Our A Family Stay at The Llawnroc Hotel, Gorran Haven – A Hidden Gem in Cornwall
The summer holidays completely snuck up on us last year — partly because we’d just moved house (I now fully understand why people swear they’re never moving again). Between redecorating, unpacking boxes, juggling work, and wrangling the kids, we suddenly realised we hadn’t planned a single thing for summer.
Enter the lovely Jill from Travel Counsellors, who kindly helped us find a last-minute family-friendly hotel. After some back and forth, she recommended The Llawnroc Hotel — a stylish little spot tucked away in the seaside village of Gorran Haven, just down the road from Mevagissey.
Al and I have been holidaying in Cornwall for nearly 20 years and had never heard of Gorran Haven before. That sealed it — we were in.
So we packed up our two children (ages 7 and 9), our black lab, and off we went.
🏡 Note: The Llawnroc is now operating as a luxury guest house for Summer 2025, offering relaxed, self-service stays with no restaurant on site — more details below!
The Room: Spacious, Comfortable, and Sea Views Galore
We booked a family suite with a sea-facing balcony, and we were instantly impressed. The room was huge — plenty of space for us to spread out. There was a comfy double bed for us, two pull-out beds for the kids (they gave them the thumbs-up for cosiness), plus a sofa and TV for relaxing after beachy days.
There was also loads of space for our big dog crate and a family-sized bathroom with a shower over the bath — perfect for rinsing off sandy toes and salty hair.
And the view? Absolutely stunning. We looked out over the hotel’s terrace and down to Gorran Haven beach. Even the kids took a moment each morning to sit on the balcony and soak it all in. That’s saying something!
What to Expect in Summer 2025
While we were lucky enough to enjoy the hotel’s restaurant during our stay, The Llawnroc is now operating as a luxury guest house. That means no in-house dining, but guests are welcome to use the shared lounge, games room (with pool table!), terrace, dining room, and basic kitchenette facilities to prepare snacks or heat meals.
There are also some brilliant local food options just a short walk away — from The Mermaid Café on the beach to a fish and chip shop, pub, and bakery, you won’t go hungry!
Gorran Haven Beach: Family-Friendly & Dog-Friendly Too
We were incredibly lucky with the weather and managed to make the most of Gorran Haven Beach, which is just a short (if slightly hilly) 4-minute walk from the hotel. The beach is a peaceful little cove and dog-friendly all year round (on leads), which made it perfect for our pup too.
The kids had an amazing time rock climbing, splashing in the waves and watching older children bravely jump off the harbour wall.
And yes — The Mermaid Café serves mini bottles of prosecco and ready-made G&Ts. Essential beach parenting fuel, right?
Local Attractions & Things to Do
If you’re staying for a bit longer, the area has plenty to offer. You’ve got:
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🏖️ Lots of beaches and coastal villages to explore
It’s the kind of place that feels off the beaten track but still gives you options.
Our Verdict
We loved our stay at The Llawnroc Hotel. Even with the change to guest house-style accommodation, it’s still comfortable, relaxed, and perfectly located for a peaceful Cornish break. Whether you’re heading away for a couple of nights or looking to explore more of the coast, it’s a brilliant choice — especially for families and dog owners.
