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Down The Cove
Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

Gorran Haven

Tucked just south of Mevagissey and sheltered by its old stone quay, Gorran Haven is a gentle, sandy cove that has stayed quietly itself. With the great headland of Dodman Point rising beyond, it is a calm spot for swimming, paddling and watching the boats come and go.

The sheltered sandy cove and old stone harbour quay at Gorran Haven, with the headland of Dodman Point rising beyond.
A calm Down The Cove places guide for slower coastal days, family visits and local detail.

Harbour guide

Plan your visit

A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.

Gorran Haven has the kind of harbour character we love: practical, weathered, and full of small details that reward a slower look.

Best forWorking-coast character with boats, tide, local history and plenty to notice at a slower pace.

Harbour strolls, seafood, families, boat watching and coastal photos.

Getting thereParking, arrival and the practical first steps.

Arrive early in peak season where possible, and leave time for parking, slopes and narrow streets.

What to look forA calmer way to plan with children or visitors.

A good family read before a visit: talk about boats, tides, old buildings and how harbour life works.

Before you goThe small checks that make the day easier.

Check tides, parking and opening times if you are visiting for food, boat trips or a family wander.

The full guide

Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.

The beach at Gorran Haven is lovely and sandy and ideal for families as it is sheltered by the harbour wall. Gorran Haven is situated to the west side of Mevagissey

Sea Fishing in this area

The whole of this area is well known for big bass catches. Also various flat fish and dogfish are caught here.

The headlands access is difficult in places and not really for the novice fisherman. For more experienced fisherman with climbing abilities, the headlands provide good fishing.

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Common questions

Where is Gorran Haven?
Gorran Haven sits on the south coast of Cornwall, roughly two miles south of Mevagissey, in the St Austell Bay area within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
What is Gorran Haven known for?
It is known for its small sandy beach and historic fishing harbour, sheltered by an old stone quay and overlooked by the headland of Dodman Point.
What is there to do in Gorran Haven?
Visitors come to swim and paddle in the sheltered cove, explore the harbour and quay, walk the South West Coast Path towards Dodman Point, and relax on the sand.
Is Gorran Haven a good beach for families?
Yes. The cove is sandy and partly sheltered by the harbour wall, which is why it has long been a favourite with families looking for calmer water.
What sort of fishing is there around Gorran Haven?
The wider stretch of coast is well known for bass, with flatfish and dogfish also caught. The headlands offer rewarding fishing but the access can be steep and is better suited to experienced anglers.