Looe

Looe, town (parish), Cornwall unitary authority, southwestern England. It is divided into East and West Looe by the River Looe, which combines at Looe from its east and west branches to form a harbour just inland from the English Channel. East Looe beach is sandy, whereas the Hannafore (West Looe) beach, on the other side of the river, is largely rocky.

Remains of a Celtic chapel and Benedictine priory have been found. A charter of incorporation was granted in 1587. West Looe (also known as Porpighan) was incorporated in 1325 and again in 1374. The harbour is now used mainly for pleasure craft, and shark angling has become a major tourist attraction. Fish processing also takes place there. Pop. (2001) 5,280; (2011) 5,112.