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All you need to know
Fall in love with the relaxed pace of Cornish life when you choose a holiday in Gorran Haven. Set a few miles west of Mevagissey on Cornwall’s south coast, this tiny fishing village is filled with coastal charm. A cluster of old fishermen’s cottages line the sandy beach, and the sheltered harbour is filled with brightly-coloured bobbing fishing dinghies. Little has changed here, with fresh air, spectacular views and peace and quiet the order of the day.
Your holiday in Gorran Haven should start on the beach. Soft sand and sheltered swimming waters make it a great place for families, with lots of facilities close by. You can hire kayaks and stand-up paddle boards here and enjoy ice cream, coffees and crab sandwiches at the beachside cafe.
From the beach, you can follow the South West Coast Path, which rambles for miles in either direction. Head east to the pub in Portmellon and further still to bustling Mevagissey and its many harbourside restaurants, or set off in the other direction to discover several beautiful beaches. First up, you’ll reach the remarkable mile-long stretch of silver sand and shingle at Vault Beach, before carrying on to spectacular Dodman Point. The highest headland on Cornwall’s south coast standing at 400ft, it’s worth the climb for the stunning views and to discover the remains of an Iron Age hill fort. Sheltered by the mighty headland lies the secret sandy beach of Hemmick, a beautiful spot to relax after all that exercise.
After working up an appetite, you’ll find plenty of places in and around Gorran Haven where you can indulge in fresh Cornish produce. The village is home to a handful of cafes, a bakery and general store, as well as a restaurant at the Llawnroc Hotel. Or, head to the fish and chip takeaway then settle down on the beach and tuck in as the sun sets over the sea - sure to be a highlight of your holiday in Gorran Haven. Nearby Mevagissey’s narrow streets are lined with plenty of pubs, seafood restaurants and cafés, plus you can buy (or even better - catch) fresh fish to cook in the comfort of your holiday cottage.
Away from the coast, there’s still plenty to see and do. Visit Caerhays Castle and stroll around the gardens, famous for their award-winning magnolias, and don’t miss the magical Lost Gardens of Heligan, one of Cornwall’s most popular attractions and only five miles away from Gorran Haven.
Unearth one of Cornwall’s truly hidden gems when you book a holiday in Gorran Haven.
Heligan is one of the most mysterious estates in England. Lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1, this Sleeping Beauty was re-awakened in 1990 to become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Today Heligan’s 200 acres are a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic.
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** Discount for Toad Hall Cottage Guests **
Looking for ways to explore the area? Treasure Trails, the award-winning treasure hunts will have you seeing sights, solving clues and having fun. There’s mysteries to solve and treasure to find! *Guests of Toad Hall Cottages can unlock exclusive savings.
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An all-weather attraction where children go free, Charlestown Shipwreck Centre takes you back two hundred years, when the area was a tiny fishing village with no harbour. As trade boomed in nearby St Austell, it became clear that there was need for a proper harbour, and local businessman by the name of Charles Rashleigh set about making plans – hence the name (Charles’ town). Today the Shipwreck and Heritage Centre charts the history of this corner of Cornwall, including the ship wrecks off the nearby coast. There are trails, a visual audio theater, the RNLB Amelia which was last stationed at Scarborough, and a German armoured dress diving suit, which was used in the 1920/30's, amongst other pieces of history. There’s also a Kids’ Corner and plenty to see and do for the whole family.
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Interesting for those prepared to engage with the stories presented. Very informative guidebook with plenty to read. The upstairs restaurant was far from great (we just went in for a coffee which was... unpleasant). We would say to ignore the discount which comes with the museum entry ticket and try one of the nearby cafes instead.
September 2019
An 18 hole cliff top championship golf course with spectacular sea views, Carlyon Bay also offers a a superb six acre practice ground, two excellent putting greens and a nine hole approach course.
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An award-winning adventure play centre, Kidzworld Indoor Play is just outside St Austell, and is predominantly under cover, making it ideal whatever the weather. A veritable feast of bright colours and entertainment, they have slides, a climbing challenge, a mini golf course, SkyTrail, dodgems and Laser Tag all available, and all activities are included in the price. Prices start at £2.50 for adults and £5.50 for children aged three to 12 years, or £4 for children aged two.
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Located right next to the beach serving freshly cooked fish, chips and burgers.
Haven Fish and Chips, Canton, Gorran Haven, Cornwall (T: 01726 843555)
A great fish and chip shop with Gluten Free availability. We didn't use the restaurant but did order our fish and chips on line which saved queueing and waiting. Highly recommended.
September 2023
Excellent
August 2023
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Serving breakfast, lunch and tea, right beside the sea! Hot, cold and alcoholic drinks also served.
The Mermaid Cafe, Church Street, Gorran Haven, Cornwall ( T: 01726 843654)
A lovely cafe right on the beach! The coffee and cakes are great. Get there early to bag a seat!
September 2023
Really good fish and chips.
September 2023
Excellent
August 2023
Boasting the best of raw and fresh ingredients, welcoming all (including those with four legs) to experience true Cornish hospitality.
The Barley Sheaf at Gorran. Gorran Churchtown, Saint Austell PL26 6HN. Telephone: 01726 843330
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Traditional Cornish pub and restaurant, boasting waterside views. Serving Cornish real ales, fresh local produce and seafood. Dogs welcome.
The Rising Sun Inn. 2 Portmellon Park, Portmellon, Mevagissey PL26 6PL. Telephone: 01726 843235
Nice pub Unfortunately wasn’t serving food and closed mid week we were there awaiting new owners .
April 2024
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Located in the village of Gorran Haven. Popular with families as there are handy facilities closeby.
Excellent
August 2023
What a beautiful place and so friendly. We went to the South West Coast Path cafe that was enjoyable and lovely people who served us.
July 2023
Lovely clean safe beach. Ideal for children and water sports
June 2022
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Sandy beach located just around the corner from the busier beach at Gorran Haven. This beach can only really be accessed by boat or kayak and will certainly be a lot quieter than the other nearby beaches because access is so restricted.
Not accessible except by boat!
August 2023
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Portmellon beach is located just over the hill from Mevagissey. Rockpools and sand.
Lovely beach However tide comes right in so need to check tide times if you want to go on the beach
April 2024