Polperro
Cornwall’s most storied fishing village
Smugglers, fishermen and whitewashed walls
Polperro is one of Cornwall’s most iconic villages — a tight cluster of whitewashed cottages gathered around a working harbour, connected by narrow, largely car-free lanes lined with craft shops, pubs and cafes. The setting is as close to a picture postcard as Cornwall gets, but Polperro is far more than a pretty face. This is a village steeped in history, with a rugged coastline and views that are rarely bettered anywhere on the peninsula.
The harbour has always been at the heart of things — first fishing, then smuggling. Between the late 1700s and early 1800s, Polperro was a well-organised hub for contraband, running alcohol, tobacco and salt from France to avoid the King’s taxes. Willy Wilcox’s cave beyond the harbour wall is said to have stored rum and other goods. Tunnels are rumoured to run through the village itself. The old inns and cottages carry ghost stories as naturally as they carry whitewash. West of the village, hidden in the cliffs, a man-made tidal pool offers a gloriously cool escape in summer — well known to locals, less so to visitors.
Polperro Highlights
The best of what Polperro has to offer
The Harbour
A working harbour ringed by whitewashed cottages — one of the most photographed scenes in Cornwall. Still active with fishing boats, and all the more authentic for it.
Smuggling Heritage
The Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing tells the story of the village’s notorious contraband trade. Willy Wilcox’s cave and rumoured hidden tunnels add to the intrigue.
The Tidal Pool
A man-made tidal pool hidden in the cliffs to the west — a local secret and one of Cornwall’s most rewarding finds on a hot day. Worth seeking out.
Coastal Walks
The South West Coast Path around Polperro is among the most dramatic in Cornwall — clifftop routes to Talland Bay, Lansallos and Looe through some of the county’s finest scenery.
Places in Polperro
Pubs, cafes, galleries and local shops
Walks near Polperro
Clifftop paths, cove routes and coastal circuits
Getting There
Everything you need to plan your visit
🅿️ Parking
Polperro’s lanes are car-free, so you’ll park above the village and walk down. The main car park on the approach road is well signed. It’s a short, pleasant walk into the village from there.
🛫 Getting In
From the car park, horse-drawn or electric buggies run down to the harbour for those who’d rather not walk. The village is compact once you’re in — everything is on foot from there.
🚗 By Road
From the A38 take the A387 south toward Looe, then follow signs for Polperro. From Looe it’s a short drive west along the coast road. Allow extra time in summer when approach roads are busy.