Things to do
Many of our guests tell us that they spent more time than they expected to on East Trenean Farm relaxing in the hot tub, sitting in the garden taking in the peaceful environment or sitting by the fire with a good book. But for those who would like to venture over the horizon, there is plenty to do and see. We are ideally located to explore both Cornwall and Devon.
Each cottage has plenty of information leaflets about places and attractions to visit and also maps, walking and cycle route books. There is so much to do and see, but here is a selection of what is on offer, along with website links to help get you started.
Calendars of events
For calendars of local events please visit https://welcometolooe.com/events/ or https://www.visitlooe.co.uk/whats-on
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Villages & Towns
Looe (3 miles) is a picturesque, small fishing town with river and harbour. Charming by day and night with several excellent restaurants, numerous cafes, very good small shops, fresh ‘catch of the day’ fish sold on the quay, beaches, rockpools, sea fishing, boats hire – including a glass bottom boat, trips to Looe Island and neighbouring fishing villages.
Polperro (6 miles) is a well-known fishing village. There are some breath-taking views if approached via the coastal footpath from Talland or Lantic Bay.
Cawsand and Kingsand (13 miles) are two pretty villages near Rame Head with lovely views across to Devon and Plymouth. Walk along the sea front between the two villages, with cafes and pubs along the way.
Fowey (8 miles) the deep natural harbour is picturesque from every approach. The car ferry from Bodinnick or the passenger ferry from Polruan are very picturesque approaches. The town has many lovely small shops, cafes and restaurants. Walk through the town to Money Ready Cove a lovely sandy beach with a delightful small café and beach shop. Take a boat trip around the coast to Mevagissey and enjoy fish and chips in the harbour.
Padstow is a fishing village on the north coast, on the Camel estuary and home to Rick Stein. Arrive on bike via the Camel Trial, visit The National Lobster Hatchery and enjoy a pasty while watching the world go by in the harbour. Lovely sandy beach beyond the harbour and views across the river.
Mevagissey a lovely fishing village on the south coast. A busy harbour with lots of fishing boats and very good fish and chips! Boat trips to Fowey. Lots of lovely little shops and cafes.
Plymouth destroyed in 1941 but now a modern city with a history. Drake played bowls on the Hoe while awaiting the Armada and the Founding Fathers departed from here for America. The Barbican area has marinas full of yachts and many restaurants and bars spilling out into the quayside. Home to Plymouth National Marine Aquarium
Truro is Cornwall’s capital and only city. Pedestrian streets, old and modern shops, clustered round the cathedral. An unusually lovely city to visit.
Eating Out
The Copley Arms is our nearest pub. At the top of the Seaton Valley Country Park a good place to start a walk down to the sea and on your return enjoy a drink and a meal. Has also become a good local venue for music on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. https://www.thecopleyarms.com
The Sardine Factory Excellent food listed in the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand award. On the quayside West Looe serving local catch of the day with great. Views over the river and to sea. http://www.thesardinefactorylooe.com
The Plough Fantastic local restaurant in Duloe. Lovely food and friendly atmosphere. Serves Orchards delicious cider from across the valley. https://www.theploughduloe.com
The Old Sail Loft A very atmospheric restaurant serving very good food next to the quay East Looe. https://oldsailloftlooe.co
The Coddy Shack is our closest fish and chip shop. You can eat in the restaurant which also has a bar. Very popular so book! They do also have evenings with local bands. https://www.coddyshack.com
The Little Barn a new steak and sea food restaurant offering a fine dine experience. Located behind the Coddy Shack. https://www.littlebarnlooe.com
The Smuggler’s Cott built in 1420 amongst the narrow streets of East Looe serves local seafood, prime steaks and has a carvery for Sunday lunch. https://www.looerestaurants.co.uk
The Smugglers Inn Sea front at Seaton at the end of the Seaton Valley Countryside Park. A good traditional Sunday carvery, good place to enjoy after a walk in the valley or on the beach. http://thesmugglersinnseaton.co.uk
The Beach House Large glass windows overlooking the beach at Seaton and Looe Bay. Recommend sitting upstairs for the view. Good Sunday roast.
https://www.thebeachhouseseaton.co.uk
The Lookout a coffee shop East Looe on the quayside serving breakfast, coffee and cake and sandwiches. Very friendly and one of our favourite places. https://www.thelookoutinlooe.co.uk
Talland Bay Hotel Restaurant with beautiful gardens over looking the bay, good service, a place for a treat or celebration www.tallandbayhotel.co.uk
The Three Pilchards the oldest pub in Polperro on the right just before the harbour mouth. Fish pie very good, portion big enough for 2! https://www.threepilchardspolperro.co.uk
The Blue Peter Inn in Polperro near the harbour mouth, serving food, drinks and live music Friday and Saturday evenings. https://www.thebluepeterinn.com
The View situated on the cliff above Whitsand Bay with views right out to sea serving delicious local produce from sea food to meat. www.theview-restaurant.co.uk
Rick Stein's Restaurants There are four restaurants in Padstow where you can try his food, The Seafood Restaurant, St Petroc's Bistro, Rick Stein's Café and Stein's Fish & Chips . There is also a pub in St Merryn called The Cornish Arms.
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Eating In
The Coddy Shack is our closest take away fish and chip shop on road to Looe. https://www.coddyshack.com
The Viceroy of Cornwall is a Tandoori Restaurant and Take Away on Fore Street, Looe. www.viceroyofcornwall.co.uk
New Peking Garden Chinese Restaurant and Take Away on Fore Street, Looe. www.pekinggardenlooe.co.uk
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Beaches
There are many delightful coves and dramatic beaches within easy reach on the coast of SE Cornwall.https://www.cornwall-beaches.co.uk/south-east/
Looe Beach is a sandy beach that you reach by walking through the town, with views out to Looe Island. There is kayak hire from the beach front during the summer months.
Millendreath a sandy beach. Car park, beach café and a bar. Good if you have small children and lots to carry!
Seaton Beach at the end of the Nature Reserve in the Seaton Valley a shale beach.
Talland Bay sand and dramatic different coloured rocks. Small car park and a beach café.
Whitsands Bay a flat sandy beach with dramatic views all the way from Looe to Rame Head.
Lansallos Beach is sand and at the end of a wooded valley walk. There is a NT car park in the village.
Lantic Bay beautiful scenery and a sandy beach at the bottom of a very step path! The coastal path at the top is very popular for walks.
Cawsand a sandy beach with easy ramp access, toilets including disabled, cafe, pub and takeaway food to hand and bench seating. Kayak hire in high season on the beach.
Beach Life Guards: The RNLI operates over 140 lifeguard units around the coast of the UK. https://www.cornwall-beaches.co.uk/lifeguards
Family Friendly Attractions
Eden Project is a must for all visitors to Cornwall and is about a 40 mins drive. https://www.edenproject.com
Plymouth National Marine Aquarium Located in Plymouth, the National Marine Aquarium is the UKs largest. www.national-aquarium.co.uk
The Monkey Sanctuary Trust The Sanctuary near Looe is currently home to four species of monkey: woolly monkeys, ex-pet capuchins, patas monkeys and barbary macaques. www.monkeysanctuary.org
Bodmin Jail Experience unlocking Cornwall’s dark history. https://www.bodminjail.org
Bodmin & Wenword Railway runs steam trains and links with the Camel valley for walking and cycling.https://bodminrailway.co.uk/the-railway/the-stations/
Looe to Liskeard Railway Line One of the most scenic railway lines in the U.K https://greatscenicrailways.co.uk/lines/looe-valley-line/
Carnglaze Caverns Tour the underground caverns, find out about mining in Cornwall and see the underground lake. http://www.carnglaze.com
Tamar Valley Donkey Park Good for those with small children with in and outdoor play and animals including donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits and guinea pigs to feed and pet. www.donkeypark.com
Historic Charlestown an historic port involved in china clay export and a location for the filming of the Poldark TV series. Home to the Shipwreck & Heritage Centre https://www.shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk
Newquay Zoo is ideal for those with younger children as not too big. There are plenty of facilities including baby changing rooms. Lots to see. https://www.newquayzoo.org.uk
National Maritime Museum situated on the Harbourside at Falmouth, telling the story of the sea and Cornwall. https://nmmc.co.uk
Days out with children A comprehensive list of different types of attractions and places to visit both indoor and outdoor. https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/things-to-do/south-west/cornwall
101 Things to do on Rainy Day in Cornwall www.101-things-to-do-on-a-rainy-day-in-cornwall.co.uk
Adventure
Adrenalin Quarry Just 10 minutes up the road. One of Britain's longest and fastest Zip Wires, The Giant Swing, go-carting and a Water Park. www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk
Football Golf Situated on the road to Polperro. https://www.facebook.com/polperrofootballgolf/
Adventure Fit Southwest Indoor climbing wall located in the Old Sardine Factory Looe and also run kayaking and paddle boarding trips up the Looe River.
https://www.adventurefitsouthwest.co.uk
Adventure Bay Surf School, Whitsand Bay. Surf lessons, surf hire, paddle board tours and coasteering. https://adventurebay.co.uk
Wave Hunters Surf School Learn to surf (north Cornwall). www.wavehunters.co.uk
Lower Lake Shooting Grounds They teach clay pigeon shooting from total beginners to intermediate and include cartridges and clays. www.shootingincornwall.co.uk
Tamar Trails Outdoor activities for all ages, family friendly. Activities include tree surfing, biking. walking, running and archery https://www.tamartrails.co.uk
Horse Riding
Lower Tokenbury Equestrian Situated on the edge of Bodmin Moor with both rides on the Estate and Bodmin Moor. http://www.lowertokenburyequestriancentre.co.uk/
Polmartin Riding Centre in Liskeard is one of only two BHS-approved riding centres in Cornwall. Set in beautiful Cornish countryside, near Lanreath which is close to Looe and Liskeard. Trekking and lessons are available all year, whatever the weather with riding out along their own tracks and trails so completely traffic free. www.polmartinfarm.com
Gardens
Cornwall is world famous for its many wonderful gardens, especially in the spring. The Lost Gardens of Helligan is just 45 mins away. The National Trust also have many, including Lanhydrock (25 Mins) and Cotehele (45 mins).
Cornwall National Garden Scheme Gardens open for charity with events and tours. www.ngs.org.uk
The Eden Project This is an unforgettable experience in a breath taking location, a global plant collection and a place of beauty and wonder. www.edenproject.com
The Lost Gardens of Heligan A rediscovered and now famous garden inspired by Tim Schmidt. Quite a wonderful garden giving real insight into how it was before the First World War. The original vegetable garden for the 'Big House' is now cultivated all year round. The Jungle area with enormous gunnera and ferns is a sight to see. www.heligan.com
Trebah Gardens Trebah has a huge jungle area as well as formal gardens, this leads down to the river Helford from where the American 29th Infantry division met to be taken for the landings at Dunkirk on D-Day. www.trebahgarden.co.uk
The Garden House is just over the border in Devon on the edge of Dartmoor. The Garden house is exquisite and has been featured on TV several times. www.thegardenhouse.org.uk
Trelissick is another National Trust garden near Truro at Feock. This is a tranquil tiered garden with panoramic views down to Falmouth and the open sea. www.gardensincornwall.co.uk
Pinetum Gardens is at Saint Austell is quite a special garden with cafe. www.pinetumpark.com
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Historic Houses & Castles
Cornwall has a rich history told through its many great houses and castles. Here are a few but for a full list please visit the National Trust and English Hertitage websites.
Cotehele House A Tudor house with superb collections of textiles, armour and furniture, set in extensive grounds situated on the edge of the River Tamar with walks and kayaking opportunities. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele
Lanhydrock House Magnificent late Victorian country house with extensive servants' quarters, gardens and wooded estate. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
Antony House Superb early 18th-century mansion set in parkland and fine gardens. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/antony
Restormel Castle and Duchy of Cornwall Nursery: Restormel Castle at Lostwithiel is a C13th semi-ruin, great for spring wildflowers.https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/restormel-castle/ .There is a walking trail between the castle and the nearby Duchy of Cornwall Nursery where you can buy all sorts of plants and stop for a really good lunch with a view of the castle www.duchyofcornwallnursery.co.uk
Tintagel Immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle set high on Cornwall's rugged north coast. Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/
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Theatres
Plymouth Theatre Royal Offering a wide variety of shows for everyone. www.theatreroyal.com
Hall for Cornwall Cornwall's premier theatre situated in Truro https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/home
Minack Theatre is Cornwall's Theatre under the stars, with performances with the sea as the backdrop! www.minack.com
Sterts Theatre Just north of Liskeard. Performing arts in an outdoor covered amphitheatre. www.sterts.co.uk
Cinemas
Barbican Leisure Park has a Vue cinema, food and entertainment www.barbican-leisure.co.uk
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Museums
The Old Guildhall Museum, Looe. A 15th Century listed building with a fascinating display of Looe's past. https://www.looemuseum.co.uk
Looe Harbour Heritage Centre The story of Looe, its river, bridges and the story of fishing for sardines. In the old sardine factory, also home to the Michelin listed restaurant and Adventure Fit Southwest. https://looeharbourheritagecentre.uk
Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro. A broad array of objects from Egyptology (including an unwrapped mummy!) to classical Greek and Roman objects.
www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk
Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Stories and artefacts from shipwrecks around the British Isles in historic Charlestown.
https://www.shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk
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Galleries
Tate Gallery, St Ives Offering International Modern and Contemporary Art. www.tate.org.uk/stives
Barbara Hepworth visit her home and sculpture garden in St Ives. https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives/barbara-hepworth-museum-and-sculpture-garden
Golf
Looe Golf Club Just across the way, fantastic golf, stunning views and a warm welcome assured. www.looegolfclub.co.uk
St Mellion Golf Club With two championship golf courses, including Europe’s first Jack Nicklaus designed course. www.st-mellion.co.uk
Lanhydrock Golf Club In a sheltered wooded valley near Bodmin, concealing one of the finest golf courses in the South West. http://www.lanhydrockhotel.com/golf/
Carlyon Bay Golf Course Overlooking St Austell Bay. https://carlyonbay.com/
Whitsand Bay Golf Club plays host to a fabulous 18-hole cliff top course which features some of the most stunning coastal views in the Westcountry. https://www.whitsandbaygolf.com
Golf in Cornwall Information on all of the major Golf Courses in Cornwall. www.golfincornwall.co.uk
Walking and Wildlife
South West Coast Path the UK’s longest and best-loved National Trail. www.southwestcoastpath.com
iWalk Cornwall 260 walks in Cornwall ranging from 2 to 10 miles, nearly all are circular walks. Download the app and then purchase walks. Has been recommended by our guests. www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk
Looe Island Walk on the beautiful island nature reserve. Boat trips out to the island leave from near the Looe Lifeboat station https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/looe-island/getting-island
Cardinham Woods Colour coded routes through the woods with a lovely cafe on your return. https://www.forestryengland.uk/cardinham-woods
Seaton Valley Countryside Park A walk alongside the River Seaton with woodland, ponds and wet grassland, with the beach and The Smugglers Inn at one end.
Wild Food & Foraging Walks with Rachel Lambert. Tailor-made or join a group. www.wildwalks-southwest.co.uk
Bodmin Moor the home of Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn, the Cheese Ring and Hurlers near Minions and Golitha Falls. https://www.cornwalls.co.uk/walking/bodmin_moor.htm
Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society Dedicated to the study and conservation of birds in the county of Cornwall, in the far south-west of England. www.cbwps.org.uk
Cornwall Wildlife Trust Helping you enjoy Cornwall's wildlife and countryside. www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
Cycling
Landhydrock Estate mountain bike trails for different abilities. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock/features/cycling-at-lanhydrock
Cardinham Woods Mountain Bike trails for different ability levels. https://www.forestryengland.uk/cardinham-woods/cycling-and-mountain-biking-trails-cardinham-woods
Camel Valley cycling along the route of a disused railway line along the side of the river into Padstow. Suitable for families. Very picturesque with bike hire available.
Tamar Trails offer off road cycle routes suitable for families. https://www.tamartrails.co.uk
Cornwall Cycling routes including around Looe https://www.komoot.com/discover/Looe/@50.3524460%2C-4.4598430?sport=touringbicycle&distance=16.1
Cycle shop & repairs in Liskeard Pig Meadow Lane, the Parade.www.liskeardcycles.co.uk
Boat Trips
Nautilus Glass bottom boat trips from Looe. https://looedirectory.co.uk/fishing/glass-bottom-boats.html
Looe Island boat trips out to the island from near the Looe Lifeboat station https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/looe-island/getting-island
Boat trips and ferries from Fowey Combine a visit to two of Cornwall’s most picturesque and contrasting ports with a return ferry trip across St Austell Bay between Fowey and Mevagissey. www.mevagissey-ferries.co.uk
Looe Self Drive Boat Hire Explore the river by hiring a boat. https://looeselfdriveboathire.co.uk
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Fishing
Looe Shark Angling Club The premier shark angling centre in Great Britain. http://www.sharkanglingclubofgreatbritain.org.uk/book-a-day-shark-fishing/
Siblyback Lake is surrounded by the striking Bodmin Moor and offers a wide range of facilities and activities from fishing to windsurfing & sailing, to rowing boat hire or walking and bird watching.https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/siblyback
Bake Fishing Lakes 15 acres of water offering fishing for all and natural history in abundance. We have a Kingfisher in residence and rare dragonflies regularly recorded. www.bakelakes.co.uk
SW Lakes Trust At the lakes of the South West, you have an unrivalled choice of water-based activities, angling, relaxation and wildlife, walking and cycling. www.swlakestrust.org.uk
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Spa Treatments
We have carefully selected providers.
Home Spa Cornwall offer luxury Spa treatments and will bring their mobile service to you in your cottage. https://www.homespacornwall.co.uk
Glo Pamper Creat your own package of treatments and the mobile service will come to you in your own cottage. Book early to avoid disappointment.
https://www.glo-pamper.co.uk/home-spa-treatments-in-cornwall
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Catering and Private Chef
We have a carefully selected provider.
Angels in the Kitchen offer a meal delivery service or a private chef. https://www.angelsinthekitchen.co.uk
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Events and Festivals
Looe Live Annual live music festival held in Looe mid September, with the main stage on the beach! https://www.looelive.co.uk
Royal Cornwall Show Held annually at the beginning of June, agriculture displays, music and food. https://www.royalcornwallshow.org
The British Fireworks Championships Held annually in Plymouth during August. https://britishfireworks.co.uk
Other local events we will share on our social media pages including events in Looe at Christmas and New Year, so be sure to follow us. New Year is a big occasion in Looe with fireworks off the Banjo Pier and fancy dress!
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Tourist Information
Cornish Tourist Information: www.visitcornwall.com
Looe Tourist Information Centre: https://www.visitlooe.co.uk
Welcome to Looe & Polperro https://welcometolooe.com
Tourist Information for Fowey: www.fowey.co.uk
Truro Cathedral: Visit our local cathedral at Truro. www.trurocathedral.org.uk
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