Category Archives: Southeast Cornwall

Polperro

Season: autumn

Although there is a small beach at Polperro next to the outer breakwater, this was really a visit to a fishing village, rather than a beach. Polperro is prepared for visitors in terms of convenient shops and attractions. I particularly recommend a visit to the Polperro Arts Foundation, a not-for-profit outfit that supports local artists, featured in the interview below. This is a charming village by the sea, ideal for a day visit or for a longer stay.

With Barbara at Polperro Arts Foundation.

Season: winter

This is one of Cornwall’s most scenic villages, with an iconic fishing harbour. Although it was a grey day at Polperro for this visit, with rain about and few visitors, some of the seasonal shops were just starting to open and the village still held its winter sleepiness to the fore.

A visiting family from Cheltenham.

Looe beach

Season: spring

I encountered a sharp, clear dawn during this early spring visit to Looe. The tide was high and there was a fine view back to the beach and town from the end of the Banjo Pier, with occasional waves breaking over its surface. As the town started to wake up, the fish processors, wholesalers and retailers were well under way with their working days.

With Mick from the Harbour Commission at Looe.

The scene at dawn, as seen from the end of the Banjo Pier.

Season: winter

The sea was flat calm on this winter visit to Looe on Cornwall’s south east coast. There were many visitors in the town, enjoying the independent shops and the twisting streets. The harbour was a picture at high tide and I was struck by the clarity of the water, with the seabed clearly visible through ten feet of water at the harbour entrance. This town feels go-ahead and energetic, with due deference paid to the fishing community and its roots.

With Ernie, who runs the ferry across the harbour in Looe.

Season: autumn

Looe is a top tourist destination on Cornwall’s south coast, but I found it to be a thriving working harbour too during my early morning visit in December. You can park right in the centre of town and easily walk down through attractive shops and restaurants to the beach on the east side of town. The beach is surprisingly large, looking out to the bay and across to Looe Island. There are convenient facilities immediately to hand, as well as fine walks on the South West Coast Path in both directions. This is a great place to visit for nature, shopping and a proper Cornish atmosphere.

At Nippers shellfish shop in Looe.

Portnadler beach

Season: summer

A high tide covered the beach at Portnadler on this grey morning. For a change I dropped down from the coast path to the other inlet at Portnadler. This is an unspoilt National Trust beach, located between Polperro and Looe on the South West Coast Path.

Out for a morning walk at Portnadler Bay.

One of two inlets above the beach at Portnadler.

Season: autumn

Portnadler is a small beach on the south coast, sitting between Looe and Talland Bay, protected by the National Trust. It is located right below the popular South West Coast Path. The beach feels natural and timeless; on this occasion I was able to sit on some rocks by the waves for my second film.

Portnadler beach, as seen from the South West Coast Path above.

A view from the rocks.

Down by the water at Portnadler beach.