Polraen

Looe Valley Walk in Spring

Gill Bridges — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 12:32:55 +0000

This roundtrip Looe Valley walk is one of my favourite memories of walking with May (RIP), our sorely missed black labrador. The original blog was posted in Spring 2010. Fortunately we now have a lovely golden retriever called Bella. Worth mentioning here that, although we love dogs, sorry, we do not accept pets at Polraen Country House.

You can set off on this wonderful Looe Valley circular walk from the doorstep of Polraen Country House at Sandplace, PL13 1PJ. Alternatively, you can start from Sandplace Station, the last but one stop before Looe on the Looe Valley Line.

Looe Valley Walk Video

Get a sense of the magic of the place by watching the video then read on………..

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Polraen to Sandplace Station

I set off walking this morning from Polraen Hotel, up the Looe Valley to Sandplace Station with our black labrador May. We ended up having one of those walks that makes you happy to be alive! On our way, we passed the pretty row of cottages carefully making our way along the B3254 as there is no footpath.

We passed Sandplace Station on the Looe Valley Line, decorated in heritage cream and brown. The bridge swings over the railway taking the B3254 up hill toward Duloe and left my route virtually bereft of traffic.

Sandplace to Tregarland Bridge

My route continued on the flat, quiet and undisturbed lane straight ahead past Oak Tree Cottage. It’s rare to be passed by a vehicle on this lane that leads to Tregarland Bridge, then veers off on a public footpath above the Looe Valley railway line. May was startled as we stumbled across two courting ducks.

Much of the way, the path looks down on the river and railway before it follows a tributary off to the right at Plashford. From here, the path wanders beside a babbling stream with occasional shallow waterfalls. May loved the scent of fox and deer, and cocked an ear at the sound of sheep bleating as she frolicked in the water retrieving sticks.

In recent years, the local landowner has undertaken considerable groundworks along this green lane between Tregarland Bridge to Plashford and Lower Wringworthy. On the positive side, this has provided greater access. The path is wider and can now be walked more frequently without wellies and its status as a bridlepath for horseriding has been resumed. The wild garlic brushed my ankles as I made my way at a very gentle gradient toward Lower Wringworthy.

Lower Wringworthy to Morval

After about half an hour walking along the track beside the stream, I intended to stop at Lower Wringworthy and turn back. It was a lovely morning so I continued on a circular walk. The bridle path emerged onto a road, so I followed it going right heading up the hill toward Morval. I passed Home Farm selling eggs and local produce from its small holding in the Looe Valley.

Having climbed at a gentle pace for about 15 minutes, we finally emerged on the main road at Morval. From this vantage point, you can see views of Looe and the sea in the distance. Turning right, we made short shrift of a stretch on the A387, staying on the wide grass verge before taking a right to put us back on country lanes.

Tregarland Lane

Our route took us down past Tregarland Farm back into the Looe Valley. The views down onto the valley below are stunning, looking beyond inquisitive cows to fields of sheep grazing at Morval Barton Farm. The ancient oaks, deciduous trees and rural pastures of Morval Estate create a patchwork quilt of greenery as you descend into the Looe Valley.

We continued past pretty cottages and hedgerows brimming with flowers and headed back down to the valley bottom to join the B3254 where we’d set out from. Then past Sandplace Station back to Polraen.

Looe Valley Spring Flowers

With an extended flowering season, the bluebells and garlic often vie for attention before the daffodils and primroses have past. Bluebells appear on the wooded slopes and the green and white of wild garlic borders the country lanes like a church aisle prepared for a bride. Pink and white campions and violets peep from the grassy banks and the first signs of cherry blossom are showing on the trees.

This walk lifted my spirits and made me so happy to be living in South East Cornwall. The dog thought it was a treat too! It’s not often I get the time to do what our guests can do from our doorstep at Polraen! But walking in the Looe Valley in spring is good for the soul!!

Looe Valley Line Transport

At Polraen, we like to help guests explore without the car. We lend maps and provide public transport information for the bus and Looe Valley train and love sharing our knowledge of the area. Other than the Looe Valley Line train, bus number 73 provides an hourly service running from Liskeard to Polperro. You can also access a range of walks from other stations along the railway line.

There are lots of Looe Valley Walks but this one is off the beaten track and worth the effort!! It takes about 1 to 1 and a half hours depending on walking speed but it’s still a fantastic walk, particularly in spring. You can easily reach it by taking either the bus or train out of Looe along Sandplace Road and alighting at Sandplace Station on the Looe Valley Line.

Spring short breaks in the Looe Valley

Bluebell Spring B&B Breaks
Experience this walk and the magic of the bluebells on a bed and breakfast short break staying at Polraen Country House in the Looe Valley at Sandplace.

Evening Meals in Spring
If you like the idea of returning to an evening meal, then as a hotel guest, you can pre book evening meals in Spring and Autumn. See our Special Offers and Short Breaks.

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Cornwall by Car – A Guide to Driving Safely

Gill Bridges — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 13:20:38 +0000

Driving on holiday in Cornwall can be vastly different if you’re used to driving in towns and cities. We have written this essential guide to help you drive safely on your Cornish holiday. First time visitors often find Cornwall’s lesser roads a challenge. Follow our advice and you’ll be better prepared to plan your road trips, drive according to the road conditions and when facing a vehicle coming toward you on a single track road.

Firstly, there are no motorways in Cornwall. Different driving skills are needed when you drive off the beaten track or are faced with narrow steep country lanes. Many are surprised it can take around 2 hours to drive from one end of Cornwall to the other. Cornwall’s major route is the A30 – a fast road made up largely of dual carriageway, travelling along the central backbone of Cornwall all the way to Penzance, with A roads spurring off to serve the north and south coast. South East Cornwall is largely served by the A38 and A390.

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1. When to stay on 'A' roads

If you’re trying to see several of Cornwall’s top attractions on a short break or on a touring holiday, then getting lost on back roads might result in a good story to share later with friends. However, it’s often better to stay on the A roads to get to your destination in the quickest time and avoid spending too much time in the car.

Touring by car is certainly the best way to reach the hidden gems and lesser-known beaches. The rewards of getting lost in the rugged Cornish landscape do outweigh the stressful encounters you may occasionally have on single track roads.

2. Should you trust your sat nav?

Sat nav and Google maps often recommend the shortest route ‘as the crow flies’. In Cornwall, this might take you on roads with exceptionally steep gradients or on back lanes with grass growing up the middle and high dry-stone hedges either side. The base of these old Cornish hedges, so typical of the Cornish countryside, are made of unforgiving solid stone, deceptively hidden from view by masses of grass and wildflowers.

If you’re a confident driver, the rewards are plentiful when you explore little used Cornish country lanes. You can more easily stop at will to spot wildlife, admire flora and fauna, take a walk or admire a view.

3. When to honk your horn

The winding lanes with high Cornish hedgerows can make it almost impossible to see oncoming cars. Keep in a low gear, proceed with caution and use your horn as you approach blind bends.

4. Practice reversing skills

As greenery often makes Cornish lanes seem narrower than they really are, there is usually more room than you think for cars to pass. However, any misjudged manoeuvre risks damaging your paintwork – an important consideration if you have a large or particularly high value vehicle. If in doubt, stick to the main roads and/or brush up on your reversing skills.

5. Remember the last passing place

If you find yourself facing an oncoming car, it helps to always note the last passing place as one or other of you will need to reverse. On single track roads, the highway code advises to give way to vehicles coming uphill.

6. Take a paper road atlas

When in doubt, and when sat nav and google seem to be getting you further into trouble, it helps to have a good old fashioned paper map or road atlas in the car.

7. Download 'What three words' app

If the worst happens and you find yourself stuck needing roadside recovery or the emergency services, it helps to know exactly where you are. Download the What Three Words app to your mobile phone before your holiday and you’ll always be able to let someone know your precise location.

8. Take a day off from driving

If you book accommodation with easy access to public transport, you can always plan days out without the car. If there’s only one driver in your party, this can give them a much-needed break and a chance to admire the views they frequently miss out on. Despite our idyllic rural setting 3 minutes from Looe, at Polraen Country House Hotel in the Looe Valley, we’re lucky to have onsite parking, and bus and the Looe Valley Line train service operating seven days a week.

East and West by car from Polraen

You’ll quickly get used to driving in Cornwall, especially if you take heed of our advice. But to reassure you if you’re staying at Polraen Country House Hotel at Sandplace near Looe, it’s a direct route from our free onsite car park via the A387 to reach the A38. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll be on the A38, travelling east to fantastic beaches at Whitsand, the Rame Peninsula and Devon or heading west, perhaps to the Eden Project or deeper into Cornwall. You can always drive safely avoiding the back lanes.

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Best Country Houses & Gardens near Looe

Polraen Country House — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 12:12:53 +0000

Cornish historic houses and gardens are among the most magical places to visit while you’re on holiday in Cornwall. They’re home to some of the most striking, rare and beautiful plants and trees in the British Isles. The south coast is sheltered from wild Atlantic winds and warmed by the Gulf Stream, providing the most favourable growing conditions.

Best gardens to visit near looe

After breakfast at Polraen Country House, you can drive in under an hour from the Looe Valley to reach any of our pick of the best historic houses or gardens to visit in South East Cornwall.

*All distances shown are from Polraen Country House in the Looe Valley

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1. The Eden Project, near St Austell

35 minutes by car.

The world-famous Eden Project is at the top of everyone’s ‘must see’ list. In a disused clay quarry near St Austell, space age biomes with climate-controlled conditions house plants and flowers from the Equator and Mediterranean regions. Outside, you’ll recognise more familiar horticulture in the temperate zone.

The Eden Project is very much an educational experience. It’s not to be compared with seeing flowers and plants in their more traditional setting at historic houses and gardens. There’s a big emphasis on sustainability and lessons for mankind in how to care for planet earth. As Cornwall’s leading visitor attraction, the Eden Project has great facilities, catering for all abilities. We suggest you allow a minimum of 4 hours for your visit.

2. Lanhydrock, near Bodmin

26 minutes by car.

Lanhydrock is described as the ‘jewel in the crown’ for the National Trust. It’s undoubtedly one of the most impressive historic houses and gardens in Cornwall. Although the original house dates to 1620, a terrible fire in 1881 paved the way for the most amazing renovation, which featured the latest technology and mod cons of the day. The kitchens at Lanhydrock are straight out of Upstairs Downstairs.

Faced with crippling death duties, the family handed over the estate to the National Trust in 1953, so you experience an incredible sense of time and place seeing all the personal memorabilia intact. The house is set in 22 acres of superb gardens and 30 acres of woodland within an estate of 450 acres. There are 50 rooms open to the public so Lanhydrock is always our top suggestion for a rainy day.

3. Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey

55 minutes by car.

The Heligan valley rises above the quaint fishing town of Mevagissey. It basks in its own microclimate, allowing exotic plants in Heligan’s Jungle Valley and its famous walled kitchen to flourish.

In June, an emotive sight is the field of red poppies planted to remember the fallen from the First World War. So few of Heligan’s estate workers returned from the trenches that Heligan fell into disrepair. Through neglect, the house and garden were lost until the mossy carpets were rolled back in the 1990s by Tim Smit who later went on to establish the Eden Project. In Heligan’s walled garden in autumn, you might see plump pumpkins and pineapples grown on site.

Other highlights include large areas dedicated to wild habitat with bird hides and viewing areas to watch nesting owls. Allow a whole day to get lost at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, combining a visit to Mevagissey.

4. Caerhays Castle, Roseland Peninsular

1 hour by car.

Another of our historic houses to visit on a day out from Looe is Caerhays Castle just beyond St Austell on the Roseland Peninsula. Visit in April and May to see the gardens at their best. Here a fairy-tale castle overlooks a beautiful lake and stream running down toward Porthluney Beach.

The castle stands majestically against a backdrop of magnolias, rhododendrons and azaleas which tower above you as you walk the many paths through the wooded estate. Caerhays holds one of the UK’s National Magnolia Collections, some over 100 years old. To this day, the collection of camellias and magnolias in Cornwall exceeds anywhere else in the UK.

5. Mt Edgcumbe House & Country Park

Half an hour by car.

Just a short drive heading east along Whitsand Bay brings you to Mt Edgcumbe House and Country Park on the Rame Peninsular. Open to the public all year, there is no entrance fee to gain access to the formal gardens, where themes created from the 16th century include Italian Renaissance, French, New Zealand, Japanese and American Gardens.

Mt Edgcumbe is famous for its National Camellia Collection with camellias appearing from January on. Our favourite time to visit is a perfect sunny summer’s day when the lawns sweeping down to the water’s edge overlooking Plymouth Sound make such a wonderful picnic site.

6. Antony, Rame Peninsular

23 minutes by car.

Antony is one of the National Trust’s lesser-known properties, boasting magnificent magnolias and enjoying sweeping views across the River Lynher and Rame Peninsular. The house remains the home of the Carew Pole family and more recently found fame when its magic was captured in the film ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

After exploring its formal courtyard, terraces, ornamental Japanese pond, fine summer borders, sculptures, and knot garden, you can enjoy afternoon tea in the delightful Broomhill Cottage Tearoom oozing vintage charm.

SOME EXTRA REALLY USEFUL ADVICE ….

Plan ahead
Nearly all visitor attractions have introduced the advance purchase of tickets online and require you to book a visiting slot so they can manage social distancing now we’re living with Covid 19. These measures are likely to remain in place for some time.

National Trust Membership
It will pay you to take out National Trust membership in advance as it not only confers free access to so many historic houses and gardens but also gives you free parking in car parks on National Trust land in breath-taking locations around the Cornish coast.

National Garden Scheme
While National Trust membership opens the door to many of Cornwall’s best gardens, it’s worth noting that the National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to 100’s of exceptional private gardens in Cornwall whilst raising money for charities.

Countryside Mobility Scheme
I cannot praise this not-for-profit scheme highly enough for allowing me to enjoy visits to historic houses and gardens with my late Mum. If you have limited mobility, consider booking an all-terrain mobility scooter designed specifically to cover rough ground, mud and grass safely. At a maximum speed of 4mph, the vehicles enable you to access areas that you might have found difficult or impossible to experience. You can sign up for only £10 per year to prebook tramper vehicles at Lanhydrock, the Eden Project, and Mt Edgcumbe to name a few. And use of the vehicles is often included in your entry ticket, available at a nominal charge or even free.

BBC Gardeners’ World Offer
Check out whether the 2for1 offer promoted by BBC Gardeners’ World magazine is still running. It may be subject to additional restrictions due to Covid but has always been a great way of getting cheap entry to historic houses and gardens including the Eden Project.

Combined tickets
If you purchase entry to the Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan on a combined ticket, you get a 10% discount. And your ticket can be converted into a pass permitting free entry to Eden as many times as you like for a year.

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10 Things to Do in Looe for wonderful holiday memories

Polraen Country House — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 18:36:03 +0000

You’ve waited for what might seem like an eternity! Now it’s time to plan your holiday in Looe. If you don’t plan a little before you arrive, you might miss out on some of the treasures our lovely Cornish fishing and seaside town has to offer.

Let us put our 21 years of experience in running Polraen Country House near Looe to good use. As a family-run hotel B&B, we want to share with you the hidden treasures and well-known beauty spots in and around Looe so you get the most out of your holiday. After all, making happy memories is what it’s all about.

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1. Explore both East and West Looe and its beaches

Looe is a town of two halves, joined by a historic bridge over a tidal river. Attracted by the fishing harbour, unique shops and restaurants, most visitors flock to East Looe and its safe family bathing beach, easily recognised by the Banjo Pier. But charming West Looe is more sedate and laid back. The beach at Hannafore has rocky outcrops, sandy inlets and amazing rockpools. Here, you can park for free, stroll on the flat or enjoy a cream tea gazing out to Looe Bay.

2. Watch the fishing fleet unload its catch

Looe is famous for landing the freshest fish in the UK. Why? Because the Looe fishing fleet is made up of day boats, going to sea and returning each day, ensuring their fish is fresh and of the highest quality. The trawlers land their catch on either side of the high tide. You’ll need to be on East Looe near the fish market when they come back to port – and as the Looe River is tidal we can’t tell you exactly when so grab a tide timetable.

3. eat local fish and seafood in Looe restaurants

Looe day boats catch sustainable fish varieties that are not caught in many waters. Expect to see names of fish on the menu that you might not recognise like megrim sole, spider crab, gurnard, John Dory so be adventurous and try them!

4. Discover Looe’s backstreets and pirate tales

The quaint streets of East and West Looe spread inland from the quaysides, mostly shielded from the sea but not always the pirates! In 1625 they streamed onto Looe’s cobbled streets and took eighty locals off to North Africa as slaves. Today, the pirate tradition is kept alive by ‘Looe pirates, wenches & buccaneers’ who appear at festivals and events in the town. Find out more about Looe’s fascinating history at The Old Guildhall Museum & Gaol.

5. Try fishing - book a boat

A two-hour mackerel fishing trip will certainly create memories as long as you can find your sea legs! You can reserve a place on one of several boats by writing your name on the boards along East Looe Quay. Keen fishermen can book day-long deep-sea fishing and shark ‘tag and release’ trips in advance. Or try a more leisurely sightseeing trip on a glass-bottomed boat around Looe Bay or to Polperro, enjoying the views and spotting wildlife including Looe’s seals.

6. Visit Looe Island – getting there, what to see

Looe Island – Cornwall’s only island nature reserve lies just off the West Looe coastline. As a marine nature reserve, visits can only be made on official trips, bookable in advance via the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. It’s such a magical unspoilt place where seals haul out on the rocks, where black-backed gulls, cormorants, shags and oystercatchers nest and you can feel totally at peace with the world. It takes 20 minutes by boat from Looe with about two hours to explore.

7. family fun crabbing on the quayside

Catching crabs from Looe quayside is such a popular and traditional Looe pastime that stations have now been set up to recycle the crab lines! Regardless of age, this activity fascinates and entertains. Our tips: Smoked bacon is a better bait than fish and greater success will be had either side of the high tide.

8. Walk from Looe to Polperro or catch the bus!

The Looe to Polperro walk takes a spectacular route on the South West Coast Path on a well-defined path arriving in the picturesque smuggling village of Polperro. Talland Bay provides a welcome pitstop en route where you can stop off for a swim or coffee.

You can create a circular day trip by combining this 9 km walk with catching the train and/or bus from Looe (or indeed from the front door of Polraen Country House in the Looe Valley) and spend a day without worrying about your car or parking.

9. Eat these three things while in looe

No holiday in Cornwall is complete without eating these three things. First, a Cornish Pasty, and in our opinion, the best pasty in Looe is from Sarah’s Pasty Shop where you can see them being hand made. Second of course is a Cornish cream tea. To do it the proper Cornish way, it’s always jam first, with lashings of clotted cream on top. The Island View Café at Hannafore gets our vote for the best cream tea experience in Looe.

Last, the ubiquitous fish ‘n chips, but not any old fish ‘n chips …… Looe fish ‘n chips bought at The Catch, Dave’s Diner or The Coddy Shack.

10. Take this train journey

The Looe Valley Line train runs on one of Cornwall’s most scenic branch lines between the market town of Liskeard and the fishing port of Looe. From Sandplace, it passes Polraen Country House travelling on the prettiest stretch to Looe. Skirting the banks of the river, you’ll see stunning views of the Looe Valley reflected in the water or when the tide is out, spot the wading birds on the mudflats. The train now runs daily until just past 9.30 pm.

Just one more thing……..

Although your holiday in Looe will be as wonderful as ever, Covid-19 has meant certain changes to the way things operate so here’s a couple of extra tips:

Make restaurant reservations in advance
Restaurants and eateries have reduced capacity to comply with social distancing. To get that table by the window or the prime evening dining slot on a particular night at that top restaurant, make your table reservations in advance of arriving in Looe, particularly if you’re visiting Looe July to September.

Check transport timetables
If you use public transport, you need to have your mask at the ready. Services may be amended due to Covid-19 so it’s always best to check timetables online. Most bus and train services are reluctant or even unable to take cash so be prepared to buy your tickets online via your phone.

Pre-book tickets to attractions
Many of the leading attractions like the Eden Project and the National Trust gardens have introduced visiting slots for which you have to book tickets in advance. Put simply, you will need to do more research, planning and pre-booking.

So now you’re an expert with a bit of local knowledge! You’ll be so glad you spent time planning ahead before arriving in Cornwall where we hope you make many great memories of your holiday in Looe.

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Best Walks in South East Cornwall

Polraen Country House — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 13:38:21 +0000

Our recommended walks near Looe include coastal, riverside, woodland, moorland and lakeside walks in this part of South East Cornwall. We’ve highlighted some accessible routes for you if you have limited mobility. For example, thanks to the Countryside Mobility Scheme, you can enjoy the outdoors independently using an all-terrain mobility scooter on a walk around Siblyback Lake on Bodmin Moor.

Many of our walks over the years have been with our black Labrador May (RIP) or current Retriever Bella. Although we don’t accept pets at Polraen Country House Hotel, we think a dog always makes a great companion on a walk, so they appear in several of our photos.

Where to walk near looe

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1. Looe to Polperro Walk

Distance: 9 kms. Time: 2 hours
If you enjoy walking, love coastal views and spectacular scenery, then this 9 km walk is for you. It starts from Hannafore, heading west across three flat fields, passing the remains of a 11th-century monastery looking out to Looe Island. If you take the path and wooden steps down to Port Nadler beach, you can stop for a swim, before striding out on the South West Coast Path to Talland Bay. Rest here for lunch at the Talland Bay Beach café or Smugglers Rest then complete the last stretch to Polperro for a stroll around this pretty Cornish smuggling village.

This moderately challenging clifftop walk can be completed as part of a circular day out using Bus 73 which picks up and drops off outside Polraen Country House in the Looe Valley. The walk takes approximately 2 hours, but we suggest you allow the whole day.

2. Looe Valley Bluebell Walk

Distance: 3.5 miles. Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
From Polraen Country House Hotel in the Looe Valley, you can walk to one of Cornwall’s most photographed bluebell woods. In April and early May, as the road climbs from Sandplace toward Duloe, the woodland to either side is a sea of bluebells bordered by wild garlic. You can admire the scene from your car window, but we recommend taking the time to ramble on foot. On the lane spurring off to the left, you can access a footpath over a stile leading you across a carpet of blue to reach the river opposite Polraen Hotel.

If you continue walking on the country lane past Treworgey Cottages, you’ll see wonderful views down the Looe River Valley. The route descends to Terras Bridge, crossing the Looe River and Looe Valley Railway Line. You’ll need to carefully pick your way back along the A387 to Polraen Hotel for a short stretch, but this round-trip walk is so worth it.

3. Walking in Kilminorth Woods

Distance: 2.6 miles Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of Looe, you can find peace and solitude on delightful walks by the West Looe River. At the end of the Millpool Car Park is the entrance to Kilminorth Woods. You need only stroll a short distance on this accessible path to reach a picnic spot beside the water’s edge, where you might see herons, egrets, wading birds and kingfishers.

Steeper woodland paths continue to Watergate through ancient woodland dissected by the Giant’s Hedge – an ancient earthwork dating back to the Dark Ages marking the boundary of a now-forgotten Cornish kingdom. A series of interpretation boards placed by Friends of Kilminorth Wood help you identify various habitats. Look out for moths, mammals, birds and insect life. A circular route on a parallel path brings you back to the starting point.

4. Walking on Bodmin Moor

Distance: 3 miles Time 1.5 hours
There are many wonderful walks on Bodmin Moor. The one we favour involves parking at the village of Minions, 4 miles north of Liskeard. You will pass the Hurlers Stone Circle as you stride out toward a natural rock formation of eroded granite slabs called the Cheesewring. Once you’ve climbed it, the expanse of Bodmin Moor unfolds before you.

In another direction, you can walk to the abandoned ‘Gold Diggers Quarry’. Hidden from view until you are almost upon it, this flooded quarry is a surprising discovery with spring-fed crystal clear water. Take a wild swim! Some even jump from the ledges ‘tombstoning’. During your moorland hike, you will undoubtedly encounter wild ponies, sheep and some grazing cattle. Hopefully not the Beast of Bodmin Moor……a phantom wild black cat purported to live there.

5. Walking at Siblyback Lake

Distance: 4 miles Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
This walk has got to be our top recommendation for accessibility and a great day out for the entire family. Against a striking backdrop of Bodmin Moor, you can stroll, run or cycle on a 5 km path around this South West Lakes Trust reservoir. The path is perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. After breathing in the fresh air, stop at the wonderful Olive and Co Café.

You may encounter fishermen fishing for rainbow and brown trout or twitchers in the bird hide as the moorland habitat attracts a range of birdlife. Imagine what it’s like to be here after dark, stargazing in the midst of an internationally recognized Dark Sky Landscape – magical!

6. Walking in Tremadart Woods

Distance: 3 miles Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
This lesser-known area on the upper reaches of the West Looe River Valley is highly valued by local people as a place to get away from everyone. Just a short drive up the hill from Polraen at Sandplace to Duloe and then a steep descent leads you to miles of well-maintained Forestry Commission paths. Starting out at Churchbridge, you can do a 3-mile double loop walk. Most of this walk has only gentle gradients on a path that wanders on either side of the river.

Sometimes in autumn and winter, the river can be a dramatic torrent of water charging toward Looe. At other times, it’s a gentle stream babbling along through shaded woodland with pine trees soaring above. In May and June, the foxgloves stand erect saluting you as you walk past but beware the horse flies in summer. Autumn is a particularly good time to walk here and even winter casts its magic in the greenery of ferns, mosses, fungi and lichens.

7. Walking at Seaton near Looe

Three miles east of Looe, the Seaton River winds its way from the pretty village of Hessenford to Seaton along a flat bottomed flood plain known as the Seaton Valley Country Park. It joins the sea at Seaton – a small village and community with a long beach, popular with surfers, dog walkers and families. From Hessenford going south, the walking route is largely on boardwalks raising you above the flood plain.

The stretch from Seaton going north provides a flat path of over a mile with a surface suitable for pushchairs, cycling and walking. The route goes through two nature reserves with mixed habitats including grassland, ponds and semi-ancient woodlands where you’re likely to see fritillary butterflies, otters, dormice, kingfishers and birdlife. Other facilities include a car park, toilets, picnic area with benches, children’s play area, outdoor gym and a sensory garden.

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What’s On in Looe?

Polraen Country House — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 13:36:43 +0000

When you check what’s on in Looe, Looe’s annual calendar of events is generally filled with seasonal activities. June is the top festival month for hosting regattas and events around Looe’s fishing heritage, while the school holidays feature the Looe Carnival.

If you come to Looe during traditional fairs and festivals, you get a real sense of the friendliness of local people. To share some of the fun and laughter, and the historic traditions associated with our Cornish fishing town, this blog highlights some regular events from previous years.

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1. Looe Lugger Regatta

If you’re in Looe during the Lugger Regatta, you’ll sense the nostalgia as historic Cornish fishing vessels gather in Looe Bay. The Lugger Regatta takes place every two years, normally in June. It is a magnificent spectacle to see traditional sailing vessels moored up along the quayside in Looe Harbour and to watch them unfurl their sails as they compete in six races over two days. The centuries’ old solid wooden boats gather from England and France. The crews generally live on board and in the evening, you can enjoy the quayside entertainment of Cornish sea shanties and the French playing accordions. (deferred to 2022)

2. Looe Raft Race and Festival of the Sea

The Raft Race is an annual event, normally held in June as part of Looe’s Festival of the Sea. Clad in fancy dress, participants launch their home-made rafts from East Looe Beach to round the Banjo Pier and paddle to Looe Bridge and back. Funds are raised for the RNLI.

Children no longer throw water balloons at the rafts following a successful campaign by Looe Marine Conservation Group. They successfully persuaded revellers to throw jelly made from sea weed instead, as a more environmentally friendly alternative. Move on a couple of years and it’s better understood that nothing is to be thrown into the river to protect our oceans.

Either side of the Raft Race, the Festival of the Sea is an educational day of fun-filled family activities and entertainment. The activities highlight Looe’s respect for the sea and its marine life and the livelihood it provides to Looe’s fishing community. In 2025, the Raft Race takes place at 3.20 pm on Sunday 22 June.

3. Looe Carnival

The people of Looe love a bit of fancy dress! The summer carnival showcases the talents of community groups, businesses, mum’s, dad’s and children in a typical community led seaside carnival parade. This annual event is organised by Looe Lions Club at the beginning of the school holidays. Judging takes place at Hannafore early in the evening before the pomp and ceremony of the street parade snakes its way from West to East Looe, accompanied by a brass band or two.

4. Walk to Looe Island

Very occasionally, on the lowest tides of the year, it is possible to walk to Looe Island, the marine nature reserve lying just off West Looe. Not considered the safest of pursuits, nor condoned by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust who own the island, you will nevertheless see hundreds wading across to the island’s beach before hotfooting it back to beat the incoming tide. It’s viewed by locals almost as a ‘passage of rights’ requiring a unique combination of an extremely low tide and the calmest of weather.

5. Looe Island Swim

More recently, the trend for wild swimming has generated a new annual event in Looe. Registered swimmers are ferried out to Looe Island on glass bottomed boats and swim just over a mile back to East Looe Beach. It’s a ticket only event, organised by the Rotary Club of Looe to raise money for the Chestnut Appeal. This year’s event takes place on 5 September and is sold out.

6. Looe Live

Looe has gained fame for its music festival, now called Looe Live. Usually during the third week of September, the whole of Looe town is taken over by a three-day festival of music and the arts. You will find this unique gathering a friendly affair – though be warned – it does take over the whole town. Tickets are sold online and accommodation needs to be booked well in advance. Main stage acts introduced by the BBC are on the beach and seafront, with pop up performances at more than 100 venues. This community led festival also features a variety of workshops. 17-19 September are provisional dates for 2021.

7. Looe's Santa Fun Run

In the run up to Christmas in Looe, there are several seasonal events including a Santa Fun Run in fancy dress and the arrival of Father Christmas, sometimes by boat, sometimes on the Looe Valley Line train. Also, there is usually a Christmas craft market and a wicker lantern and torchlight procession.

8. Looe's New Year Fireworks

Looe’s reputation for fancy dress infects the whole town on New Year’s Eve. Be prepared to feel out of place or very much a bystander if you wander the streets of Looe without dressing up. New Year’s Eve is celebrated with two firework displays; one generally at 6pm aimed at families and the other at midnight. The following day, a New Year’s Swim is held on East Looe Beach.

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10 Things to Do in Looe by the sea

Polraen Country House — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 13:04:19 +0000

Spending time by the sea, especially in Cornwall, is food for the soul. The influence of the sea is everywhere in our seaside town, shaping Looe’s traditions, livelihoods and the way of life. In Looe, you can enjoy a holiday or short break simply watching the world go by, relaxing and recharging mind, body and spirit.

If you prefer a more energetic holiday, you can pack in a number of activities. Take advantage of being by the sea to try a new watersport like paddle boarding or a new hobby such as fishing, bird-watching or snorkelling.

If trying local food is one of your holiday pleasures, then eating the UK’s freshest fish, landed in Looe, with a sea view and a glass of wine or beer might be at the top of your list.

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10 things to do on holiday by the sea

1. Walk by the sea in Looe

Walking by the sea in Looe need not be a strenuous exercise. The Hannafore seafront at West Looe is on the flat, with free parking and is a lovely place to stroll or sit looking out to Looe Bay and Looe Island.

At the end of Hannafore, the South West Coast path sets off across three fields toward Polperro with little or no gradient before you reach any serious climbing. It’s a wonderful way of smelling the ozone and exercising without too much effort. You can also take an easy riverside walk in ancient woodlands at Kilminorth Woods, West Looe.

2. Eat by the sea in Looe

Eating by the sea has got to be one of the joys of a Cornish holiday. Our favourite spot to enjoy an al fresco lunch or a cream tea is the Island View Café round at Hannafore next to the tennis courts. If you prefer a river view, try Tasty Corner on West Looe Quay or The Look Out on East Looe Quay. Bring your fish ‘n chips round to Hannafore and eat them looking out to Looe Island.

Enjoy seafood at the tiny Harbour Café tucked around the back of the Harbour Commission with the best uninterrupted view of the harbour and the ferry boats. Sit on the upstairs balcony at the Plough on the Quay sipping a Tarquin’s gin or a pint of lager at the nearby beach at Millendreath. What’s not to like!

3. Fishing in Looe

Fishing and Looe go hand in hand. You can while away a couple of hours with your own tackle from the rocks on West Looe Quay, or float fishing the rocky gullies beyond Hannafore. Book a two-hour mackerel fishing trip or spend a day aboard a deep-sea charter catching bottom-dwelling fish. Even book yourself on a shark fishing trip. All sharks captured are tagged and released alive.

4. Visit Looe Island

No other seaside town in Cornwall has an unspoilt island nature reserve lying just 20 minutes by boat from the town. Our volunteer roles with Looe Marine Conservation Group have allowed us to experience the unique peace and relaxation to be found on Looe Island also known as St George’s Island.

You can book a trip to Looe Island, and be totally at one with nature. Your only company will be the black-backed gulls, cormorants and shags, the merino sheep, the seals hauled out on the rocks or bottling in the water. You can join an escorted walk with the island’s wardens or roam around using a self-guided map. Only official trips booked through the Cornwall Wildlife Trust are permitted. No unofficial landing on the island is allowed.

5. Swimming in Looe

In Looe, you have a choice of two beaches. East Looe is most popular with families with young children as it has gentle access to the water with toilet facilities, shops and cafes nearby. The recent popularity of wild swimming sees many people swimming in more secluded locations in and around Looe such as Port Nadler and Hannafore Beach at West Looe which has lovely sandy inlets separating the rockpools. There is now an annual charity fundraising swim from Looe Island.

6. Spot wildlife in Looe

Anyone who lives in Looe or visits on holiday will appreciate how lucky we are to have an amazing variety of wildlife. A statue of Nelson, Looe’s famous grey seal, stands guard over the river. Sightings of grey seals are common as they haul out on Looe Island. Looe Bay is visited by pods of common dolphins and occasionally by basking sharks. In May 2018 one even spent an hour serenely cruising around the entrance to Looe Harbour.

Looe has one of Cornwall’s best rockpooling beaches. It’s also a birdwatchers’ paradise with several habitats from seashore to river providing shelter for many different species including wading birds, black-backed gulls and kingfishers. And the woodlands provide habitat for dormice, bats and badgers, moths and flora and fauna – the list is endless.

7. Rockpooling in Looe

Some of Cornwall’s richest marine habitats lie off the shores of Looe between Hannafore and Looe Island which falls within a marine conservation zone. For children and anyone who loves poking around in rock pools, you’ll discover a weird and wonderful world whose inhabitants only make an appearance twice a day with the ebb and flow of the tide.

What will you find? Crabs, anemones, pipefish, starfish, jellyfish and beautiful seaweeds and shells and lots more! As founding members of Looe Marine Conservation Group, we can share lots of knowledge during your stay.

8. Snorkel in the sea

A magic world lies beyond the shoreline in Looe. The sun-kissed shallows come to life when you don a mask and flippers and go snorkelling. It’s no wonder Looe and Whitsand Bay has acquired special status as a marine conservation zone.

What will you see? Kelp forests sway in the current; lobsters and crabs scuttle across the seabed; flounders lay camouflaged in the sand and many species of fish use the seagrass beds as their nursery grounds. Look out for alien looking cuttle fish, rare gobies, blennies , stalked jellyfish. The inquisitive grey seals become ballerinas under the water.

9. Crabbing by the river

The pastime of catching crabs on crab lines using either fish bait or bacon is part of Looe’s heritage as a family-friendly seaside town. It’s very popular as it provides hours of cheap entertainment for all the family.

Looe has pioneered the introduction of a crabbing code and the UK’s first crab line recycling scheme to encourage people to consider the welfare of the crabs and ensure they dispose of their crab lines in a responsible way.

10. Kayaking in Looe

Within the Looe area, there are several places to undertake watersports. The Old Sardine Factory on West Looe Quay hires out canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, giving lessons, escorting adventure trips on the river and out on the water. The nearby beach of Millendreath also has a watersports facility.

A public slipway at the end of the Millpool Car Park charges a small flat fee for launching your own leisure craft. If you stay at Polraen as a hotel guest, you can bring your own boat or kayak to Cornwall and park for free at Polraen. (Please arrange in advance of stay arrival.)

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Top 10 Days Out From Looe

Polraen Country House — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 18:44:56 +0000

Our Top 10 Days Out from Looe are based on positive feedback from guests at Polraen Country House Hotel in the Looe Valley. Fond memories of previous holidays in Cornwall often draw people back to revisiting favourite haunts, but recent TV programmes should inspire you to explore the variety Cornwall has to offer.

Is it the beaches, tin mining heritage and wild scenery you saw on the period TV drama Poldark? The clifftops and stunning views seen by Julia Bradbury on her walks? The quaint villages and laid back lifestyle of Doc Martin fame; fresh Cornish produce used in casual and fine dining with Rick Stein or Cornish fishermen fighting to keep their fishing tradition alive in ‘This Fishing Life’. Whatever interests you, whether you prefer to tour by car or have an adventure on public transport, we’ve chosen ten day trips from Looe to help you plan the most amazing holiday exploring Cornwall.

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1. Looe Polperro Walk

Catch No. 73 bus from Sandplace in the Looe Valley from right outside Polraen Hotel to Hannafore, West Looe (6 mins). From here you can set out on the South West Coast. This 9 km cliff top walk along a spectacular section of rugged Cornish coastline brings you to the small village of Polperro. Polperro has a smuggling history and is a chocolate box photo opportunity as it slowly comes into view. On the way, stop for a swim at Port Nadler and a bite to eat at Talland Bay. Return by boat to Looe or bus all the way back to Polraen.

2. The Eden Project

The Eden Project (33 mins by car) needs little introduction as a world renowned attraction, set in a disused clay mine near St Austell. Each biome has its own climate housing plants from equatorial, Mediterranean and temperate climates and it has also become a concert venue.

3. Visit Fowey

Drive to Polruan (30 mins by car) parking at the Coastguard Station on the clifftop overlooking amazing views of the river before you cross to Fowey on the foot ferry. This is a lovely way of combining a visit to Fowey with a short boat trip on the river. Alternatively, avoiding steep climbs and boat trips, you can take your car across to Fowey on the ferry from Bodinnick. It takes 15 cars and runs daily every 10-15 minutes.

4. Lost Gardens of Heligan

Explore The Lost Gardens of Heligan (52 mins by car) – an amazing garden restoration near Mevagissey. Get lost in 200 acres including a jungle valley garden, walled kitchen garden and amazing rhododendrons and azaleas. Round out the day by stopping at the Georgian port of Charlestown with its Shipwreck Museum & tall ships — a backdrop used in many TV period dramas like Poldark.

5. Lanhydrock

Wander the Victorian rooms at Lanhydrock (25 mins by car) — ‘the finest National Trust house in Cornwall’ set in 450 acres of parkland. The kitchens, nurseries and servants quarters are straight out of ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ having been refurbished with all the mod cons of the day after a terrible fire in 1881. This magnificent country house has so many amazing rooms it’s always a good bet for a rainy day.

6. Cornwall by train

Take your pick of several destinations using cheap day return tickets on Great Western Railway. Leave the car in Polraen’s car park at Sandplace and travel by train on the Looe Valley Line to Liskeard, connecting with mainline services to St Ives; Falmouth via the cathedral city of Truro; Penzance, Cotehele & the Tamar Valley via Plymouth. If you want to shorten your journey time, drive to Liskeard for mainline services parking your car for £1 for the day. Let the train take the strain!.

7. Whitsand Bay

Whitsand Bay boasts 3 miles of uncommercialised sand beaches from Rame Head to Portwrinkle. Not the easiest of beaches to reach, accessed via steep cliff paths, the drive alone along Whitsand Bay is worth the journey for the stunning views. At the end of the Bay, visit the pretty villages of Kingsand and Cawsand, and Mt Edgcumbe Country Park overlooking Plymouth Sound.

8. Tintagel Castle

Shrouded in myth and legend, King Arthur’s medieval castle at Tintagel is almost a pilgrimage for some when they visit Cornwall. You can cross to the North Coast in 1 hour and combine your visit with pretty villages such as Boscastle or Port Isaac then head further along the North Coast to Padstow of Rick Stein fame, before heading back to Looe via Wadebridge.

9. Bodmin Moor

For a total contrast in scenery, expect granite tors and rock formations at the Cheesewring & Hurlers – fantastic walking terrain. The landscape reflects the industrial heritage of this once great tin mining county. Perhaps stop for lunch at the famous Jamaica Inn or a spot of ghost hunting at Bodmin Jail.

10. Plymouth

Known as the Ocean City, a lovely day can be spent in Plymouth wandering the old streets near Sutton Harbour where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America from the Mayflower Steps and Sir Frances Drake finished his game of bowls before facing the Spanish Armada. Be sure to take a boat trip and visit the National Marine Aquarium – biggest in the UK.

At Polraen, we know that a little bit of local knowledge can go a long way in making the difference between a good holiday and a great one. So we are more than happy to assist guests with more suggestions on things to do, places to visit and how to get there.

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