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There are more than 60 lighthouses dotted along the coastline of the UK, and whilst many still function as warnings to ships to stay away from rocky shores, some of the best lighthouses in the UK (especially those that have been wither decommissioned or automated) have since been regenerated as self-catering accommodation, and those with additional keeper’s cottages have been turned into bed and breakfasts.
If, like me, you love an unusual and quirky place to stay whilst on you travels, then you should definitely consider somewhere with fantastic sea views, remote locations and unique features to help make your stay more memorable.
Lighthouses in the UK You Can Actually Stay In
St Anthony’s Lighthouse – St Mawes, Cornwall
Sally Port Cottage is a single dwelling, reached via a 300-metre steep tarmac path leading down to the rocks from the headland above, where the car park is situated. The accommodation is totally private with no public access. There is an observation room, which has a large picture window and is furnished with table and chairs, and an electric wood-effect stove so that you can be snug whilst watching the worst of any storms.
Winterton Lighthouse – Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk
The lighthouse tower has been converted to house the sleeping accommodation, whilst the main living space has been created in the Garden Room at ground level. The lighthouse tower’s cantilevered staircase leads to a room on each of the floors, with a new steel and glass lantern at the summit. The dramatic Lantern Room at the top of the tower, accessed via a near-vertical staircase, has a wrap-around seating area with panoramic views of the Norfolk countryside, the sandy beach and the North Sea beyond. From here, space-saving stairs lead up to a sleeping platform (with a double bed), which also has 360-degree views.
Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel – Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel is a unique Hotel and Restaurant, it has the charm and romance of an 1815 functioning lighthouse. A peaceful, relaxed and friendly atmosphere awaits you. From the 20 acres of Hotel ground there are fine views of the Kintyre Peninsula, Arran, the Firth of Clyde, Ailsa Craig and the North Channel over to Ireland. On a clear night the beams of several Scottish and Irish lighthouses can be seen along with spectacular sunsets. There are several golf courses and numerous walks within the area. Botanical Gardens, Museums, Seaside Villages all of which make an interesting day whether you want to be active or just relax.
West Usk Lighthouse – Newport, Wales
St John’s Point Lighthouse – County Down, Northern Ireland
The distinctive yellow and black painted lighthouse is situated on the eastern end of Dundrum Bay in County Down, not to be confused with Saint John’s Point lighthouse in County Donegal, the unusually-coloured County Down lighthouse is one of the finest in Ulster. Saint John’s Point has been in operation since 1844 and the light sits 36.5 metres above high water line although it doesn’t feel too large with the expanse of Dundrum Bay, the Irish Sea and the characterful Mourne Mountains in the distance.
Start Point Lighthouse – Hallsands, Devon
With two holiday cottages perched on the cliff edge and available at the Start Point Lighthouse. A location that offers a simply breath-taking panorama of sea views to the south and west and across Start Bay to the east. Guests can use the path to enjoy breath-taking clifftop walks in both directions. For sandy beaches, East Portlemouth, Slapton and Blackpool Sands are within a 20-minute drive of the lighthouse.
Bull Point Lighthouse – Mortehoe, Devon
Four refurbished former lighthouse keepers’ cottages are situated at the lighthouse which lies just outside of Mortehoe in North Devon. The nearby village of Mortehoe is a very pretty village with good pubs and restaurants, fish and chips, stores and a delicatessen. Nearby places to visit include Woolacombe with its Blue Flag sandy beach which is only a 10-minute drive from Bull Point.
Have you ever stayed in a lighthouse?
Let me know in the comments.
