By Alan Thompson

Aghast at the downward spiral of the pound against the Euro, I decided to become part of that half of the country choosing to holiday at home this year. So, instead of packing up the family at some unfeasibly early hour to take advantage of cheap flights to the Costas, the Algarve or Tuscany – three recent destinations – I packed up the car and we headed south.

And what a good choice it was. A leisurely cruise down the M5 at a reasonable hour of the day ,and by early afternoon we'd reached the delightful fishing harbour resort of Looe, in Cornwall.

It's not hard to see why it's become such a firm favourite with holiday-makers: a warm climate, a sandy, gently-sloping beach, rocky ponds, the sun setting over the bustling harbour, the fishing trips, the coastal path and, of course, the crabbing for the kids on the quay side.

I opted for a deep sea fishing trip with my two sons on a bright, sunny Sunday the day after we arrived.

There was still the chill of an April wind in our faces as we bobbed up and down 10 miles offshore, but it took some beating for a day's enjoyment as we returned laden with pollack, the poor man's cod.

A coastal path to Polperro around the headland offers stunning views and is a great way to walk off the sumptuous feast of a breakfast served at the B&B we stayed at.

Looe has always been a traditional British seaside town.

The seafaring side is much to the fore, with sailing festivals from traditional Cornish gig-racing to redwings – small dinghies designed to be race-sailed in Looe harbour.

Championships for luggers – shallow draught boats once favoured by pirates – and power-boat racing are also on the calendar.

It also boasts top-quality Michelin-rated restaurants; some fine art galleries and exclusive individually-owned shops.

They're about to introduce the 'I Love Looe Loyalty Card' to give people up to 10 per cent discount from participating guest houses, bars, restaurants and shops.

We stayed at the impressive Anchor Lights, an Edwardian villa re-opened at the beginning of this year and now a four-star AA B&B, stylish yet friendly, the decor by Sarah Winter, the designer behind Raymond Blanc's award-winning restaurants.

All its rooms overlook the busy harbour and there's nothing like being woken by the sound of seagulls to make you feel like you're truly on holiday.

Info:

Petrol for 600-mile trip £80; day's fishing trip £45 a head; family meal in pub/restaurant, about £60; accommodation £70-£95 a night B&B,(this is from June to September), for two adults sharing.

www.anchorlights.co.uk