Top things to do in Polperro

Welcome to our ultimate guide to things to do in Polperro. This picture-perfect village on the South Cornwall coast is a complete gem. With its iconic harbour, narrow lanes chock full of gift shops and quaint eateries, white-washed cottages with thatched roofs, and nearby clifftops to walk along, Polperro has everything you’d expect to find in a great seaside resort.

In our guide, we will share handy tips and information about the best places to eat and drink, cool local attractions, and the most attractive beaches in and around Polperro.

Planning a trip to Polperro soon? Well, before you go, why not look at our holiday accommodation collection? We have fisherman’s cottages, sea-view houses, and apartments, all perfect for a Polperro holiday to remember. Click on the button below to see our Polperro collection.

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• About Polperro
• Things to see and do in Polperro
• The best beaches in Polperro
• The best places to eat and drink in Polperro

About Polperro

Polperro is located on the South Cornwall coast, west of Looe (4.5 miles) and east of Polruan (6 miles). This stretch of coast is characterised by high cliffs, wooded coves, secret beaches, and winding walking trails; it's very dramatic. Inspiring photographers and artists alike, Polperro is a wonderful place to stay for the creative. 

Polperro’s enchanting maze of old stone cottages is an alluring treat for lovers of Cornwall. The houses seem to defy gravity in places, hugging the steep edges of the valley; Polperro’s river, the Pol, twists its way between them as it makes its way to the sea. Some of the bridges date back to Roman and Saxon times and some of the houses invite comment and photography like the House on the Props and the Old Watch House where the naturalist Dr Jonathan Crouch once lived.

There’s nothing like wandering about the bewitching streets, stopping in at the small shops, or settling down for a relaxing pint at one of the old pubs. The main street is called The Coombe, and this is where you will find many of Polperro’s great restaurants and other eateries too. There are no cars to avoid in the village either because the majority of Polperro is traffic-free. All vehicles are parked at the head of the village, so you can step back in time and walk about unhindered.

Polperro was once a thriving centre for smugglers, where contraband such as brandy and tobacco were traded. The ‘free traders’ of Polperro are all but memory now, the stuff of tales and mystery, with a whole host of records at the village’s Museum of Smuggling. Although the vast shoals of herring are much depleted in the area, Polperro is still home to a small fishing fleet, but these days the main income for locals is drummed up during the busy summer months from visitors who come to admire fair Polperro.

Things to see and do in Polperro

Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing 

Polperro’s excellent museum dedicated to the village’s smuggling history and fishing is well worth a visit if you get time. The museum is only small, yet it packs a lot in, with a vast array of exhibits and displays that depict the village’s role in illegal free trade dating back to the 18^th century. It also has information about the local fishing industry that once centred around a huge pilchard packing factory; the museum is found in the old building. 

Polperro Model Village and the Land of Legend

Polperro’s model village has been a centre attraction for over 60 years and is a joy for children and adults. There is something quite magical about a good model village; Polperro’s is quite special as it depicts a replica in miniature of this exact village. The reproduction is detailed and reflects Polperro life in the 20^th century. 

Close by, you will find a model railway with OO-gauge trains that can be seen moving through the diorama of country life. Take the kids to the diminutive Land of Legend which is on the same site as the model village. Giant automatons depict seven Cornish legends and superstitions for audiences; it’s truly unique and will provoke animated discussions.

Polperro Arts Foundation

For lovers of arts and beauty, visit the Polperro Arts Foundation, a gallery down by the harbourfront. It was established in 2001 by a group of local artists who wanted to keep the creative community alive in this fishing village and is involved in local events, including June’s Polperro Festival, another big draw for visitors to the area.  

Harbour and Headlands Walk 

One of Polperro’s most pleasurable experiences is walking around its traffic-free streets. There is a trail that you can enjoy as well that winds about the village taking in the long inner harbour and the headlands that look down across the village and over the sea. For those who love a rock scramble, there are craggy pathways down to sea level from the cliffs above, and rock pools and coves galore to uncover. 

The path follows a figure-of-eight shape where you can also see a Victorian sea pool, the site of the Holy Well, and Brackenside Woods. The trail can also double as a gentle pub crawl as it snakes past the Three Pilchards and the Blue Peter before it ascends to Chapel Cliff, where it merges with the South West Coast Path. 

The best beaches in and around Polperro

Polperro Beach and Chapel Rock Tidal Pool

Close to the harbour is a small beach for everybody to enjoy a paddle or a swim. Polperro Beach is largely sandy and is found next to the harbour wall. At high tide, much of its span disappears below the waves so check tide times.  

There is a Victorian-era tidal pool at Chapel Rock which is accessed via some steep narrow steps; it is a great place for a safe swim though. If wild swimming is your thing, check out our guide to wild swimming spots in Cornwall here! 

Talland Bay Beach

Just 4 miles from Polperro is Talland Bay Beach where there’s a café and kayak hire. There are two coves at Talland Bay, the most westerly of the two has the facilities, whilst the easterly one is more secluded and peaceful. Both coves are lovely and sandy as well as being relatively sheltered. There are strong currents when the tide recedes so do not use inflatables as you may be swept out to sea. Other than this, the beach is relatively safe for shallow paddling and swimming when the weather is warm. 

Children and beachcombers will love the rock pools that reveal themselves at low tide. They are often full of crabs and small fish. Visitors often come to Talland Bay to fish from the rocks or enjoy a bit of snorkelling. We think that Talland Bay is a great place for a beach day.

Lantic Bay

Lantic Bay is something of a secret beach, lesser known by the hordes of visitors that stay in the area every year. It’s very dramatic in the off-season. It is characterised by its white sands and sheltered aspect which give it a very Mediterranean feel. There are no facilities at the beach and the car park is quite a distance away, so this is a beach for those dedicated to finding somewhere a little quieter, somewhere a little different.

The best places to eat and drink in Polperro

The best pub in Polperro | The Three Pilchards | ££ 

If having a good and hearty meal and a pint or a glass of wine in a traditional Cornish pub is an unmissable holiday feature for you, then we recommend Polperro’s family-friendly Three Pilchards. With its vast choice of local ales, beers, spirits and wines, this pub is a big hit with visitors and locals alike. There is even a rooftop terrace with views across the harbour to enjoy.

The best restaurant in Polperro | Michelle’s Restaurant | ££

A big hit with the Sunday roast crowd, Michelle’s Restaurant is a popular spot for dinner. Sourced from local food providers in Cornwall, like Looe Fish Market, and Kittow’s Butchers, the dishes cover all the English and Cornish bases. Found in the centre of the village, it’s a lovely, friendly and informal place to fill up after a long day of touring around Polperro.

The best chippy in Polperro | Chip Ahoy | £

You cannot go on a staycation without checking out the local fish and chip shop. It’s a long-standing tradition to put the diet on pause, let the wallet have a lie-down and enjoy some crispy battered cod and chips down by Polperro Harbour or back at your holiday cottage. Chip Ahoy on Lansallos Street is the main go-to chippy for everyone in Polperro. It’s open all year around and is very tasty.

Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in Polperro

We have a range of beautiful holiday homes, cottages and lodges all around Polperro. Keep looking through our properties to find yourself the perfect seaside getaway. We have many cottages all across South Cornwall and along the coast for you to choose from.