About this tour
Walk the cobbled streets of Looe with a local guide uncovering the town's shadier past—from wreckers who sabotaged ships to press gangs hunting recruits. This 90-minute tour threads together tales of smugglers, contraband runners, and ghostly residue left behind in 15th-century buildings and seaside haunts. Starting at the Old Guildhall, you'll hear how ordinary townsfolk turned to illicit trade and darker deeds, grounded in real characters and documented history rather than pure folklore.
Highlights
- Press gang recruitment tactics and naval impressment practices
- Wrecking schemes that lured vessels onto rocky coastlines
- Contraband operations on Looe Island with historical figures
- Haunted sites including the Jolly Sailor public house
- Medieval Guildhall and its prisoner cells
- Smugglers' hiding spots and coffin-hidden kegs
- Seafront maritime history across five centuries
What to expect
Expect a measured pace with frequent stops to absorb stories at key locations. The route stays on flat, paved surfaces with one gentle bridge crossing. Your guide weaves documented history with local lore—you're not chasing ghosts so much as understanding how survival economics and wartime recruitment shaped this working port town. Medieval architecture frames each tale. The tour winds between the Old Guildhall, quaysides, and drinking establishments where smugglers once plotted. Bring comfortable shoes and be ready to stand for stretches while listening.
Good to know
Flat terrain throughout, one gentle slope. Not suitable for spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Prams welcome. Service animals allowed. Stops after the tour let you eat locally. Public transport nearby. Tour departs from Higher Market Street, East Looe.
Frequently asked
- How long does Looe Walking Tours - Smugglers and Skullduggery take?
- Looe Walking Tours - Smugglers and Skullduggery runs for approximately 1h 30m.
- How much does Looe Walking Tours - Smugglers and Skullduggery cost?
- Prices start from AUD $39 per person. Final pricing varies by date, group size and any add-ons — confirmed at checkout via Viator.
- Where does Looe Walking Tours - Smugglers and Skullduggery run?
- This tour operates around United Kingdom. Specific meeting points and pickup options are listed by the operator at checkout.
- Who runs Looe Walking Tours - Smugglers and Skullduggery?
- The tour is sold and operated by its supplier through Viator. New Forest National Park earns a small commission on bookings made via the link, which keeps this site free for travellers.
- Is the tour confirmed at the listed price?
- The price shown is the operator's "from" price as of our last sync. Final price, currency conversion, group discounts and cancellation policy are confirmed at checkout — always review before paying.
Tour sold and operated by its supplier via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original New Forest National Park summaries, not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.