Old Sardine Factory Heritage Centre
Discover Looe's maritime past and savor the best crab sandwiches in town at this charming heritage centre and cafe on West Looe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Old Sardine Factory Heritage Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Looe's maritime past and savor the best crab sandwiches in town at this charming heritage centre and cafe on West Looe.
"The best crab sandwiches in Looe! A real gem on the west side of the river."
🚢 Cross the River for Charm
Take a £1 cruise across the Looe river to reach this gem on the West Looe side. :ferry:
🦀 Taste the Famous Crab
Don't leave without trying the highly-rated crab sandwiches and salads. :crab:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Crab Sandwiches
Cafe
Taste the 'best crab sandwiches in Looe' – a must-try for any visitor seeking authentic local flavors.
Interactive Heritage Exhibits
Heritage Centre
Engaging displays on Looe's fishing history, with interactive fun for kids like 'Splat the Seagull'.
Riverside Cafe Ambiance
Cafe
Enjoy delicious food and a great music playlist in a bright, modern cafe with lovely harbour views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Charm
Savor the Seafood Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Cross the River for Charm
Take a £1 cruise across the Looe river to reach this gem on the West Looe side. :ferry:
🦀 Taste the Famous Crab
Don't leave without trying the highly-rated crab sandwiches and salads. :crab:
💰 Free Entry, Donations Welcome
Experience the history and cafe without an entry fee, but consider a donation. :moneywithwings:
🎶 Enjoy the Music
The cafe often features an awesome classic music playlist. :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Cross the River for Charm
Take a £1 cruise across the Looe river to reach this gem on the West Looe side. :ferry:
🦀 Taste the Famous Crab
Don't leave without trying the highly-rated crab sandwiches and salads. :crab:
💰 Free Entry, Donations Welcome
Experience the history and cafe without an entry fee, but consider a donation. :moneywithwings:
🎶 Enjoy the Music
The cafe often features an awesome classic music playlist. :musical_note:
📸 Perfect Selfie Spot
The heritage centre offers a bright, modern backdrop for memorable photos. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Old Sardine Factory Heritage Centre, praising its free entry, engaging exhibits, and especially its legendary crab sandwiches. The friendly staff and charming riverside location on West Looe add to the positive experience, making it a highly recommended stop for history buffs and foodies alike.
"Update: July 2025
Popped in for a cheeky crab sandwich. Amazing and very tasty. Retains it's 5* rating ❤️
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What a find! The Looe Heritage Centre is on the west side of the Looe river, opposite the busy and touristy East Looe and is a real gem.
Eileen and Rowenna manage the amazing cafe, which serves "The best crab sandwiches in Looe". I must agree!
The cafe and heritage centre deserve more visitors, so if you're in Looe, walk over to West Looe, or take a £1 cruise 🤣 across the river and visit the lovely heritage centre to experience some proper Cornish hospitality.
Kernow bys vyken, on an oll!"
Giles Polglase
"Absolutely worthwhile popping along to visit this place. Free entry but donations welcome. Very interesting for both adults and children, with interactive activities for the latter along their enjoying the video of Splat the Seagull! Good balance of historical information about Looe along with the fishing industry. Bright and modern, with a good spot for a selfie. The heritage centre forms part of the Old Sardine Factory and there is a cafe on the ground floor and restaurant on the first, both of which are worth visiting too."
Elizabeth Baker
"Definitely visit this lovely heritage center and cafes! The ladies running the cafe are so sweet, have an awesome music playlist, and make a really delicious fresh crab cocktail salad! The Heritage Center itself is really neat and innovative! Well-presented history of Looe!"
Krisha Mae Mae Asinas Cabrera
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The centre is located on the West Looe side of the river. Many visitors recommend taking a short, inexpensive £1 ferry cruise across the river from East Looe for a scenic and convenient arrival.
Parking can be challenging in Looe. It's often easier to park in East Looe and take the ferry, or look for parking in West Looe if available.
Yes, if you are in East Looe, you can walk across the bridge to West Looe and then head to the heritage centre. The ferry is a quicker and more direct option from the harbour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the heritage centre is free, though donations are gratefully accepted to help maintain the exhibits and facilities.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their local listings or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While not always necessary, especially during off-peak times, it's a good idea to call ahead if you have a larger group or are visiting during peak season to ensure a table.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The centre offers a fascinating look at Looe's fishing industry history with interactive elements for children, including a video about 'Splat the Seagull'. It's a good balance of historical information and engaging activities.
Absolutely! The heritage centre has interactive activities designed for children, making it an engaging visit for families.
Visitors describe the atmosphere as bright, modern, and welcoming, with a relaxed vibe. The cafe is known for its friendly staff and great music playlists.
Yes, the heritage centre is described as a good spot for selfies, and the riverside location offers pleasant views for photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe is famous for its incredibly tasty crab sandwiches, crab cocktail salads, and prawn sandwiches, all made with fresh, local seafood.
While seafood is the specialty, the cafe may offer other light bites or sandwiches. It's best to inquire directly about non-seafood options.
Reviews consistently praise the food, especially the crab sandwiches, as amazing, very tasty, and delicious.
Yes, there is a cafe on the ground floor and a restaurant on the first floor, both of which are recommended for visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
After exploring the heritage centre, the cafe offers delicious and kid-friendly options, though the famous crab sandwiches might be more for adventurous eaters. Consider a short ferry ride across the river as part of the adventure – kids usually love boat trips!
💰 Budget Travelers
For a very affordable and delicious meal, opt for the famous crab sandwiches which are reasonably priced for the quality and taste. Taking the £1 ferry across the river is also a cheap and cheerful way to arrive, adding to the experience without breaking the bank.
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of Looe's Maritime Heritage
Visitors often highlight the 'Splat the Seagull' video as a particularly fun and memorable part of the experience for younger guests. The centre provides a good overview of the town's heritage, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in local history and culture. It’s a refreshing change from more traditional, static displays, offering a more dynamic and hands-on approach to learning.
Beyond the exhibits, the centre is intrinsically linked to its popular cafe and restaurant. This integration means you can easily combine a dose of history with some of the freshest local seafood, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable visit. The location on the quieter West Looe side also adds to its charm, offering a more peaceful experience compared to the bustling East Looe.
The Culinary Star: Looe's Famous Crab
Beyond the iconic sandwiches, the menu also features other delightful seafood options, such as crab cocktail salads and prawn sandwiches. The ladies running the cafe are frequently praised for their hospitality, adding to the overall positive dining experience. Visitors often mention the great music playlists that accompany the meals, creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere.
While the seafood is the main draw, the cafe's location on the harbour provides a pleasant setting for enjoying your meal, whether you choose to sit inside or outside. It’s a place where you can truly savor the local flavors and experience genuine Cornish hospitality, making it a culinary highlight for many visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit