If you're planning a trip to Cornwall this summer, it's likely you'll be including a visit to a picturesque harbour town during your time there. While many visitors to the county often choose to visit famous towns such as St Ives, Padstow and Port Isaac, if you love the characterful feel of Port Isaac, but want somewhere with a little bit more of a chilled out vibe, we've got another town to put your radar - Polperro.
Located on the south-east coast of Cornwall, in-between Looe and Fowey, this car-free village is like stepping back in time to a more traditional Cornwall, which is steeped in rich maritime history, perfect for a day trip or a cosy weekend away by the sea.
For such a small harbour town it packs a punch when it comes to its eclectic history. It was heavily involved in the smuggling trade back in the late 1700s and there are stories of hidden tunnels underneath the village. Polperro has also been the site of many films, with Alfred Hitchcock filming his last silent film The Manxman there. Other movies including Another Time, Another Place, and The Giant Behemoth were also filmed on location in the town.
Here's exactly how we'd spend a day or two in Polperro.
What to do in Polperro
Brave a cold dip
On the outskirts of Polperro is Chapel Pool, a free tidal pool built in the 1940s that is perfect for a quick swim and is one of the few recommended for families with small children. Make sure to check the tide times before you go as the best time to visit is a couple of hours either side of low tide.
Wander the old streets
While not the biggest town in Cornwall by a long stretch there's plenty of cute independent stores to keep your interest as you wander and pop into, including a number of antique stores and art galleries.
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Take a walk on the coastal path
Polperro is perfectly located on the South West Coastal Path to go on a number of scenic walks. If you fancy an easier stroll do the Polperro to Talland Bay walk which is 2.5 miles or if you want more of a challenge do the Polperro to Looe walk which is 5.5 miles or the Polperro to Lansallos walk which is just over 7 miles.
Visit the Polperro Harbour Heritage Museum
Looking to learn more about the intriguing maritime history of the village? Head to the museum and get absorbed into fascinating insights about a time gone by and photographs dating back to the 1860s.
Go on a boat trip
As a harbour town you of course can't really go to Polperro without stepping aboard a ship! There's a variety of boat trips available including quick half an hour explorations of the coastline, fishing trips and private tours too.
Where to eat and drink in Polperro
The Blue Peter Inn
This pub dates back to the 18th century and is beloved in the harbour town, basically you can't go to Polperro and not visit this pub. Make sure to have their famous fish and chips, or the signature crab linguine.
The Three Pilchards
The other pub popular with visitors in Polperro is The Three Pilchards, which if you take the two sets of staircases up outside you'll be treated to unrivalled views over Polperro, perfect for an afternoon pint as you soak up the sunshine.
Turntable Pizzeria
A slice of pizza by the sea is an easy way to keep us happy. Head to Turntable Pizza for some of the best pizza you'll have in the southwest, and make sure to try their specials which are frequently changing!
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
