Gorran Haven is a picturesque fishing village situated just south of Mevagissey in St Austell Bay. The village’s main beach is in a small cove surrounded by a cluster of traditional fishermen’s cottages. The harbour has been used since the 13th century when Gorran Haven was known as Portheast, a corruption of Porth-Just meaning the ‘cove of Just’ in Cornish. It was used for bringing in catches of pilchards, crabs, and lobsters until the 1940s when commercial fishing declined. The stone quay built in the 1800s remains which provides shelter.
The pleasant stretch of sand and crystal-clear waters makes it a great choice for holidaymakers who visit to swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, and play beach games. At high tide the beach is completely covered so check tide times before you go, and at low tide a few rock pools and shingle are exposed. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round but must be kept on a lead and please clean up any mess after you.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular and equipment can be hired from Haven Kayaks and Paddle Boards located in the village. There is also a slipway on the beach from which to launch small boats and dinghies, and there are some good snorkelling opportunities from the harbour around Cadycrowse Rocks.
Good fishing can be found with sea bass, dogfish, whiting, plaice, and codling in the area. For experienced anglers, the headlands provide the best fishing spots, and angling trips by boat take place from the harbour.
Off the coast of Gorran Haven are fifteen rocks known as The Gwineas where gannets, cormorants, seals, and dolphins can be spotted. The rocks have been the cause of several shipwrecks including one in 1838 when the Almond, a ship carrying hundreds of casks of French brandy, ran aground. The cargo washed up on Gorran Haven beach where villagers scrambled to retrieve it. An open-water swimming race around the rocks takes place annually with the winner awarded a bottle of brandy to commemorate the event.
The beach is on the South West Coast path with plenty of attractive walks nearby. A 5-mile circular walk will take you to Dodman Point, the highest headland on the south cost of Cornwall. Also known as the Deadman or Deadman’s Point is has the remains of an Iron Age fort and Parson Martin’s Cross, a huge granite cross erected in 1896 to help sailors navigate around the headland. An inscription at its base reads, “In the firm hope of the second coming of our lord Jesus Christ and for the encouragement of those who strive to serve him”.
When you fancy a bite to eat head to The Mermaid Café located right on Gorran Haven beach. It serves traditional Cornish pasties, pastries, sandwiches, Cornish cream teas, cakes, and ice cream, as well as a wide variety of hot and cold drinks, and local beer and cider. There is also The Haven, a fish and chip shop in the village. On the menu you’ll find burgers, pies, fried chicken, as well as freshly cooked fish and chips with all the sides. There are also plenty of shops, cafés, and a pub in the village.
Public toilets are located near the slipway and there is a large car park which is open 24 hours a day. Access to the beach is via the slipways which is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
