THERE'S a village in the UK where cars are banned and holidaymakers feel like they've stepped back in time. The picturesque fishing village is home to a small harbour, cobbled streets, a sandy beach and a tidal pool. Polperro, which is set in south Cornwall, is a maze of white stone cottages and narrow streets.
Cars are banned in Polperro during the summer, with the village remaining largely traffic-free. All vehicles will need to be parked at the top of the village, meaning holidaymakers can walk around unimpeded, with Toad Hall Cottages writing : "Arriving in the unspoilt fishing village of Polperro is like stepping back in time." Visitors who want to make the most of the traffic-free streets should follow the Harbour and Headlands Walk - a walking trail that winds through the village and inner harbour before reaching the headlands.
Before becoming a magnet for British holidaymakers, Polperro was a thriving centre for spirit and tobacco smugglers in the 18 th century. The smuggling died out in the 19 th century when revenue officers started to patrol the coast via the South West Coast path. Holidaymakers can learn more about the history of the village at the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing.
The small museum houses a vast array of exhibitions and displays depicting the history of the village, including the illegal trading that took place. To this day, fishing still plays an important role in the local industry, with 14 boats fishing for seafood. Travel webs.