Polperro Heritage Coast A Campervan Road Trip Guide
Read Time: About 16 minutes
Polperro. Smoobs
Join us on part 8 of our campervan road trip through Cornwall. The next stop on our road trip itinerary is the stunning village of Polperro, a quiet fishing resort set a few miles from the equally lovely town of Looe.
Polperro inspires artists, entices adventurers and fuels nature lovers. It’s no secret that the south coast of Cornwall is peppered with beautiful villages; however, Polperro stands out with an iconic harbour, weatherbeaten cottages clinging to lush cliffs, and greenery flourishing at every turn. Campers and caravanners will be hard-pressed to find a charming traditional village like this. The whole Heritage Coast takes its name after the quiet little village, which stands as a testament to the beauty around it.
Experience the stunning Polperro Heritage Coast scenery with convenient campervan hire Cornwall services that let you explore at your own pace. When you hire a campervan all of Cornwall awaits. This is part eight on our Cornish itinerary and this guide is a campervan road trip taking in the picture perfect village of Polperro, sandwiched between the cliffs on the South Cornwall Heritage Coast. Packed with ancient fishermen’s cottages, it is a beautiful setting that makes visitors feel like they have been transported back in time. The narrow streets are devoid of cars and boast unspoiled architecture, a charming harbour and an enchanting coastline, and a relaxing atmosphere that belies the settlement’s criminal past.
- Can You Drive Into Polperro?
- Why is Polperro Famous?
- Polperro Heritage Coast Road Trip Itinerary
- Can You Swim in Polperro?
- Camping in and around Polperro Heritage Coast
- Campsites Near Polperro Heritage Coast
- Campervan Hire Towns in Polperro Heritage Coast
- Our Campervan Road Trip to Polperro Has Ended
Can You Drive Into Polperro?
The drive from our last stop, Roseland Heritage Coast, to the Polperro Heritage Coast takes around an hour to complete and covers 39.2 miles via the A30. This village has some of the narrowest streets in the UK, so driving a car, let alone a campervan, is not possible. There is a pay and display car park nearby, a quick 10-minute stroll from the harbour. Park up the camper and take a wander. There is a tram service as well taking visitors to the town and back for a small fee.
Fursdon Farm Camping is where you want to be if you’re in the mood for some stellar rural scenery mixed with coastal capers, shimmering lakes, rich history and exceptional camping conditions.
Why is Polperro Famous?
Polperro Cornwall. Barnyz
Polperro and the Polperro Heritage Coast is famed for its scenic beauty, with dramatic cliffs, crystal clear waters, and sweeping ocean views that inspire painters and photographers. The South West Coast Path runs through the area, providing walkers access to miles of stunning coastal scenery. The town also has an intriguing history of smuggling, and the local museum offers insights into the region’s past. Many visitors base themselves at nearby campsites in Cornwall to fully immerse themselves in this breathtaking coastal environment. The peaceful atmosphere and charming town, with its jumble of tightly packed fishermen’s cottages perched on a steep ravine, also create a beautiful ambience that instantly melts away the worries of the modern world. We’ll explore the lovely things to do in Polperro below.
Polperro Heritage Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Polperro has been a fishing settlement since 1303 and was once a flourishing smuggling haven during the 12th century. It reached its height in the 18th century when Britain was at war with France. The wars led to inflated import taxes, and smugglers used the hidden coves and secret tunnels around the town to transport goods and evade heavy taxation. The coast guard introduced harsh penalties for smuggling which considerably reduced illicit trade, and today, guests can follow the South West Coast Path, which was the route officers used to patrol or catch smugglers. The only way to reach the town is by car. From the A38, take the B3271 towards Looe, which turns into the A387 to Polperro. Park your camper or car at the Polperro Public Car Park opposite the beautiful Crumplehorn Inn, and take a scenic walk down the harbour, which will take around 10 minutes to complete. A lot of the streets are pedestrianised, so parking in the car park is best for visiting the town. It gets backed in the summer months, so try to visit between March and May and the end of September to November.
Travelers using campervan hire Plymouth will find the journey to this historic village particularly rewarding, with excellent road connections making it an easy addition to any Cornish adventure. Even though the village is small there is plenty to see and do. With its flourishing maritime Polperro has been a fishing settlement since 1303 and was once a flourishing smuggling haven during the 12th century. It reached its height in the 18th century when Britain was at war with France. The wars led to inflated import taxes, and smugglers used hidden coves and secret tunnels around the town to transport goods and evade heavy taxation. The Coast Guard introduced harsh penalties for smuggling, which considerably reduced illicit trade, and today, guests can follow the South West Coast Path, which was the route officers used to patrol or catch smugglers. The only way to reach the town is by car. From the A38, take the B3271 towards Looe, which turns into the A387 to Polperro. Park your camper or car at the Polperro Public Car Park opposite the Crumplehorn Inn and take a scenic walk down the harbour, which will take around 10 minutes to complete. Many streets are pedestrianised, so parking in the car park is best for visiting the town. It gets quite busy in the summer, so try to visit between March and May and the end of September and November.
Even though the village is small, there is plenty to see and do. With its flourishing maritime heritage and picturesque scenery, the town has pubs, restaurants, museums, and art galleries. Explore the streets with its narrow alleyways, typical Cornish homes that seem to defy gravity in certain spots, hugging the steep edges of the valley. Polperro's river, the Pol, twists and turns its way between them, making its way to the ocean, and some of the bridges date back to Roman and Saxon times. The bewitching atmosphere of the town is enhanced by a lack of blaring car horns and traffic, and many visitors love wandering the winding streets. The main street, The Coombe, is where you'll find many of the town's restaurants and eateries. Visit the independent shops and stock up on Cornish produce and treats to enjoy back at your campsite. Sample Cornish pasty, the iconic Cornish dish, alongside your Cornish cream tea. Given its coastal location, the town has abundant fresh seafood, so sit down to fresh catches like mackerel, cod, crabs, and mussels.
Pack your bags, switch off your phone, and rumble into the spectacularly peaceful and scenic Cornish countryside, and set up camp at Siblyback Lake Campsite, a cracking site providing unique family-friendly camping escapes for guests of all ages.
It's time to work off your meal with a brisk walk around Polperro harbour and the Headlands of Polperro. Despite its popularity, the location is quiet and a great space for watching the fishing boats that line the harbour. Stroll past the buildings that reflect the town's rich past, including whitewashed fishermen's cottages and old merchant's houses, with windows filled with flowers and slanted slate roofs. Willy Wilcox's cottage and cave are such historic homes. According to legend, Willy sought refuge in one of the many caves from customs officers. The rising tide trapped the unfortunate soul inside, and he was never seen again. Over the years, there have been many stories of Willy Wilcox's ghost haunting the caves while his historic house overlooks the ocean. Walk past the harbour to access the South West Coast Path, which winds into Looe in one direction and Polruan in the other. Both routes cut past sleepy hamlets and quiet settlements with lovely coves.
Can You Swim in Polperro?
Talland Bay. Alison Day
Polperro Beach is a small yet inviting sandy beach with crystal clear blue waters, sprinklings of rock pools, and tidal pools teeming with marine life during low tide. Nature lovers of all ages can spend hours observing crabs, fish, and assorted marine flora. Chapel Pool, tucked amid the dramatic coastline of Cornwall, is a stunning tidal pool with calm waters and scenic views, ideal for swimmers due to its protection from the strong currents. Soak in 350 panorama of jagged cliffs, the glittering ocean and passing boats as you dip into this secret spot. The pool becomes accessible during low tide and is fully submerged during high tide. There are crabs and other sea creatures, so those who feel squeamish are advised to wear water boots. For more sandy stretches, head over to Talland Bay. Located a short walk away, it offers a tranquil beach with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and rock pooling. The bay is perfect for a peaceful day by the sea and features a quaint beach cafe.
Landlubbers can stay dry by taking a variety of boat trips around Polperro, be it a two-hour fishing trip, a 30-minute pleasure cruise around the harbour, or a one-way trip to Looe with a walk back to town via the scenic South West Coast Path. Visitors can also take a half-day visit to Fowey, allowing them two hours to explore the village. We also recommend popping in at the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing, right next to the harbour, which provides fascinating insights into the village's smuggling past and maritime history. The museum holds exhibits on fishing, local life, and tales of notorious smugglers. It is housed in an old pilchard factory, so you're surrounded by natural history. Artists of all levels can visit art galleries, like the Ebenezer Gallery, an old chapel displaying artists' works in the East Cornwall Society.
If you’re keen to enjoy a peaceful holiday without the nippers getting underfoot, pack your bags and make your way to Hedgerow Huts. This quiet, adults-only site rests in the Looe Valley.
That sums up the top things to see around the Polperro Heritage Coast. Be sure to have some cash when you visit, as the large Polperro car park only takes cash and does not have an app. The last bank in town closed in 2022; however, the post office has a cash machine. Check tide timings before you visit the coves or beaches, and remember to respect the homes and livelihoods of the locals by leaving no trace of your stay.
Camping in and around Polperro Heritage Coast
Talland Bay. Pete Edgeler
For those traveling from further afield, campsites in Plymouth provide an excellent base before heading to the Heritage Coast for your camping adventure. The Polperro Heritage Coast has several fantastic places to set up camp for a night or three. Roll up to a campsite in Pelynt, and spend a wonderfully restful holiday amid the rolling countryside, sheltered by trees and hedges. Kick back in Downderry and you’ll have access to a lovely beach nearby or look forward to laidback camping at Lostwithiel, a historic town with rich mediaeval history. Find out why we recommend finding a place to rest your head while searching for Polperro campsites.
There are plenty of places to explore when you stay at a campsite in Pelynt. The sleepy village rests around 4 miles or a short 10-minute drive from Polperro and is known for its peaceful, rural charm. Pelynt offers visitors historic landmarks like St. Nun's Church, which dates back to the 14th century, and the Trelawne Manor, a former grand estate now part of a holiday park. Explore the Duloe stone circle and potter around the Polperro Model Village or browse the displays at the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol in Looe. Animal lovers can marvel at exotic animals at Porfell Wildlife Park and Sanctuary while nature lovers hop on a boat to Looe Island. The village rests amid beautiful countryside, perfect for leisurely walks, and has several pubs, local shops, and restaurants. With 375 campsites within 30 miles of Pelynt, you’ll find your perfect campsite on Camperbug. For more options check out our campsites in Looe, campsites in Widegates and campsites in Par.
The tranquil seaside village of Downderry is a welcoming seaside village set 7 miles east of Polperro, or a scenic 20-minute drive along the beautiful Cornish coast. The settlement enjoys a peaceful beach with shingles and sand, perfect for active types who enjoy walks and swimming or families who can explore rock pools. The village boasts spectacular sweeping coastal views, especially from the snaking cliff-top paths that link to Seaton. Campsites in Downderry are also near a range of local amenities, including charming cafes and pubs, perfect for stocking up on camping essentials and grub. Nearby, the Whitsand Bay area is enticed by dramatic landscapes, creating a beautiful haven for nature lovers who can explore plenty of coastal walks and wildlife along the rugged shoreline. For more top notch places to rest your head, check out our campsites in Millbrook, campsites in Torpoint, campsites in Saltash and campsites in St Mellion.
Hall Barton Organic Farm Camping is a peaceful, quiet campsite nestled amid the serene and lush settings of the charming village of Pelynt.
Lostwithiel is a historic town in Cornwall, located about 12 miles (20 km) north of Polperro, or an estimated 25-minute drive away. Known for its mediaeval charm, Lostwithiel boasts attractions like Restormel Castle, offering panoramic countryside views, and the Lostwithiel Museum, which explores the town’s rich history. The River Fowey flows through the town, providing scenic riverside walks and plenty of picturesque places to find a campsite in Lostwithiel. Antique shops, galleries, and local markets add to its quaint appeal. Lostwithiel is also home to St. Bartholomew’s Church, a striking example of Gothic architecture. It's a peaceful destination and we recommend checking out more stunning campsites in Bodmin, campsites in Fowey, campsites in Penwithick, campsites in St Austell and campsites in Liskeard. Visit our campsites page for more campsites in UK.
Campsites Near Polperro Heritage Coast
Are you rumbling your way down the traffic-free streets of Polperro, searching for a place to park for the night? We included three spacious, well-equipped, scenic campsites near the scenic resort. Highertown Farm is a National Trust campsite under a mile from a lovely cove. Great Kellow Farm Campsite enjoys sweeping views over the ocean from an elevated location, and Cheesewring Farm Campsite welcomes all guests with a cup of rich Cornish cream tea. Read on and pick your favourite spot.
Great Kellow Farm Campsite in Polperro
Great Kellow Farm Campsite, Polperro
If you’re searching for a campsite to explore southeast Cornwall, Great Kellow Farm Campsite might be just the spot for you. Set on an open green field, the site boasts stunning countryside and ocean views. Come, kick back on this spacious, family-run site on a working farm a mere mile from picturesque Polperro, and wake up to glorious views over the Cornish coastline from your elevated position above the river. Combine coastal adventures with countryside escapes and effortless access to attractions like Looe and Lantic Bay (10 minutes away) and the Eden Project (40 minutes). Pitch a tent or park your campervan or motorhome on an optional electric grass pitch and settle in for a relaxing escape, complete with barbecues under the starry sky and the soundtrack of the waves lapping the shore nearby. Facilities are clean, and guests can easily amble to the nearest village. An on-site shop, courtesy of the site’s farm, sells basics and arguably the best burgers.
Highertown Farm in Looe
Highertown Farm, Looe
Hightail it down to Highertown Farm and settle for a peaceful back-to-nature camping stay near quiet coves, golden sand beaches, and picturesque fishing villages. The site is ideal for campers who enjoy low-key camping and the freedom to kick back without a warden breathing down your back. With spectacular views over the enclosing countryside and coastline, the site is a 10-minute hike down a wooded valley from the quiet beach of Lansallos Cove, and walkers can loop onto the South West Coast Path from here. Head to the east for Polperro Harbour, 2.5 miles away, and take the stone steps down to a natural swimming pool detailed in our itinerary above. The site offers compostable toilets, a car-free camping area, clean amenities, and peace. The night sky is spectacular, and astronomy enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their telescopes.
Trelay Holiday Park in Looe
Trelay Holiday Park, Looe
Trelay Holiday Park is a 5-star awarded holiday park with glorious views of Cornwall’s stunning countryside. Tucked in the rolling hills, this site is a few miles from the coastline and offers campers a blend of swish static holiday lodge rentals ideal for our campers who want a bit of luxury or look forward to upgrading their holiday in Cornwall. All the abodes are spotless, well-equipped and tastefully designed, offering guests a quiet escape and friendly staff who are at hand to help guests and genuinely care about creating a safe and relaxing space. With a range of home comforts, a wealth of Cornish attractions at your doorstep, and a friendly team a call away, you will have a wonderful time at Trelay Holiday Park.
Campervan Hire Towns in Polperro Heritage Coast
Set a few miles from Looe, the Polperro Heritage Coast is an enchanting and wild stretch of coastline boasting inspiring views, charming locals, secret beaches and miles of walking paths. What better way to move from relatively unknown beaches to sheltered by leafy trees than in a Polperro campervan? You'll have the freedom to stop and soak in the scenery when needed, and you can even park up, whip up a meal and enjoy the feel of the sun on your skin as you unwind on the coastline. We suggest looking for campervans near the Polperro Heritage Coast in places like Looe, St Weep, and Widegates. We’ll explore the attractions near these towns below.
Polperro. James Stringer
The pretty coastal town of Looe, approximately 4 miles from Polperro or a 10-15 minute drive, is a beautiful base to start your campervan adventure for a road trip in Cornwall. Hire a campervan in Looe and kick start your coastal capers by enjoying the sandy beach, ideal for sunbathing and swimming; walk around the bustling harbour and sit down with fresh fish and chips for watching fishing boats land their catches. Hop in a boat and travel to Looe Island, a beautiful nature reserve. The narrow streets are filled with shops, cafes and traditional pubs, ideal for refuelling after your adventures. Visit the Old Guildhall Museum in your camper to explore Looe’s rich smuggling and fishing history, similar to Polperro, or take stunning coastal views from Hannafore Point, an excellent spot for walking and wildlife watching. We list 24 campervans and motorhomes within 80 miles of Looe, and offer more campervans for hire in Downderry, campervans for hire in Liskeard, campervans for hire in Fowey, campervans for hire in Lostwithiel, and campervans for hire in Par.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
Snowball is a 2010 VW T5 pop-top campervan with a clean, practical conversion—perfect for couples or solo explorers. With a minimum 2-night hire, it’s your ideal escape vehicle for a weekend getaway or longer road trip.
St Weep (also known as St Veep) is a peaceful village in Cornwall, about 6 miles north of Polperro. Surrounded by scenic countryside, beautiful walks, and gorgeous views of the River Fowey, this stunning settlement is a great place to kick off your road trip in Polperro. Hire a campervan in St Veep and explore key attractions like St Veep Church, with its ancient tower and unique 16th-century bells. Nearby, the Boconnoc Estate boasts expansive grounds for exploration, including gardens and woodlands. Nature lovers can enjoy riverside walks at the Golant to Fowey, a short drive away, and enjoy a peaceful start to a Cornish adventure. Take a look at 22 campervans and motorhomes within 70 miles of St Veep, and more campervans for hire in Penwithick, campervans for hire in Lerryn, campervans for hire in Tywardreath, and campervans for hire in St Austell.
The small village of Widegates, located a 10-15 minute drive inland from Polperro, is a tranquil and rural location with access to the sprawling Cornish countryside and nearby attractions. Use the town as your base for exploring the sandy beaches of Loee, or head out to uncover the Polperro Heritage Coast. If you’re more enthralled with green spaces than azure waters and sandy shores, our Widegates campervans are ideal for heading off on country walks and cycling through lush farmlands and rolling hills. The village is also close to the ancient Duloe Stone Circle and the Tremaine Manor Gardens, a stunning spot for all ages to wander through manicured gardens and admire local wildlife. Browse our selection of 24 campervans and motorhomes within 60 miles of Widegates, or check out nearby campervans for hire in St Mellion, campervans for hire in Callington, campervans for hire in Saltash and campervans for hire in Millbrook.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
Big Blue is a modern classic camper. All of the style of a VW camper with the reliability of a water cooled diesel engine. Back to the 90s.
Our Campervan Road Trip to Polperro Has Ended
And so we end our adventure on the pretty Polperro Heritage Coast, a wonderful space for exploring smuggling tunnels, natural pools, gorgeous beaches, and winding routes for scenic walking and cycling. Our Cornwall campervan road trip has taken us through many fantastic locations, including The Lizard, Penzance, St Ives, Portreath, and St Agnes. Please feel free to adapt our Polperro guide according to your needs, we have included campervan hire options plus campsites to. We’ve got more places to explore on our An Itinerary for the Best Cornish Road Trip in a Campervan, so come by for our next blog that takes us through the unmissable Rame Head.
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