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Looe Walking Tours - Smugglers and Skullduggery

14 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Cornwall, England
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from $27.49 per person

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Misty and Moody Looe
Smugglers at work
Jolly Sailor of old
Me !
Looe Walking Tours - Smugglers and Skullduggery Image 5

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1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

Tales of smugglers haunts, press gangs & skulduggery along the quaysides….as you join Mark on the tour that explores the exploits of old amongst the medieval drinking houses.

The tour commences outside of the 15th century Old Guildhall, on Higher Market Street in East Looe.

From the seafront, you’ll learn tales of the wreckers who lured boats onto the rocks, shipwrecks around Looe’s coastlines…. to royal navy pressgangs rounding up recruits, it is the Looe you never knew!

From ghostly tales of the white hare of West Looe Hill & hauntings at the Jolly Sailor - to trapped souls in the cells of the Old Guildhall… the tour will discover tales of the Town’s darker days.

During the tour, you hear about Amran & Jochabed, who lived on Looe Island & used it as a stopping point for their contraband… as well as ‘Battling Billy’ and his kegs of illicit liquor hidden inside coffins.

What's Included

  • Your fun and entertaining Guide
  • Snacks You will have opportunity after the tour to explore the many eateries and offerings in the Town
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

East 1AA
Higher Market Street, The Quay, Looe PL13 1BP, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

The Quay
The Quay, Looe PL13 1AL, UK

We end our tour outside St Nicolas Church in West Looe, just near the fire station and Bus Stop.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Looe

Exploring the streets and haunts of East and West Looe, you will discover tales of the characters who lived here, the history of the smuggling trade and the families who controlled the shores. We spend 90 minutes exploring and discovering the hidden gems and hideouts of our beautiful harbour town. Hear tales of Ghosts, Smugglers, and some Skullduggery! Some of the attractions are listed below, but many are hidden away that only we will discover!!
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Old Guildhall Museum & Gaol

Here we set the scene and talk about how smuggling came about and what influenced the people of Looe to start smuggling. We will discover some tales of court cases that took place here at the Guildhall, and of the ghost who resides within!
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

East Looe Beach and Seafront

The magnificent views over the bay, and we will talk about how the bay was used but the smugglers, who the families were and of the shipwrecks that littler the bay. I will show you how the wreckers brought ships ashore to loot their goods and how they hid them until they could be safely brought ashore!
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Banjo Pier

From the end of Banjo Pier, hear how the Hooper family controlled the smuggling operations in the bay, how Silas Finn betrayed his friend, and the story of ‘The Lottery’ famous smuggling ship caught offshore
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Looe Bridge

We will talk about the original Looe Bridge(s) the tales of the Pirate attacks on Looe, and why the current bridge has its 9 arches!
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Quay

We will spend time around the Jolly Sailor, talking of the press gangs, the smugglers, the landlords of the 3 pubs and the grisly tales of Battling Billy and Vine Cottage !
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Parish of Saint Nicholas

St Nicholas Church has a fascinating history and surprising tales of smuggling, some skullduggery and some interesting stories about the jail!
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Looe Walking Tours – Smugglers and Skullduggery?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5598408P3

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Reviews

5.00
14 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
14
4 stars
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3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
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On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Looe Walking Tours – Smugglers and Skullduggery?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Your fun and entertaining Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Snacks. You will have opportunity after the tour to explore the many eateries and offerings in the Town.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 6. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Looe Walking Tours - Smugglers and Skullduggery is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Looe Walking Tours – Smugglers and Skullduggery will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Your fun and entertaining Guide
  • SnacksYou will have opportunity after the tour to explore the many eateries and offerings in the Town

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • The tour is on flat, paved surfaces with a gentle slope over the bridge. We go at a slow pace and make plenty of stops
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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