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All you need to know
A haven of peace and tranquillity where much remains the same as in years gone by, a holiday in Gorran Haven is perfect for everyone to get away from it all, relax and recuperate.
The distinctly Cornish village of Gorran Haven, with ‘breathe in’ narrow lanes, whitewashed cottages, a small fishing harbour and two sandy beaches, offers everything you need for a calm and restful holiday. Nestled into the southern coastline, it is a real hidden gem and makes a great base for exploring the picturesque Roseland Peninsula, which provides some of the best walking in Cornwall.
Pass the time away enjoying views of the sea and fishing boats and wandering around the tiny lanes that wind between the cottages. Pick up some breakfast coffee from Cakebreads cafe or lunch from the takeaway seafood shop to enjoy on the beach or back at your holiday cottage. For such a small area, this tiny harbour town has several beaches to explore: Little Perhaver and Gorran Haven are perfect for family picnicking. Vault beach is a 20-minute cliff-top walk from the village, and consists of a long strip of clean white shingle – often completely empty.
Towering above the sea, the historic headland of Dodman Point offers dramatic, panoramic views. This is the highest headland on Cornwall's beautiful south coast, so expect brilliant scenery and steep climbs. Find refreshment in the charming Coast Path Cafe – a co-operative run by locals housed in an old stone reading room right on the South West Coast Path, serving gorgeous homemade cakes and Cornish cream teas. If the weather is rainy you can sit indoors but the best seats are on the decking, which has glorious views of the sea and green hills. The cafe also doubles as a high-quality craft shop supporting local makers.
If you can tempt the children off the beaches, head to Caerhays, St Mawes and Pendennis Castles, all easy drives away, with plenty to explore. To break into the surrounding countryside, many short drives lead to nearby hotspots, like the biomes of the Eden Project, less than 15 miles away, and subtropical Lost Gardens of Heligan, only five miles away, with its 200 acres of magnificent flora-filled creations.
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