© 2010 Polperro Festivals and Lights Web site Designed By NJJ
Polperro Festival, Fireworks Displays and
Christmas lights events are all FREE to attend
Christmas lights events are all FREE to attend
Polperro Information
Accessibility, cars and car parking
Polperro is a village squeezed into a twisting valley with steep sides. This makes it very picturesque, but also means some of its roads are little wider than footpaths. Most are physically impossible to get down in a car. Those which are not are prohibited to cars in daytime from end of April to end of September. This is largely academic however because there is no practical prospect of getting your car through Polperro or leaving it anywhere except the main car park at the north (land) end of the village and then walking (or, during the summer taking electric trams to the village centre). If you are in any way mobility-impaired you are likely to find Polperro difficult - the narrow lanes are frequently steep but the road from the main car park to the harbour (about 1/2 mile) is a fairly gentle gradient . For details of local bus services go to our travel information page.
Tides
Polperro is seen at its best at high tide so, if you have a choice, check the tide tables before you go. Of course, if you stay in Polperro you'll see it at all states of the tide - and whether the tide is in or out, or half in or half out, the harbour has immense interest and character. When there are exceptional spring (high) tides look out for your feet as the water can lap the streets around the harbour - and when there is exceptionally heavy rain, the river, which is normally a placid stream, can become a raging torrent. The combination of tides and weather ensure that no two days are ever quite the same in Polperro!
The harbour
Polperro harbour is the central focus of the village. It is a working harbour with an active fishing fleet and provides lots of colour and interest for visitors. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes around the harbour and there can be few nicer places on a pleasant day to sit with a pint of beer watching others work!
Things to do
There is a good selection of shops of interest to visitors in Polperro, selling good quality souvenirs, paintings, pottery, jewellery etc. There are also shops, newsagents, bakeries etc selling more everyday requirements but there are no large supermarkets. There is also no bank - there are ATM's, but not bank-owned.
When you've strolled around the harbour, photographed the picturesque village from every angle, and maybe wandered a little way up and down the coastal path either east or west, you'll have developed a good thirst and appetite. So, it's back to the village to seek out one of Polperro's excellent hostelries or restaurants. Tip - especially in high season (but other times of year it's prudent as well), give the restaurant of your choice a ring before you go and make a reservation.
The Coastal Path
Polperro lies on the South West coastal path and the stretches of path west of Polperro (to Polruan/Fowey) and the east (Talland Bay/Looe) are very pleasant, unspoilt and quite easy walking.
Boat owners
If you want to visit from the sea, by sailing yacht or motor cruiser you will need to check with the maritime authorities - Polperro harbour is very small and difficult to access in bad weather. It is also tidal with a harbour gate/boom so is not accessible at all time s.
Accessibility, cars and car parking
Polperro is a village squeezed into a twisting valley with steep sides. This makes it very picturesque, but also means some of its roads are little wider than footpaths. Most are physically impossible to get down in a car. Those which are not are prohibited to cars in daytime from end of April to end of September. This is largely academic however because there is no practical prospect of getting your car through Polperro or leaving it anywhere except the main car park at the north (land) end of the village and then walking (or, during the summer taking electric trams to the village centre). If you are in any way mobility-
Polperro is seen at its best at high tide so, if you have a choice, check the tide tables before you go. Of course, if you stay in Polperro you'll see it at all states of the tide -
Polperro harbour is the central focus of the village. It is a working harbour with an active fishing fleet and provides lots of colour and interest for visitors. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes around the harbour and there can be few nicer places on a pleasant day to sit with a pint of beer watching others work!
Things to do
There is a good selection of shops of interest to visitors in Polperro, selling good quality souvenirs, paintings, pottery, jewellery etc. There are also shops, newsagents, bakeries etc selling more everyday requirements but there are no large supermarkets. There is also no bank -
Polperro lies on the South West coastal path and the stretches of path west of Polperro (to Polruan/Fowey) and the east (Talland Bay/Looe) are very pleasant, unspoilt and quite easy walking.
Boat owners
If you want to visit from the sea, by sailing yacht or motor cruiser you will need to check with the maritime authorities -
