Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
at
Hannafore Beach
, backed by grassy banks for picnics, and plenty of rock pools to delve in
at low tide.
In contrast to Fowey, Looe still feels behind-the-times when it comes to eating out -
chip shops and chintzy B&Bs still very much rule the roost - but this might be set to
change thanks to
chef du jour
Nathan Outlaw, who recently opened his first south coast
venture here, Outlaw's Fish Kitchen (
Click here
)
. Whether this will be enough to spark
Looe's culinary renaissance is debatable, but it's certainly a welcome addition.
Sights & Activities
Looe Island
A mile offshore from Hannafore Point is the densely wooded Looe Island (officially
known as St George's Island), a 22-acre nature reserve and a haven for marine wildlife.
The island has been inhabited since the early 12th century, when Benedictine monks es-
tablished a chapel here. It was subsequently a favoured stash for local smugglers (the is-
land's main house was built by Customs officials to keep a watch for smuggled contra-
band). In 1965 the island was occupied by Surrey sisters Babs and Evelyn Atkins, who es-
tablished the nature reserve and lived there for most of their lives. Since 2000 the island
has been administered by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, which continues to protect the is-
land's delicate habitat by monitoring visitor numbers.
Between May and September, trips are offered by the
Islander
( 07814-139223; adult/child re-
turn £6/4, plus £2.50/1 landing fee)
from the quayside near the lifeboat station, but they're depend-
ent on the weather and tides. Check the blackboard on the quay for the next sailing times,
or call skipper Tim on 07814-139223.
ISLAND
Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary
( 01503-262532;
www.monkeysanctuary.org
; St Martins; adult/child/family £8/5/25; 11am-4.30pm Sat-Thu
Mar-Nov)
On the hills above East Looe, the Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary is home to a
colony of ridiculously cute woolly monkeys, smaller colonies of capuchin monkeys, patas
monkeys and Barbary macaques (mostly rescued from captivity), as well as a roost of
lesser horseshoe bats.
WILDLIFE RESERVE
Boat Trips
BOAT TOUR
