|
|
We
had been visiting South East Cornwall for 25 years before
moving to Looe 8 years ago. There are many great websites
giving detailed information on Looe and Cornwall's attractions
and we've highlighted some links for you below, but here,
we've decided to highlight some of our personal favourite
places to visit. For more detailed information, just click
on the links below.
LOOE
- Visitors
return to the historic port of Looe year after year because
it offers something special to so many visitors of all ages.
Quaint streets, safe sandy beaches, rock pools, deep-sea/shark
or fly fishing, diving, sailing, boating, golf, and much
more. Or the simple things in life - the pleasure of eating
a Cornish pasty, catching crabs on the quay-side or watching
the returning fishing fleet unload their catch.
Looe
has acquired world wide fame as the centre for shark angling
in Britain. Boats may be chartered for this and mackerel
and bottom fishing. Martin has had much success bass fishing
and is an experienced fly fisherman so he can share a few
stories and tips on good locations for both saltwater and
flyfishing in the area.
A
range of boat and canoe trips is available in both the Looe
and Fowey River estuaries from up river, or to points along
the coastline. In particular, a great day out is to be had
on the ex RNLI Lifeboat, William
Cantrell Ashley, a Liverpool class lifeboat in
service 1950 -1969 in Clovelly North Devon. Also remember
to take in a trip to St George's island - a nature reserve
managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, located just off
the Looe coastline.
WALKING
IN SOUTH EAST CORNWALL
 The
Looe-Polperro walk on the South West Coast Path, and then
beyond to Polruan and Fowey, is arguably one of the most
beautiful stretches on the southern coastline. Arrive in
Polperro in time for a pint at The Three pilchards or Blue
Peter before strolling around the quaint harbour. For contrast,
drive inland to Bodmin and Dartmoor.
And
in the Looe Valley - Enjoy
the lovely environment of the Looe Valley on a
range of walks accessible from the Looe Valley Line train,
featured in the 'Trails from the Track' Pack
(which we provide for free) published by the Devon &
Cornwall Rail Partnership. There is also a bird spotting
guide so you can plan a great day out without the car direct
from the doorstep at Polraen!! And for some light refreshment
on your travels, follow the Looe Valley Line Rail Ale Trail,
featuring 9 distinctive pubs/inns serving real ale situated
within walking distance of the Looe Valley Line stations.
In September, we have the annual Looe Valley Walking Festival
with a varied programme of great walks and events featuring
train rides on the Looe Valley Line. For further details
on Looe Valley and other branch line services, contact the
Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership (01752) 233094
or click here
LOOE VALLEY WALKS.
THE
EDEN PROJECT(only
35 minutes by car from Polraen) - is on everyon e's
'must-do' list. A spectacular and visionary project bringing
together the gardens of the world under one roof and helping
us all to understand the importance of our environment.
MORE
GARDENS
We are fortunate here in Cornwall to be blessed with the
kind of mild maritime climate in which even tropical species
can thrive and the abundance of flora and fauna in the hedgerows
and countryside will surprise you at any time of year. You
must visit The Lost Gardens of Heligan, but there's a wealth
of others further west such as Trebah Garden Trust, Trelissick,
Trerice, Trevarno, Trewidden, Trewithen .... you get the
picture! For opening times and prices of the Eden
Project; also 50+ major and smaller gardens
in Cornwall click
here (Please note
you are leaving Polraen Country House - these links will
open in a new window - just close it to return here.)
HISTORIC
HOUSES
Lanhydrock
is amazing! A jewel in the National Trust's crown, capturing
upstairs/downstairs Victorian life as if time stood still.
Then Cotehele overlooking the Tamar is genteel and calming
while a drive along Whitsand Bay brings you to Mt Edgcumbe,
set in a deer park with formal gardens that command a fantastic
view across Plymouth Sound. (All within 30 minutes drive
from Polraen.) 
GREAT FOR KIDS
With 2 young children of
our own, a few places stand out for both educational and
entertainment value. Morwellham
Quay (approx
30 minute drive) was once the largest copper
mine in Queen Victoria's empire.
Set in the beautiful Tamar Valley, the area has recently
been awarded World Heritage Site status, to recognise the
contribution made to the world by the mining industry.
'At
the bottom of every mine in the world, there's a Cornish
man'. Schedule a full family day out to really
enjoy this unique riverside village which has been rediscovered
and restored as a living outdoor museum. Dress up in Victorian
clothes, see demonstrations of rope making, visit the cooper's
and blacksmiths workshop, play Victorian games in the school
yard, and travel into the depths of the copper mine to appreciate
the working conditions. Porfell
Animal Land (approx 15 minute
drive) is especially great for toddlers and young
children, with a wide range of exotic species from lemurs
to zebras, from snakes to meerkats, and lots of hands on
experience feeding the very tame deer and birdlife. Plymouth's
National Marine Aquarium (approx
35 minute drive) is 'Britain's Biggest and Europe's
deepest' with a walk through tunnel where you can get a
close up view of the sharks - impressive at feeding time!
And if you prefer your steam trains full size, then the
Bodmin-Wenford Steam Railway
(approx 25 minutes)
should satisfy the steam train enthusiasts.
GOLF
Bindown
golf club 18 holes - only 2 miles from Polraen.
(Within 40 minutes drive: there are golf & country clubs
at St Mellion, Lanhydrock and Lostwithiel.)
For more ideas and information on places to visit, click
here to view The Cornwall Association of Tourist
Attractions website.
(Please note you are leaving Polraen Country House - these
links will open in a new window - just close it to return
here.)
|
