Gull Lodge

Gull Lodge Overview

First Impressions

Honestly, Gull Lodge caught me off guard in the best possible way. You know how sometimes you book a place in a small Cornish village and wonder if you’ve made the right choice? Well, this four-star spot in Port Isaac immediately puts those worries to rest. The moment you pull up — and yes, there’s actually free parking right on site, which is practically gold dust in these coastal villages — you get this sense that someone really cares about this place.

Location & Village Charm

Port Isaac isn’t just another pretty coastal town, though it certainly is that. If you’ve watched Doc Martin, you’ll recognize the narrow streets and harbor views instantly — they filmed the series right here. What I love about Gull Lodge’s position is that you’re close enough to wander down to the harbor for fish and chips, but far enough up the hill to escape the day-tripper crowds. The walk to the village center takes maybe five minutes, and trust me, you’ll want to make that stroll several times during your stay.

The Accommodation

My room had this lovely mix of traditional Cornish character and modern comfort that actually works — no easy feat in these old buildings. The views vary depending on which room you get, but even the ones facing inland have their charm. What really impressed me was the attention to detail: proper blackout curtains (essential after those long summer evenings), decent water pressure in the shower, and windows that actually open properly to let in that sea breeze.

Dining & Local Flavors

The breakfast situation here is solid — nothing fancy, but they use local suppliers and you can tell. I mean, when you’re this close to some of Cornwall’s best farms and fishermen, why wouldn’t you? The restaurant focuses on regional ingredients, and while the menu isn’t huge, everything I tried was well-executed. Actually, I’d recommend booking dinner at least one night — the seafood dishes showcase what this part of Cornwall does best, and the portions are generous without being overwhelming.

Why Guests Love It

There’s something about Gull Lodge that just feels right for couples — maybe it’s the intimate scale, or the way the staff remember your name after the first day. The recent guest ratings speak for themselves, particularly that 8.4 score for location, which honestly undersells how perfect this spot is. You’re positioned to explore the South West Coast Path, pop over to Tintagel Castle for the day, or simply sit in the village pub and watch the fishing boats come in. It’s the kind of place where you find yourself extending your stay if you can — I actually tried to add an extra night but they were fully booked, which tells you something about how people feel once they’re here.

Facilities