-hand bend at Tencreek. Follow the footpath through the caravan park and keep to the waymarkers through the fields to the bottom. On reaching the road turn right toTalland Bay. Not suitable wheelchair users or pushchairs.
2 October 2023
A traditional village pub with relaxing interior and large covered patio for al fresco dining. Children and dogs are welcome and you can even order a takeaway to enjoy in your self-catering cottage.
27 July 2023
This traditional pub with its flagstone floors is situated in the heart of Duloe. It is very much a huge part of the local community and serves a varied menu for both lunch and dinner.
18 May 2022
Relax and enjoy the view, inside or out, from this award winning beach cafe. Offering a selection of locally produced food, why not indulge in one of the many treats they have to offer?
13 July 2021
Serving up delicious food seven days a week, The Inn on the Shore provides guests with an extensive menu from breakfast to evening meals. All of their meals are created using local produce and traceable farm meats, and their fish is sourced from West Country ports. Tasty meals are topped off with beautiful views. There is decking and a children's play area.
27 June 2021
This lovely 'secret' cove is reached by a track that winds down through the woods from the church in the village above. It can also be incorporated as part of a walk on the South West Coast path from Pencarrow Head or Polperro. A small waterfall tumbles down to the left of the cove on the site of an old watermill.
29 August 2016
This large sandy beach is ideal for families, with shallow waters safe for paddling. In the height of summer it can get busy here; head for the quieter, rockier eastern end of the beach. Banjo Pier at the western end is a popular hangout for rod and line fishing and is also a lovely spot to sit and watch the trawlers as they come and go from the harbour.
8 September 2015
This sandy, family-friendly beach is about a mile east of Looe. Easily accessed by road.