A Guide to the Best Things to do in Polperro, Cornwall

Last Updated on 6th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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Seagulls swoop overhead (just mind that they don’t steal your fries!), ancient rooftops sway in the salty sea breeze, and an endless sea stretches out into the distance before your eyes: welcome to Polperro, an ancient Cornish village dating back as far as the 14th-century, perhaps even earlier. Here’s a quick guide to the best things to do in the port of Polperro, a small harbour settlement near the town of Looe.

Deep in the heart of the South West, in a place where the sea meets the land and the crashing waves never cease to stop, Polperro is one of the most beautiful places in Southern Cornwall. The name Polperro comes from the Cornish language word ‘Porthpyra,’ meaning ‘Pyra’s cove’.

Why you need to visit Polperro

Situated in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, Polperro finds its roots in medieval times and still retains a certain historic ambience to this day.

Between the cobbled lanes leading to the narrow passageways mazing their way through the heart of town and the ancient fishing cottages with their sagging rooftops, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit Polperro.

Some of the best reasons to visit Polperro include the village’s infamous history of smuggling. Fans of Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn may well already be familiar with the fact that the practice was prevalent in Cornwall right up until the end of the 18th-century.

At that time, high taxes meant that even the most basic of goods were exorbitant in price. Cornwall’s windswept location on the fringes of England, as well as its length and wild coastline, meant that it was attractive for smuggling, and this was especially true of Polperro.

Tobacco, brandy, and gin, among other things, were smuggled in to be sold for a fraction of the cost of their taxed counterparts.

Aside from its fascinating history, Polperro is well-known for its foodie scene which is largely driven by sea-inspired menus throughout the town (though beware of some inflated tourist prices!). There’s also a number of independent shops, as well as a tidal pool at the base of Chapel Cliff.

It was an overcast day as we pulled up the car. The kind of September day where the leaves are beginning to change colour and a crisp salty breeze whistles through Polperro.

From the pricey car park, it was a walk of several hundred metres before the touristic centre of the town began to reveal itself to us. The best way to get to Polperro is with your own four wheels. Check here for car rental comparison prices.

Today, thanks to a population hovering just under six thousand resident, Polperro remains one of the larger villages in this part of Cornwall. Nearby places worth a visit include Fowey, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, and several Henrician sea forts.

If you don’t like large crowds and lots of tourist shops, then it’s worth noting that Polperro is incredibly touristic, especially in the summer months, and you’re better off heading to somewhere like Rame Head if you want to avoid the crowds…

What is Polperro famous for?

Perhaps what makes Polperro just so famous is that it is a quintessential Cornish fishing village that appears as if it’s been frozen in time. The pubs in time are well-known for their locally sourced seafood dishes while the nearby coastal walks are iconic thanks to their beautiful scenic views.

How long do you need in Polperro?

As Polperro is a pretty small fishing village, you won’t really need more than a couple of hours to explore the streets and snap photos from all of the beautiful angles around each corner. However, if you want to walk to the next cove over and enjoy a lunch in the village, then you’ll need a full day to explore.

Best things to do in Polperro

Wander around Polperro Harbour

Dating back to medieval times, The first attestation of Polperro can be found in a Royal Document from 1303. The nearby hamlet of Talland (which is a moderately challenging walk from Polperro or a ten-minute drive) was first mentioned in the Domesday Book and it’s easy to visit both settlements in the space of a day!

In the very middle of town, a still-working harbour takes pride of place as the beating heart of Polperro. Most places of interest in Polperro are focused around its harbour, which is surrounded by pubs, cafes, and bars.

Polperro harbour still functions as a fishing port today, and one of the main fish caught in the area is the pilchard, a small fish that’s part of the herring family.

Learn about Cornwall in the Heritage Museum

Located just above the water’s edge, the heritage museum is dedicated to all things regarding smuggling and local fishing history. Costing just a few pounds (even for adults), things of note within the museum include photographs dating back to the 19th-century and an extensive collection of ship models.

Those familiar with novels such as Poldark and Jamaica Inn (by Daphne du Maurier) will likely already know that once upon a time, this part of the world was rife with smugglers.

The Heritage Museum in the heart of Polperro explores the village’s rich history, including that of the villager’s vicar- who is said to have danced on the clifftops to distract people while nearby smugglers broke the law.

Admire Shell Cottage

During your time in Polperro, you’ll surely want to snap photos of the unusually appointed shell house. Situated a little bit back from the seaside, this abode is covered in all manner of shells.

Most unusual of all, this house features a depiction of the Eddystone Lighthouse. Of all the quirky and traditional architecture to be found around town, one of the greatest treasures of all is that of Shell Cottage, a 19th-century fisherman’s cottage decorated in all manner of seashells.

Located in the ‘Warren’ part of the village, the design took five years to complete and the work was undertaken by a retired sailor, Samuel Puckey, during the 1930s.

Visit Chapel Rock Tidal Pool & Tidal Beach

There’s a natural pool to be found on the outskirts of the village, in the place where the land meets the sea. Surrounded by steep cliff faces and fragrant flowers come springtime, the tidal pool and tidal beach are pretty places to check out while in Polperro.

However, as they are tidal places, caution should always be taken when visiting. I.e. check tide times, always tell someone where and when you’re going, keep a close eye on children and pets, etc.

Coastal walks

Of course, the biggest draw of a visit to a coastal settlement is the sea itself! Lying along the SouthWest Coastal path, the longest national trail in the UK, Polperro itself lies inside a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.

Other highlights of Polperro include a model village (a must-see for those who love teeny tiny things), as well as numerous art galleries and craft stores.

Hike to Talland Bay & Talland

One of the easiest places to reach on foot from Polperro is the nearby beaches of Talland Bay, as well as the several cafés dotted along the coastal path.

Located roughly a mile and a half from Polperro by foot, the village of Talland is characterised by its traditional Cornish architecture, as well as its imposing church which can be seen for miles across Talland Bay.

A couple of miles over, via the South West coastal path, the beautiful turquoise waters of Talland Bay are home to some incredible wildlife. The beach at the heart of the bay is one of the best secret beaches in Cornwall, while a nearby cafe serves hot and cold refreshments throughout the day.

Further down, there are several pebbled beaches where it’s possible to paddle in the water, search for underwater creatures in the countless rock pools, or pick up an ice cream at one of the cafés. If you’re looking for a more filling lunch, then I highly recommend a visit to the Smugglers Rest, a quaint café with breathtaking views of the sea and beyond…

Best eats in Polperro (Quirky Cafés & Ancient Pubs)

When it comes to visiting the quaint fishing town, a sea-inspired menu is always on offer. Many of the ancient pubs and independent eateries have been operating for decades and cater to plenty of tastes…

Blue Peter Pub

The traditional pub of Blue Peter is situated right by the harbour and offers plenty of people, as well as boat, watching opportunities! So, if you’re looking for a tavern with a little history, then head to the Blue Peter Pub for good beer, great stories, and some well-priced food.

The Three Pilchards

Situated in the very heart of the harbour town, The Three Pilchards is named for the fish which were once the main source of industry for the village (today, it’s tourism).

Couch’s Great House

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience while in Polperro, then you need to look no further than the sea-inspired menu of Couch’s Great House. Located at Saxon Bridge, right in the heart of the village, the restaurant has been open to guests since 2004.

Tips for visiting Polperro

Bring some good walking shoes

As the fishing port is a largely pedestrianised zone, only local traffic is allowed. While this makes the lanes perfect for strolling along with your family or pooch in tow, it also means that the only place you can park is some 750 metres away from the village centre.

Car parking is priced pretty steeply and you’ll need cash to pay as cards aren’t accepted (even today) Notes are not accepted but there is a change machine to create coins from your notes on site.

This being said, there’s a shuttle ‘tram’ which can take you from car park to village centre for a nominal fee! When taking a trip there, make sure to wear comfortable shoes- the harbour, coastal walks, and rest of the village are filled with small steps, cobbled stones, and so you won’t want to be wearing heels!

If you want to go on coastal walks nearby, then be sure to bring along your walking boots and camera as there are plenty of beautiful locations to snap photos of along the way. While the weather may seem warm, the sea breeze can blow in rapidly, meaning that you’ll likely want to bring a jacket with you on a spring or autumn’s day.

Bring money to pay for parking

If you are planning to bring your car along, then it’s worth noting that the car park is some 750 metres from the historic fishing village. As well as this, the parking is pretty expensive (£6 for 3 hours and £10 for longer)! For those wishing to eat in town, it’s well worth booking in advance. This is especially true in summer when dining spaces fill up fast.

There’s plenty more of Cornwall to see close to Polperro

Other attractions nearby to Polperro include the Eden Project (though I’m personally not a massive fan of this incredibly commercialised green space), as well as the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The pretty town of Looe is just a few miles from Polperro and a visit there can easily be combined with a trip to Polperro.

When is the best time to visit Polperro?

Due to its incredible popularity, the town is best seen in the shoulder seasons, so as to avoid the crowds which inevitably pour into Polperro come summertime. After all, this Cornish destination is one of the few places in the area which can actually accommodate coach tours.

The weather is warmer, the days are longer, everything is actually open (unlike in the winter) and you won’t have to queue or find yourself being accidentally smacked by an unruly selfie stick! Head to Polperro in April, May, or September to make the most of your visit!

Finally… Get a little lost

Polperro is one of those places which is best explored on foot. Though it may be fairly small in comparison to other Cornish villages and towns, don’t let its size fool you- the village packs a lot into a tight space.

Winding alleyways, off the beaten path antique stores and centuries-old taverns, can all be found around the unlikeliest of corners, if only you let the village reveal itself to you…

Where to stay in Polperro

While Polperro can be briefly visited over the course of a long afternoon, I would personally recommend an overnight stay so as to be able to enjoy the place without the day trippers (not to mention that, weather provided, you’ll be able to enjoy golden hour in the town). Here are some of the top places to stay in Polperro based on reviews and web-recommendations:

The House on the Props

As unusual as its name, the House on the Props is a cosy building in the very heart of Polperro fishing town. Amenities of this Cornwall accommodation include Wi-Fi and a bar/ restaurant on-site. Check prices and availability here.

Claremont Hotel

Those who are in search of a little luxury during their Cornwall holiday may want to consider looking at the Claremont Hotel. Set against the backdrop of a 17th-century former fisherman’s cottage, facilities include Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, and some rooms featuring period details. Check prices and availability here.

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