Teglio's Looe
Teglios / Looe & beyond

Days out

Seaside discoveries, gardens, family adventures and something for a rainy day.

Journey times are approximate estimates from Teglios. Local means East or West Looe. Traffic, pace and route choice affect travel times.

Local Looe

Looe Island

Boat departure · East Looe quay · 2–5 min walk to the quay

Looe Island

Nature · Boat trip · No pet dogs

A boat trip to a peaceful island nature reserve, with coastal views and wildlife watching.

Good to know

Access is by authorised boat only. Sailings and landings depend on the season, tide and weather; book with the operator and confirm the departure point. Pet dogs are not allowed on the island. Ask about boarding, children’s requirements and mobility before booking. The map pin marks the quay area, not a road route to the island.

Looe Valley Line

Looe railway station · 12–15 min walk to the station

Looe Valley Line

Scenic journey · Car-free · Dogs welcome

A relaxed railway outing beside the estuary and through wooded countryside to Liskeard.

Good to know

Check the current timetable for both legs before travelling; services vary by day and season. Up to two dogs per person can travel on leads under the rail guidance. Families can make this a simple return journey or explore Liskeard between trains. The station has no large indoor waiting area, so dress for the weather.

Further afield

Polperro Model Village

Polperro · 15–20 min drive + village walk

Polperro Model Village

Families · Village outing · Dog policy: ask

A miniature version of the fishing village, easily paired with a harbour wander and lunch in Polperro.

Good to know

Use the main village car park and allow time to walk downhill through the village. Check seasonal opening and current admission details before travelling. Ask the attraction directly about pet dogs and access requirements. The outdoor model village is best in fair weather; harbour lanes are charming but uneven.

Eden Project

Bodelva · near St Austell · 45–55 min drive

Eden Project

Families · Indoor & outdoor · Dogs: outdoor areas

Explore the Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes, gardens and spaces designed for curious minds.

Good to know

Allow half a day or longer, and book through Eden for current tickets and opening times. Dogs on leads are welcome in the outdoor gardens, Biome Kitchen and Core building/café, but not in the Biomes or children’s play areas. There is outdoor walking between buildings, even on a rainy-day visit.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Near Mevagissey · 55–70 min drive

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Gardens · Families · Dogs welcome

Atmospheric gardens, woodland and a Jungle valley: plenty of space for a full Cornish day out.

Good to know

Allow half a day or a full day. Dogs are welcome in the gardens all year on leads, and in Heligan Kitchen and the Steward’s House. Some paths are steep or uneven; check the access map when visiting with a pushchair or wheelchair. This is mainly an outdoor outing, so bring layers and suitable shoes.

Lanhydrock

Near Bodmin · 35–45 min drive

Lanhydrock

House & gardens · Families · Dogs: designated areas

A grand house, gardens and extensive parkland, with plenty to enjoy at your own pace.

Good to know

Check house opening dates separately from the estate and garden. Dogs are welcome in the countryside, cafés listed by the Trust and gardens except the Herbaceous Circle. Follow the current dog map for restricted areas and livestock. Families can combine garden exploring with estate walks; consult the access guide for slopes and longer distances.

Adrenalin Quarry

Menheniot · near Liskeard · 20–25 min drive

Adrenalin Quarry

Adventure · Outdoor · Dogs on leads

An energetic day out with activities including the zip, giant swing, karting and aquapark.

Good to know

Book your chosen activity and check its age, height, weight and swimming requirements before paying. This is an open-air attraction, including on wet days. Well-behaved dogs on leads can accompany spectators, with some busy-period restrictions. Entry and parking are free; activities are charged separately. Payments are card only.

National Marine Aquarium

Plymouth · waterfront · 45–60 min drive

National Marine Aquarium

Rainy-day choice · Families · No pet dogs

An indoor underwater adventure, easily combined with a wander around Plymouth’s waterfront.

Good to know

Allow around 2–3 hours for the aquarium, plus travel. Check current tickets and book ahead for busy dates. Pet dogs are not admitted; assistance-animal visitors should read the aquarium’s policy before booking. Exhibits are reached by ramps or lifts. Check current facilities rather than relying on older listings.

Nursery gardens

Cott Road, Lostwithiel · 30–40 min drive

Duchy of Cornwall Nursery

Gardens · Shopping · Dogs: selected areas

Browse plants and gifts, explore the gardens and enjoy a relaxed lunch with views towards Restormel Castle.

Good to know

Allow a couple of hours, or combine your visit with Lostwithiel. Dogs on leads are welcome in the nursery, glasshouse, Café and Woodland Terrace, but not in the Orangery, main shop or play garden. The Café is walk-in; book the Orangery for a more leisurely meal or afternoon tea. Check current opening times, menus and the access guide before visiting.

Shopping in Truro

Cornwall’s cathedral city · 65–80 min drive

Truro city day trip

Shopping · Cathedral · City outing

Spend a day browsing independent shops, exploring the cathedral quarter and enjoying a long lunch.

Good to know

A suggested day: start with coffee, explore Truro Cathedral and the streets around Lemon Street, Boscawen Street and Pydar Street, then browse the markets and shops. Check current market dates and cathedral visitor hours. Use a public car park or check the current Park & Ride service; do not assume a particular service runs every day. Dogs can join an outdoor town wander, but check each shop, restaurant and attraction before entering.

Falmouth marina

Harbour town & beaches · 80–100 min drive

Falmouth day trip

Harbour · Shopping · Beaches · Families

A full day by the sea, combining harbour views, independent shops and a beach stop.

Good to know

Browse the town and waterfront, stop for lunch, then head to Gyllyngvase Beach or choose a boat trip if conditions allow. Allow a full day because of the drive. Sailing times and seasons vary, so book with the operator and check boarding and dog policies. Gyllyngvase has a pet-dog restriction from 15 May to 30 September, 10am–6pm; other beaches have their own rules. The town includes hills, and not all waterfront routes are level.

Fowey estuary

Estuary town · 45–60 min drive via Lostwithiel

Fowey day trip

Harbour · Shopping · Food & drink

A lovely day of independent shops, waterfront views and lunch beside the estuary.

Good to know

Browse Fore Street and the galleries, enjoy lunch, then wander towards Readymoney Cove or take a river trip. Ferries and cruises depend on timetables, season and weather. The driving estimate uses the road route via Lostwithiel rather than relying on a car ferry. Park in a signed public car park and expect hills between some parking areas and the town. Dogs can join an outdoor town walk; check individual venues, boats and beach restrictions. See the Teglios Eating & Drinking guide for our Fowey suggestions, including Narla, Buffala, Pintxo and Sam’s.

Polperro harbour

Fishing village west of Looe · 15–20 min drive + 15–20 min walk to the harbour

Polperro village day trip

Harbour · Galleries · Families

A close-to-home day out among fishing cottages, little galleries, traditional pubs and a picturesque harbour.

Good to know

Park in the main car park at the entrance to the village and walk down; avoid driving through the narrow harbour lanes. Allow extra time for the uphill return. Browse the shops and galleries, stop for lunch and enjoy the harbour views. You can add the Model Village already listed in this guide, or a short coast-path walk. Check attraction opening dates and dog access individually. Dogs on leads can join a village wander; keep children and dogs close around the harbour edge.

Explore the map

Select a place below to display its location. The island pin marks the boat departure area. Pins are not guaranteed entrances.

Photos: linked venue and visitor websites, Visit Cornwall, National Trust, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, Visit Truro, Falmouth Town and Duchy of Cornwall Nursery. Some show the surrounding scenery.