The Old Guild Hall near Polperro is the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol, located on Fore Street in East Looe—not in Polperro. The museum occupies a 15th-century listed building with medieval features and displays on local history, from fishing and smuggling to the Looe Valley Railway Line.
- Location: Fore Street, East Looe, Cornwall, PL13 1BW
- Typical opening season: Open Sunday to Friday; closed Saturday
- Admission: £3 for adults and free for children
Where is the Old Guild Hall near Polperro?
The Old Guild Hall is in East Looe, at Fore Street, East Looe, Cornwall, PL13 1BW. The map result for “Old Guild Hall” can be confusing: it refers to this museum, rather than a historic building in Polperro.
Its historic name reflects its earlier civic role. Visit Looe says the Old Guildhall was built in 1450 and served as the Magistrates’ Court and Town Hall from 1587 until 1878. Today, the building is home to Looe Museum.
How do you get from Polperro to the Old Guild Hall?
From rooms at the House on the Props, the museum is about 3.2 miles away, with an estimated 17-minute drive; walking takes about 98 minutes.
The walk takes considerably longer than the drive, so allow time for it if you’re travelling on foot.
What should you check before visiting?
According to Welcome to Looe & Polperro, the museum’s opening season runs from Easter to the end of October, and last admission is at 3:40pm. It may occasionally close when volunteer staff are ill, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday and Wednesday to Friday: 11:00–16:00
- Tuesday and Sunday: 11:00–13:30
- Saturday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Admission is £3 for adults and free for children. A ramp provides access to the downstairs area, and a television-screen tour covers the upstairs. Dogs are welcome on a lead. For enquiries, call 01503 263709.
What can you see inside the historic building?
The building retains medieval features, including ancient cells and the original raised magistrates’ bench with the Royal Coat of Arms. These details connect the museum’s rooms to its former use as a court and town hall.
Displays cover fishing and boat building, smuggling, Looe Island, the Looe Valley Railway Line, tourism, World War II and courtroom regalia. For another historic stop in the area, Duloe Stone Circle has a different focus: a prehistoric stone circle near Polperro.
FAQs
Is the Old Guild Hall in Polperro?
No. The Old Guild Hall map result refers to the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol in East Looe, on Fore Street. For the village’s harbour, lanes and centre, the guide to Polperro covers the historic sights in Polperro itself.
When is the museum usually open?
Open Sunday to Friday; closed Saturday. Its season runs from Easter to the end of October, and last admission is at 3:40pm. Occasional closures may occur.
Is the Old Guildhall Museum accessible?
A ramp provides access to the downstairs area, and a television-screen tour covers the upstairs.