Looe Walking Tours - Smugglers and Skullduggery

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.

1. 1

   Looe

   20 min

   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!!

2. 2

   Old Guildhall Museum & Gaol

   10 min

   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!

3. 3

   East Looe Beach and Seafront

   10 min

   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!

4. 4

   Banjo Pier

   10 min

   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

5. 5

   Looe Bridge

   10 min

   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!

6. 6

   Stop 6

   15 min

   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 !

7. 7

   Stop 7

   10 min

   St Nicholas Church has a fascinating history and surprising tales of smuggling, some skullduggery and some interesting stories about the jail!

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.