Mudpie Fridays >> Cornwall >> Guide To The Best Things To Do In Polperro Cornwall

Guide To The Best Things To Do In Polperro Cornwall

When we visited Looe we decided to spend some time exploring Polperro. First appearing in the Domesday Book, the working fishing village is regarded as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Cornwall. Unsurprisingly this makes the small coastal town a popular spot for tourists and day trippers. The pretty harbour is surrounded by whitewash cottages tempting you for an overnight stay. Plenty of places to stop and watch the world go by we enjoyed our visit to this lovely place and Polperro beach. It should be on your list when visiting Cornwall. Here are some of the things we got up to during our visit.

How to get to Polperro

The picturesque village is located on the south coast of Cornwall. If you’re driving as we were when we visited, the most direct route is via the A38. Take the Trerulefoot roundabout, then follow the A374 towards Polbathic, continuing on the A387 which leads you straight to Polperro. If you are driving from Looe as we did it was only a short ten-minute drive. Please note

The final stretch into Polperro is narrow although there are passing places, it may be challenging for larger motorhomes etc. You can not drive into the village itself, which is largely pedestrianised maintaining its quaint charm and serenity.

If you are looking to use public transport there are local bus services available that connect to Polperro from various towns, including Looe and Plymouth. The bus will take around 25 minutes from Looe. Looe is also the nearest mainland train station.

Map of Polperro

Parking in Polperro

If you are arriving by car then you will be pleased to know that there is a large car park just outside the village. The A374 will bring you right to it. As you come down the hill towards the village you will see it to the right at the top of the village. But if you want to use the Sat Nav then the postcode for Polperro Village Car Park is PL13 2PL.

The parking lot is large taking approximately 500 cars and coaches but it does fill up really quickly with holiday makers, especially during peak times. So I would advise getting there early or visiting later in the day. They have recently increased the price to park to £6 for 3 hours which is probably the minimum you need to explore properly (see below). The cost for motorhomes is more. From the car park, it is only a short 10-minute walk to the village down one main street. However, if you want to go straight down to the picturesque harbour then you can normally pick up a little red tram which will take you down and up. There is a cost for this, it was not running on our visit. It is quite a steep climb up so this is something you may wish to consider with small kids. Especially if you are planning a visit to Polperro beach.

Is Polperro worth a visit?

Yes it is most definitely worth visiting. However, I would avoid peak season as it will be very busy. I can imagine the best time to visit is in the Spring. We went during the May half-term and it wasn’t too bad although I was jealous of those who had a holiday cottage there. It is a great place to wander if you are lovers of arts and crafts. Since there are many small shops to explore.

How long do you need in Polperro?

We couple only spare a couple of hours during our week in Looe. However, I would suggest you spend at least half a day in this little village if you want to try out everything it has to offer. If we return I will be looking to book a holiday home in Polperro since for me it epitomises what you imagine Cornwall to be all about.

Things To Do in Polperro

There is a lot to do in the small village which remains largely unspoilt, hence its popularity. Once you walk down to the small harbor look back and you will see the small white cottages clinging to the steep hillsides. It is very beautiful and unsurprisingly attracts photographers and artists in droves.

Polperro Beach

Polperro is on the South West Coastal Path so if you are looking for a large expanse of sand then is it worth walking the mile or so to Talland Bay Beach. However, Polperro does have a small beach when the tide goes out which is by the mouth of the harbour. The small sandy beach is nothing compared to the long golden beaches elsewhere. If you are only coming to Polperro for the beach then you will be disappointed. The majority of it is grey shingle and stone from the surrounding cliffs. Although the water is crystal clear it is fine for a paddle and splash (with water shoes). If you are brave enough to get into the cold water then the harbour wall acts as a barrier meaning the sea was quote calm on our visit with gentle waves lapping the shore.

Crabbing in Polperro

Thanks to the accessible harbour wall when the tide is in, then it’s possible to crab in Polperro. As the tide was out when we visited we did not manage to give it a go, unfortunately. But we did see nets and bait for sale. If you are regular readers of Mudpie Fridays then you will know the boys are big crabbing fans!

Polperro Village & Harbour

The main draw of course is exploring Polperro itself with its whitewashed cottages lining the narrow streets. Many of which have been meticulously maintained or restored and some are holiday cottages. The harbour is the heart of Polperro in the village centre. When we visited the tide was out however it is even more picturesque when it is in. Surrounded by little white cottages at every turn and grey stone walls it’s impossible not to smile as you wander around. Keep an eye out for the Saxon Bridge which is a grade II listed bridge by Historic England.

It is a traditional fishing village and so unsurprisingly you will find many boats in the harbour. Depending on the time of day you visit you may even spot them coming in with their catch. Make sure you allow time to look around the small side streets and little alleyways.

Shell House in Polperro

On your wandering, you will likely come across Shell House. One of the village’s more distinctive attractions, it is not a museum or public building but rather a private home. Which we respected when we visited. It is not open to the public but the exterior walls of the house are adorned with intricate patterns and images created from a variety of seashells. Similar to the Shell Grotto in Margate. This kind of shell art is a traditional craft, but it is quite rare to see it applied to the exterior of a building on such a large scale.

Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling & Fishing

Polperro has a fascinating history when it comes to smuggling. During the 18th century, Polperro was heavily involved in the smuggling trade with boats crossing the channel between Cornwall and France. The goods that were brought back were those with heavy taxes such as alcohol, tobacco and salt. Salt may not be one you would consider but it was vital to the village people that lived on oily fish they caught from the sea. Unlike many other smuggling stories Polperro’s is well documented because at the time it was happening all the comings and goings of boats were recorded by a man called Zephaniah Job. Much of this information and further history of the village is displayed in the museum.

The museum is located near the harbour and run by the Polperro Harbour Trustees. Open from the Easter holidays to the end of October half term and houses in the old pilchards factory. There is also the museum tea rooms which has views over the picturesque fishing village. More details about the Polperro Harbour Heritage Museum can be found on the Polperro Harbour Trust wesbite.

Polperro Model Village

You can also visit a village inside a village! Explore the village of Polperro in miniature, and learn about the Cornish myths and legends. The attraction has been more than 60 years in existence, having survived fire and floods. Located on Mill Hill it is also open from Easter through to November. Closed Saturdays. Open 10.30 am to 5 pm.

Local Shops and Eateries

There are plenty of shops and eateries to choose from. Everything from award-winning restaurants such as Michelle’s Restaurant that serves locally caught seafood and scallops. To your traditional pub. Of which you are not short on choice. The Three Pilchards boasts the title of being the oldest pub in Polperro and in the summer months, you may want to visit their beer garden for views across the village. There is also The Ship Inn serves local cast ales. We chose the Blue Peter Inn since we managed to get a table outside next to the harbour.

There are plenty of souvenir shops and of course, the boys had to try out an ice cream. Which also works for bribery on the way back up the hill. We also spotted a cornish pasty shop so if you want to nibble while you wander then there are several to choose from. As you would expect. I am not sure I have ever visited a Cornish tourist village without one!

Tidal Pool

Polperro boasts its own Tidal Pool also known as Chapel Pool. Tidal pools are pools of seawater that remain after the tide has gone out. This one is east to find on the coast path. You can see it is signposted from the village centre. It is accessed via steep narrow steps and so is not suitable for buggies.

Boat Trips and Tours

When we visit Cornwall a boat trip is one of the boy’s favorite things to do. We took a mackerel fishing trip out of Looe which is only a ten-minute drive away. However, you can also catch a scenic boat trip from the small harbour in Polperro. They operate at high tide from the quay next to Polperro beach. Whether you want to catch some small fish for yourself or see the surrounding area from the water. You will be able to find signs by the quay with mobile numbers and details of the prices and what they offer and most importantly when the next boat goes out. However, if you want to pre book then you can try Smuggler. You can also hire boats yourself.

If you are staying in Polperro then you can also catch a boat across to Looe or Fowey. Two other must-see towns if you are staying in the area.

Willy Wilcox Cave

Willy Wilcox Cave is situated just below the cliffs on the eastern side of the harbour and is accessible at low tide. The cave is named after a local smuggler, Willy Wilcox, who is said to have used the cave to store contraband goods during the 18th and 19th centuries when smuggling was rife along the Cornish coast. According to local legend, Willy Wilcox was trapped and died in the cave after being pursued by customs officers. The cave and its associated tales have become part of the folklore of Polperro and contribute to the village’s rich historical tapestry, which includes stories of smuggling and the sea.

South West Coastal Path

The South West Coast Path passes through Polperro. England’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail, stretching for 630 miles (1,014 km) from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset. The section of the path that runs through Polperro is known for its stunning coastal scenery, including dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, sandy beaches and panoramic views of the sea. You can learn all about potential walking routes and coastal walks from Polperro by visiting the website.