Gorran Haven Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Gorran Haven Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Gorran Haven packs a lot into a small village. The twin beaches offer safe swimming and rock pooling at low tide. I recommend walking the coastal path to Dodman Point for amazing views across Veryan Bay - on clear days you can see all the way to Plymouth.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan (PL26 6EN, open 10am-6pm summer, 10am-5pm winter) ranks as Cornwall's most popular garden attraction with 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor from over 7,000 reviews. The 200-acre estate includes subtropical gardens, ancient woodlands and a working Victorian farm.

Caerhays Castle (PL26 6LY) opens February-June and houses a National Collection of magnolias in its 140-acre gardens. The beach here is quieter than most in the area. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5 from 500+ reviews.

Mevagissey's working harbour sits just 3 miles away. We love watching the fishing boats unload their catch. The narrow streets contain shops selling local crafts and the harbour museum (4/5 on TripAdvisor) tells the story of this historic smuggling port.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Gorran Haven! The main beach has seasonal restrictions (banned 1 July-31 August), but nearby Vault Beach allows dogs year-round. The coastal path offers miles of walking with your four-legged companion.

The Barley Sheaf pub in Gorran (PL26 6LH) welcomes dogs in the bar area and garden. They even provide water bowls and treats. The Llawnroc Hotel bar also accepts dogs and serves good food.

Many local attractions accommodate pets. The Lost Gardens of Heligan allows dogs on leads throughout most areas. The Pentewan Trail provides a flat 3-mile walk along a former railway line - perfect for older dogs.

Your hot tub cottage might be dog-friendly, but remember to keep pets out of the tub itself! The chemicals can harm their skin and fur can clog filters. Most cottages provide outdoor washing facilities for sandy paws after beach walks.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Gorran Haven

The Chapel Point Coast Watch Station sits on the headland between Gorran Haven and Vault beaches. The walk up takes about 20 minutes from the village. The volunteers who staff it are incredibly knowledgeable about local maritime history and often spot dolphins and basking sharks. They welcome visitors daily between 10am-4pm.

St Just Church (PL26 6HS) dates from the 13th century and contains fascinating medieval wall paintings discovered during renovation work in the 1800s. The churchyard has a 500-year-old Cornish cross. One visitor called it "the most peaceful place in Cornwall" on TripAdvisor.

Gorran Haven Gig Club rows traditional Cornish pilot gigs from the harbour. If you're lucky enough to visit during race season (April-September), you'll see these wooden boats competing. They sometimes offer visitor rowing sessions on Wednesday evenings - ask at the village shop for details. The hot tub will feel especially good after an evening's rowing!

Is Gorran Haven suitable for families with young children?

Absolutely! The main beach has gentle shelving sand and is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards in summer. The village shop sells buckets and spades and there's a small playground near the car park. Most cottages with hot tubs have enclosed gardens, but always check safety features if bringing little ones.

Where's the nearest supermarket to Gorran Haven?

The village has a well-stocked shop for essentials. For bigger shops, Asda and Tesco are in St Austell (9 miles). I recommend ordering an online delivery for your arrival day. The Lobster Hut on the harbour sells fresh fish daily in summer.

Can I get around without a car?

It's challenging. Bus 471 connects to St Austell but runs only a few times daily. Taxis from St Austell station cost around £25 one-way. Having a car lets you explore the area properly and reach your hot tub cottage easily.

What's the best time to visit Gorran Haven?

May and September offer warm weather without crowds. School holidays bring more visitors, but the village never feels overwhelmed. Winter visits mean empty beaches and dramatic storms - perfect for watching from your hot tub!

Are there good restaurants nearby?

The Llawnroc Hotel restaurant serves excellent food using local ingredients. In Mevagissey, Salamander and Sharks Fin are worth the short drive. Book ahead in peak season. Several pubs serve good food including The Barley Sheaf and The Fountain Inn in Mevagissey.

How reliable is mobile reception and internet in Gorran Haven?

Mobile signal varies by network - EE works best. Most hot tub cottages now offer WiFi, but speeds can be slower than you're used to. The village shop and Llawnroc Hotel have public WiFi if needed.

Helpful links:

1. The Lost Gardens of Heligan Official Site
2. South West Coast Path Walking Routes
3. Visit Cornwall's Gorran Haven Guide