Polperro Bucket List | Things to Do

Arriving in the unspoilt fishing village of Polperro is like stepping back in time. Ancient, white-washed cottages perched on steep hillsides overlook a small, picturesque harbour. Traditional fishing boats dot the horizon before returning with tonight’s supper. Mesmerising sea views draw you into the relaxed pace of life, making you forget the rat-race back home. Not so long ago, Polperro, and the hidden coves that line the surrounding coastline, was a smugglers’ haunt. Today, the ever-changing light and stunning seascapes make it a haven for those looking for a peaceful retreat.

Yet there’s more to Polperro than pretty harbour views. A holiday in Polperro can be as active or relaxing as you’d like. If you’re planning a stay in one of our holiday cottages, here’s our Polperro Bucket List, filled with some of our favourite things to do. How many can you tick off the list?

1. Go on a fishing trip to catch your own supper

Pulling into Polperro harbour from the sea is an unforgettable experience, even more so if you’re bringing back a bucket of fish you caught yourself! It’s easy to book a fishing trip or pleasure cruise from the quayside, and it’s certain to feature among your holiday highlights. Set off with an experienced skipper in search of mackerel and, if you’re lucky, you might also spot dolphins, sunfish and giant basking sharks along the way. With (fingers crossed) a bucket filled with fish, head back to your holiday cottage and cook up a storm in the comfort of your own kitchen.

2. Follow the Footpath to Looe

Nothing beats a bracing clifftop walk, whatever the season, and there are several to choose from around Polperro. But one of our favourites is the five mile coast path walk from Polperro to Looe via the stunning beach, Talland Bay, where you’ll follow in the footsteps of smugglers and, legend has it, Jesus himself!

Keep an eye out for the ancient church in Talland Bay where, in the 18th Century, the vicar – a renowned exorcist – was often seen leaping around the graveyard in the dead of night, cracking a whip over the headstones to ward off evil spirits, although it is rumoured that this moonlit performance was actually used as a distraction for the smugglers to bring their contraband ashore without being spotted. Ahead you’ll spot Looe Island (or St George’s Island). Local legend tells that Joseph of Arimathea landed on Looe Island with his great nephew in tow – a teenage Jesus – on their way to Glastonbury to found Christianity in Britain. If your legs feel like lead by the time you reach Looe, you can catch the bus back to Polperro.

3. Take the Plunge in Chapel Cliff’s Tidal Pool

At the foot of Chapel Cliff on the small sandy beach in Polperro you’ll find a small tidal bathing pool – a favourite swimming spot amongst locals. If it’s too cold to swim, bring buckets, nets and keen eyes to spot the intriguing creatures that live here. The precarious walk down the steps carved into the cliff adds to the adventure, although make sure to take care and be mindful of the tides.

4. Relive Polperro’s Smuggling Heyday

Housed in the old pilchard factory right on the edge of the harbour, Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling & Fishing is home to a fascinating collection of photographs and memorabilia depicting this Cornish village’s extraordinary history and many of the people who featured in it. This little museum is well worth a visit, but you can also experience a real sense of Polperro’s past in the many pubs and taverns that line the harbour. Among the best pubs in Polperro is The Blue Peter, a cosy, low-beamed inn which is everything you’d expect from a traditional Cornish pub. A 16th Century building sat right on the quay, you can picture the sea-salty fishermen and smugglers from long ago who would have spent stormy nights here.

5. Discover a Secret Cove

For a day at the beach away from the crowds, pack your rucksacks with a picnic and hit the coast path to find your own secret cove. If you like straying off the beaten track, there are lots of beautiful beaches and hidden coves peppered along the South West Coast Path. Our favourites are Lansallos beach, Parson’s Cove and, if you’re feeling energetic, Lantic Bay, a five mile walk from Polperro. One of Cornwall’s hidden gems, this beautiful beach is definitely worth the hike with fine white sand and crystal clear waters.

6. Indulge in a Cream Tea, the Cornish Way

No trip to Polperro is complete without at least one portion of scones – as long as you remember the correct etiquette here is jam first, then cream! One of our favourite spots to indulge is Bean and Scone, a quaint and cosy tearoom which bakes homemade, delicious, fresh scones on site every day.

7. Get Up to Some Monkey Business

Not what you might expect to find in Cornwall, the Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary in nearby Looe is home to around 40 rescued primates, each with their distinct characters and personalities. Meet the monkeys and learn all about these beautiful creatures. You can also book a ‘Keeper for a Day Experience’, offering a unique insight into the day-to-day life of caring for primates.

If you’re seeking the quintessential Cornish experience, look no further than the historic fishing village of Polperro.