The pleasant little village of Gulval is near Penzance overlooking Mounts Bay. The parish was originally called Lanisley. The present name, which has been used for many centuries, is probably derived from St Gulval, about whom nothing is known but was believed to be a female. There is a legend of a St Gulval's Well where one could seek news of absent friends by gazing into the water.

The parish of Gulval is situated in the deanery and Hundred of Penwith. The surrounding area abounds in archaeological remains which show evidence of habitation since earliest times.

Gulval is now virtually a suburb of Penzance.