East Looe Beach

Looe is a lovely, vibrant resort of two halves as it lines both sides of the river. East Looe Beach is a longstanding favourite with visitors. It sits in front of the old town and is sheltered by the famously odd named and shaped Banjo Pier, opposite which is the river and harbour. Here’s everything you need to know…

LOOE WEATHER

Beach Overview

Tucked beside the Banjo Pier and Looe River, East Looe is a gently shelving, golden beach with a classic seaside feel — striped deckchairs, ice-creams, and safe paddling on calmer days. At low tide the sands open wide for games and sand-castle kingdoms; by high tide the sea nudges the promenade and the cove feels cosy and sheltered.

Lifeguards & Safety

East Looe is not routinely RNLI-lifeguarded. Treat it as unpatrolled and follow on-site signage. Keep clear of the river mouth and pier, where currents can be stronger, and avoid inflatables in offshore winds. Swim within your depth, parallel to shore, and keep children close near the waterline.

Surf & watersports

This is not a surf beach. On light-wind days, it’s ideal for a gentle sea swim, SUP or kayak. Launch away from bathers and steer well clear of the harbour/river entrance and boat lanes.

Tide tips: Mid to low tide gives the broadest sand and easiest launching. By high tide the beach narrows against the promenade and small dumpers can form — better for paddling than playing in waves.

Dog Rules

Dogs are not permitted on East Looe Beach year-round. For walkies with sea views, head to Hannafore (west Looe) where dogs are welcome; always follow local signage and tidy up.

Facilities & accessibility

Everything you need is close at hand: public toilets, seasonal showers, beachside cafés and kiosks, deckchair/windscreen hire. Access is level from the promenade, making it one of the more accessible beaches for many wheelchairs and buggies. It is hoped sandchairs will soon be available to hire from the Old Lifeboat Gallery behind the beach.

The large Millpool car park sits a riverside walk away; smaller town car parks and on-street options fill quickly in summer.

Coast Path & Nearby Walks

Stroll the Banjo Pier for harbour views, wander the old town lanes, or follow the South West Coast Path west towards Hannafore and Talland (longer, undulating) or east towards Millendreath and Seaton. At low tide, rockpooling at Hannafore makes a great family add-on.

Places to Eat Nearby

You’re spoiled for choice: seafront cafés for coffee and cones, fish-and-chips to eat on the wall, and pubs and bistros tucked in the old streets. Grab picnic supplies in town and wander back for a toes-in-the-sand lunch. The Sardine Factory often receives rave reviews, and is featured in the Michelin Guide if you’re after a gastronomic treat.

Rainy-Day Options

Dive into local history at the Old Guildhall Museum & Gaol, browse independent galleries and shops, or take a short drive to Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium for an all-weather ocean fix. Between showers, the pier and viewpoints along Hannafore offer dramatic sea-watching without committing to the beach.