Whether you're a family searching for fun-filled outings, a couple looking for picture-perfect Cornish scenery, or travelling with a four-legged friend, these villages offer something special without the crowds that gather at the bigger attractions.
Here are the best villages to visit near Looe for unforgettable day trips from Tregoad.
1. Polperro - For Classic Cornwall Charm
Distance from Tregoad: ~15 minutes
Best for: Families, couples, dog walkers
Polperro is one of Cornwall’s most iconic fishing villages, but still feels like a hidden gem when you wander its narrow streets, whitewashed cottages and colourful harbour. Older children will love exploring the tiny shops and spotting boats bobbing in the water, while couples will find endless photo opportunities.
Dogs are welcome throughout the village, and the coastal path between Looe and Polperro is one of the most scenic walks in the region (ideal for anyone staying at Tregoad with a dog).
2. Cawsand & Kingsand - For Beach Days and Village Wandering
Distance from Tregoad: ~40 minutes
Best for: Families with children, couples, beach lovers
These twin coastal villages sit side-by-side on the Rame Peninsula and offer a surprisingly Mediterranean feel. Think pastel cottages, sheltered coves and calm waters perfect for paddling or family swims.
Couples can enjoy slow strolls through the winding streets, while families will love the sandy beaches. Dogs are welcome on nearby stretches year-round, making this a great stop on a dog-friendly holiday.
If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the busier beaches further west, this is a must-visit.
3. Charlestown - For Poldark Vibes and Seafaring History
Distance from Tregoad: ~45 minutes
Best for: History lovers, couples, older children
Famous for its Grade II listed harbour and tall ships, Charlestown feels like stepping onto a film set - because it often is. With maritime museums, great dining spots and incredible views, it’s an excellent day trip for couples and families with older children who enjoy history and coastal scenery.
Dogs are welcome around the harbour and on the adjacent paths, making it a relaxed option for four-legged explorers too.
4. St Mawes - For Romantic Views and Riverside Dining
Distance from Tregoad: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Best for: Couples, leisurely days, food lovers
If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful, elegant and full of sea views, St Mawes is perfect. Its calm harbour, boutique shops and waterfront pubs make it one of South Cornwall’s best spots for a slow-paced day.
Couples will love exploring the castle and strolling the quiet shoreline. St Mawes is also dog-friendly, and many restaurants offer outdoor seating for four-legged guests.
This is the perfect “treat yourself” day trip from Tregoad.
5. Mevagissey - For Harbourside Fun and Family-Friendly Exploring
Distance from Tregoad: ~1 hour
Best for: Families, ice cream lovers, dog-friendly days out
Mevagissey is a lively, characterful fishing village with plenty to entertain children and adults alike including crabbing spots, boat trips, and some of the best ice cream around.
Dogs can enjoy the harbour walks, nearby beaches and cliffside footpaths. Families will love wandering the maze-like streets filled with shops and seafood stalls.
It's a brilliant alternative to more commercial attractions, while still packing in lots to see and do.
6. Lostwithiel - For Antiques, Riverside Walks & Local Food
Distance from Tregoad: ~55 minutes
Best for: Couples, foodies, relaxed days, dog walkers
Often overlooked, Lostwithiel is one of Cornwall’s most charming inland villages. It’s known for antique shops, independent boutiques and riverside paths that make for peaceful dog-friendly walks.
Couples can enjoy coffee stops, local food markets, and a wander to Restormel Castle just outside the village. It’s ideal for a slow, easy day away from the coast.
7. Fowey - For Boutique Shopping and Scenic Ferry Trips
Distance from Tregoad: ~40 minutes
Best for: Couples, families with older kids, dog owners
Fowey offers a perfect mix of independent shops, coastal views and great walking routes. Families can catch the short ferry across to Polruan, explore the castle ruins, or enjoy pastries by the water.
Dogs are welcome on local walking trails, including the popular Readymoney Cove to St Catherine’s Castle loop.
It’s a bustling-but-beautiful day out that still feels authentic.
8. Golant - For Watersports & Riverside Peace
Distance from Tregoad: ~40 minutes
Best for: Active families, dog walkers, adventure lovers
A tiny riverside village on the Fowey Estuary, Golant is perfect for families or couples who love paddleboarding, kayaking or wildlife-watching. The peaceful estuary setting makes it great for dog walks and quiet afternoons by the water.
It’s a “blink and you’ll miss it” kind of place, but those who know it, love it.
Why These Villages Are Perfect for Guests at Tregoad
Staying at Tregoad Holiday Park puts you close to some of the most atmospheric and varied villages in South Cornwall without long drives or crowded hotspots. Whether you want sandy beaches, coastal walks, dog-friendly pubs, history, scenery or peaceful harbours, you’ll find it all within an hour and a half of the park.
These villages offer:
- Family-friendly activities
- Dog-friendly walking routes & eateries
- Romantic coastal scenery for couples
- Independent shops, cafés and harbours
- Authentic Cornish character without the crowds
The best part? You get to return to the comfort of your Tregoad holiday home - complete with sea views, on-park dining at Stargazy Bar & Grill, and miles of countryside right on your doorstep.
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