Looe Island | Historic Tales, Smugglers and Ghosts

The side profile of a herring gull surrounded by green leaves - just the bird's head is visible

Herring gull in sea beet by Claire Lewis

Looe Island | Historic Tales, Smugglers and Ghosts

Location:
Looe Island Nature Reserve, Looe Island, Looe, Cornwall, PL13 2AB
Book
Step into the shadows of Looe Island and discover its past through historic tales of island life, smugglers and ghosts

Event details

Meeting point

Looe Harbour - the floating pontoon in East Looe
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Date

Time
3:00pm - 6:15pm
A static map of Looe Island | Historic Tales, Smugglers and Ghosts

About the event

Join Mark from Looe Walking Tours for a fascinating guided walk around Looe Island nature reserve. 

Meet your guide by the floating pontoon in East Looe for your private boat transfer to the island and the start of a memorable small-group experience.   

Discover the rich history, smuggling past, ghostly tales, and hidden stories of Looe Island on this fully guided 3-hour tour. With a maximum group size of just 10 people, this is a unique and intimate way to explore the island and hear its intriguing legends brought to life. After the guided walk there should be time to independently re-visit the trail or simply find a place to sit, relax and enjoy the island nature reserve. 

Timings

The event start time is the time the boat leaves Looe and the end time is the time the boat departs the island. The crossing is approximately 15 mins.  

Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point at least 15 mins before the departure time. 

You will have around 2.5 - 3 hours on the island. 

Know Before You Go

Access to the island involves climbing over the side of the boat onto a narrow portable landing trolley. Please wear sensible footwear. Care is also needed to negotiate the swash of the waves which can cover the trolley. Please note that there is limited assistance to get on/off the boat.

Once landed you will then be led across the sand and shingle beach up a sloping path to the simple visitor centre. Elsewhere some paths are steep, uneven, narrow and slippery, so we recommend wearing appropriate footwear and be aware that there are some steps around the buildings. The distance walked will be around 1.5km. The pace of the walk will be slow with plenty of pauses.

Expect changeable weather and bring/wear suitable clothing for the boat crossing (Evie J is a small open fishing boat) and for walking around the island - much of which can be very exposed to the elements.

Binoculars are really useful to bring.

This event is suitable for are suitable to those over 15 years of age.

Please note: this trip is subject to weather and sea state on the day. Be aware that we may contact you at short notice to cancel your trip and offer you a refund.

Image credit: Claire Lewis

Booking

Price

£55 per person | £100 for two

Additional booking information

The trip is subject to weather conditions on the day. The boat companies will advise if the event runs. You need to contact us 24 hrs before the trip.

Know before you go

Dogs

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No dogs permitted
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Mobility

There are compost toilets available on the island. 

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Wheelchair access

No
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Hearing loop

No
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What to bring

Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sensible walking shoes. 

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Parking information

Foot passengers only on Looe Island. Parking available in pay and display car parks around Looe Town Centre.
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Facilities

Toilets
Shop

Contact us

Julie Rhodes
Contact number: 07976172598