Polperro is beautiful, quaint village on the south coast of Cornwall, 10 minutes from Looe and 45 minutes from Plymouth Despite its size, there are plenty of things to do in Polperro and places to visit near Polperro which make it a perfect option for a day trip or a base for a weekend away.
If you’re planning to stay in Polperro, check out these Polperro accommodation options.
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A quick history of Polperro
Polperro’s roots can be traced back to the Domesday Book, where it’s mentioned as part of the Raphael Manor.
The village has been a fishing village since its existence began in the 13th century. Although during wars in the 18th century, it also became a harbour for smuggling.
As the taxes on goods increased, Polperro fishermen used their knowledge of the sea, harbour and their boats, to smuggle goods from Guernsey.
Later in its history, Polperro became a popular seaside town, with Polperro attractions drawing in visitors from all over England.
Plan your trip to Polperro
Parking in Polperro
You’re likely driving to Polperro, so it’s important to know where to park in Polperro because the village is a car-free zone unless you have a specific residence or work permit.
Instead, there is a large pay and display car park at the top of the village and it’s a 10 minute walk from there to Polperro harbour.
The car park is cash only and it’s a minimum payment of £5 for 3 hours, which can be frustrating particularly in the winter if you’re not planning to stay long.
If you go in the low season, you can sometimes find street parking on the roads around the car park or on the other side of the village near the school (if it’s a weekend). But please don’t block anyone’s property if you choose to park elsewhere.
How long to spend in Polperro?
You can make your trip to Polperro as long or as short as you like depending on your Cornwall itinerary.
It’s a great stop for a couple of hours for food by the harbour, taking some photos and visiting an attraction or walking along the beautiful beach, rock pools and coast path.
Alternatively you could spend a day in Polperro or even an overnight stay in the area as there are plenty of things to do in Polperro and Looe.
Most people visiting Polperro during their time in Cornwall generally will visit for an afternoon.
Things to do in Polperro and beyond
Polperro Beach and explore the cave
Polperro’s beach is very tidal, so the large sandy area is only visible or accessible at certain times of the day.
While the beach area isn’t large, there’s enough space for plenty of people to enjoy, set up deck chairs, enjoy picnics or take a dip in the water.
Don’t miss the caves also accessible from the beach, you’ll find the largest one right next to the harbour wall.
The caves are great fun to explore with kids, of course just be aware of the tide.
Go for a dip in the hidden rock pools at Chapel Pool
Okay the rock pools aren’t very hidden, but this spot in Polperro is definitely less visited because fewer people venture past the mouth of the harbour as it meets the sea in Polperro.
Behind the Blue Peter Inn, next to the beach, you can follow the steps up and this leads you onto the Southwest Coast Path. Follow this just around the corner and you’ll see some steps down to a rocky plateau.
At low tide, the rocky area here turns into a series of rock pools, the biggest of which, Chapel Pool, is perfect for taking a swim if you’re searching for beautiful Cornwall rock pools to take a dip in! The turquoise colour really is stunning!
It’s perfect for an early morning dip if you’re staying overnight in Polperro, or you’ll find it almost to yourself if you visit during the shoulder season or on a weekday.
Once the tide is coming in, the pools lose their definition and it can be dangerous if you can’t see where the rocks are below, so please be aware.
Polperro Harbour Heritage Museum
To learn more about Polperro’s history, don’t miss a visit to Polperro Harbour Heritage Museum.
The fascinating history of the village’s fishing and smuggling days are recounted here, with many photographs and fascinating stories of the people who have lived in the village over the centuries.
It’s also a great option if you’re looking for things to do in Polperro in the rain as they have a cafe/tea room too!
Adults admission is £3, children under 16 are free.
Fish and Chips on Polperro Harbour
Of course fish and chips on the coast is a must! Chips Ahoy is not only a great name for a fish and chip takeaway, but their fish and chips are great and also perfectly located on Lansallos St, right by the harbour if you want to enjoy your food with a view. Beware of the seagulls!
If you find yourself in Looe, don’t miss Catch for some amazing fish and chips too!
Polperro Model Village
The model village in Polperro is an absolute gem of an attraction.
It’s truly fascinating and so fun to see, and being a true-to-scale replica of Polperro means you can really appreciate and understand the village in miniature and as you walk around the real thing!
Again visiting the model village is another very affordable attraction at just £3 per adult and £2 for children or seniors.
Cornish Souvenirs from the local artisan and craft stores
As you walk down the main street into Polperro from the car park, you pass many boutique stores, art galleries or local artisan and craft shops which are full of locally designed crafts, products and artwork.
These shops are great for finding a local Cornwall piece of art or a holiday souvenir as you walk back up the road to the car park on your return.
Take a fishing trip or scenic boat trip from Polperro to Looe
Polperro does lovely local boat trips throughout the day (weather and tides permitting) from the quay.
They are run by two locals and you’ll need to find them by the quay, look for the bat ‘The Smuggler’.
They offer 2 hour fishing trips, perfect if you want to get out on to the coast for a fishing trip with friends, family or alone.
They also offer scenic boat trips for sightseeing along the coast to either Fowey or Looe. These trips are very affordable, more so than the neighbouring Looe where there’s more choice of boat trips but the prices are higher.
Enjoy jam and scones the Cornish way at the Museum Tea Room
A trip to Cornwall would not be complete without the quintessentially English jam and scones!
The Museum Tea Room and Cafe offers traditional jam and scones as well as a range of other snacks and drinks at the cafe.
But the best part is the view. Take a seat outside with your scones and enjoy spectacular views of the harbour and village from right next to the water. Perfect for a sunny day!
Enjoy a hearty meal and a pint of Cornish Ale at one of the village’s five pubs
If you’re more of a pub meal enthusiast then you’ll be pleased to know that Polperro has no shortage of pubs!
The Blue Peter Inn is probably the most well-known, situated right next to the harbour and beach, you can take your choice between enjoying the dark wood interior, the beer garden or the outdoor seating area with views of the harbour.
The Three Pilchards is just around the corner and similarly highly reviewed.
For a quieter experience, head to The Ship Inn on the main street, with it’s blue frontage, you won’t miss it.
Take a walk along the Southwest Coast Path to Looe
If you’ve got the time, the southwest Coast Path walk from Polperro to Looe or vice versa is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon stroll or a brisk morning walk.
Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, the views are beautiful.
It’s 5.5 miles and will take about 2.5 hours, or more depending on how many times you stop to take photos!
Stay in a holiday cottage
Of course if you’re staying overnight in Polperro, don’t miss the opportunity to stay in a traditional fishing cottage in Polperro!
Check out hotel or self-catering rentals in Polperro, or visit Airbnb, Sykes Cottages or CoolStays for more unique accommodation options in the area.
The Best Things to do near Polperro, Cornwall
Whether you’re looking for more ideas for your Cornwall trip or Looe and Polperro things to do further afield, here’s a few ideas for things to do around Polperro, Cornwall.
Explore Looe
If you’re looking for more things to do around Polperro, then of course exploring Looe is a must! It’s proximity means it’s a great option for planning days out from Polperro.
It feels like a bigger version of Polperro with the white houses on the hillside, the harbour wall protecting the village and the centre of everything revolving around the harbour and the beautiful turquoise waters.
Visit East Looe Beach to relax on the sand or head to Millendreath beach for stand up paddleboard or kayak hire.
There’s also the Old Sardine Factory Heritage Centre or the Old Guildhall Museum for those interested in the history of Looe and the surrounding area.
Alternatively take a boat trip out to the Nature Reserve on Looe Island.
Visit the Monkey Sanctuary
One of the most unexpected attractions near Polperro and in Cornwall! But if you’re looking for hidden gems and off the beaten track places to visit near Looe and Polperro, don’t miss the Monkey Sanctuary.
The Monkey Sanctuary has around 40 monkeys and is a rehabilitation and rescue centre for monkeys who have been rescued from awful situations, orphaned or harmed.
Learn about the monkeys, their conservation efforts and the sanctuary’s charity, Wild Futures which helps to run and protect the animals.
Adult tickets cost £9.50, children cost £5. Due to the sensitive nature of some of the primates, not all are available to be viewed. Also be aware that opening times change fairly regularly at the sanctuary, check their website for the latest times.
Take a boat trip from Looe
Looe offers a larger range of boat trips compared to Polperro.
From Looe you can visit Looe Island, go on fishing trips, go on scenic coastal trips, enjoy a sea safari, go on a glass bottom boat or even go on a seal spotting tour!
Check here to find out more information, when the boats run and how to book.
Fowey
A short boat trip or a 40 minute drive from Polperro, is Fowey.
Fowey is another cute port town, bigger than Polperro.
Take the ferry across the estuary, enjoy the views from St Catherine Castle or visit the Fowey Aquarium – a great option if it’s raining!
There are also plenty of restaurants, bars and food options in Fowey as well as more choice for accommodation.
Plymouth
Plymouth is less than an hour from Polperro and is the closest city if you’d prefer to stay in a city as a base for your trip.
Plymouth is situated just over the county line into Devon.
Check out plenty of days out ideas for Plymouth here.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
An hour south of Polperro is the unique Lost Gardens of Heligan.
This huge 200 acre garden was restored to its former glory after being almost lost after the first World War.
Now the gardens are some of the most spectacular in the UK.
You’ll find jungle, woodland, farmland and kitchen gardens on the estate, all in the restored style of 19th century garden and landscaping.
Tickets are fairly pricey at £17.50 per adult, but well worth visiting if you’re a horticultural enthusiast!
Summary: Polperro things to do
Despite its size, Polperro has plenty to do in the village and the surrounding areas, if you’re spending some time in the area and you’re looking for things to do near Polperro Cornwall.
Polperro is most beautiful to visit in the summer to really appreciate the white fishing cottages and turquoise blue water, but it’s just as beautiful in the quieter season without the crowds!
Pin this for later to plan your future trip!
