The Monkey Sanctuary

You'll spot the monkeys before you hear them - a proper cacophony of squeaks and chatter that hits you as soon as you walk through the gates. The Monkey Sanctuary near Looe is exactly what it says: a place where rescued primates live in decent conditions rather than circus cages or lab settings. It's small, intimate stuff - nothing like a sprawling zoo with a hundred enclosures.

The sanctuary keeps various species, and you get up close in a way that feels less stressful for the animals than typical tourist attractions. Watching them swing, groom each other, and simply exist as themselves is genuinely absorbing. Kids will be transfixed for a solid hour, though don't expect rides or gift shops to pad things out - this is conservation work first, entertainment second.

Walkers and anyone interested in primate welfare will get the most from a visit. The setting is woodland, so it slots nicely into a broader day exploring the South West Coast Path or pottering around Looe town itself. If you're camped at Tregoad or Looe Caravan and Motorhome Club (both just over a mile away), it's an easy morning or afternoon stop.

Check their website first - hours and admission fees aren't listed here, but they're worth knowing before you drive over. It's not a half-day attraction, more a focused 90-minute experience. Go if you care about how animals are treated; skip it if you want the traditional theme park thrills.