Looe Museum
Looe Museum, set inside the town’s 15th‑century former Guildhall, is one of Cornwall’s most characterful small museums, offering a vivid portrait of life in this historic fishing port. The building itself is a highlight: thick stone walls, medieval arches and traces of its past as a courthouse and prison give the museum an atmospheric backdrop that feels rooted in centuries of local history. Inside, visitors discover an eclectic collection that reflects Looe’s maritime identity. Smuggling artefacts—secret compartments, contraband containers and stories of daring coastal runs—reveal the town’s colourful past. Fishing tools, boat models and photographs document the long tradition of pilchard fishing that once sustained the community. One of the most interesting displays is the preserved sergeant’s uniform from the old borough police force, complete with original equipment. The museum also showcases domestic life, from Victorian clothing to household objects donated by local families. A small but engaging natural‑history section includes taxidermy and geological finds from the surrounding coastline. The original prison cells remain intact, offering a rare glimpse into the town’s judicial history.
Looe United Kingdom
Looe Museum is located in East Looe, Cornwall, right on Higher Market Street in the centre of the old town. The museum is housed in the 15th century Old Guildhall and Gaol, a historic building with a small tower and original cells. It opened in 1875 and tells the story of Looe’s fishing, smuggling, and boatbuilding heritage. The collection includes model ships, fishing gear, photographs, and artifacts from local wrecks. You can see displays about smugglers who used Looe’s hidden coves, lifeboat history, and the town’s role in World War II. The tiny cells and magistrates’ court give a sense of justice in earlier times. The museum is run by volunteers and offers a personal view of the town’s past. What to see nearby: The museum sits just a short walk from Looe Harbour and Banjo Pier, where fishing boats land their catch and pleasure boats depart for trips to Looe Island. The town is split into East Looe and West Looe by the River Looe, connected by a seven arched bridge. East Looe has narrow streets with gift shops, galleries, and fish and chip cafes. Looe Beach is a sandy stretch popular with families. The South West Coast Path runs through town, with walks to Talland Bay and Polperro, a pretty fishing village 4 miles away. Monkey Sanctuary near Looe cares for rescued primates. For rail fans, the scenic Looe Valley Line runs from Liskeard to Looe, following the river through wooded countryside.