The 7 Best Lighthouses You Can Stay The Night In
If you’ve grown tired of shepherd huts and glamping tents, swap your usual staycation experience with a trip to one of the UK’s finest lighthouse hotels.
Once reserved solely for fisher folk, some lighthouses in the UK have been converted into holiday homes, apartments and hotels. We’ve taken a look at some of the country’s best for soaring sea views, rural locations and catching the sunset come nightfall.
Top Lighthouses In The UK To Spend The Night In
Living in a Lighthouse, Norfolk
The beauty of a lighthouse doesn’t come more modern than this monochrome spot in Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk. This 18th-century lighthouse was first used as a lookout tower during the Second World War but has since been given a 21st-century refurb, decked out with a stainless steel kitchen, a wood-burning stove and cosy, banquette-style seating with views out over the sea.
The space itself sleeps up to eight guests, with three bedrooms available and has been curated with a real, Scandinavian-meets-minimalist feel. It’s also been featured on Channel 4’s ‘Homes by the Sea’.
Book at: www.airbnb.co.uk
Lighthouse Keepers Cottage, Isle of Man
For a truly remote, castaway getaway, it’s got to be this lighthouse keepers cottage nuzzled on the Isle of Man.
Although you won’t be sleeping up by the flashing lights – it’s probably a relief! – the cottage itself can sleep up to ten guests and has been recently refurbished, providing a quaint, modern space to while away your time.
It’s just a short walk from Douglas, the Isle of Man’s capital and largest town, which is perfect for those who love to delve into the local area and get to know the local culture and customs.
Book at: www.airbnb.co.uk
The Lighthouse, Kent
Expect soaring sea views, miles of deserted beach just a moment’s glide away and a ninety-acre bird reserve to ponder around and spot a rare breed when you settle in for a night at The Lighthouse in Kent.
Although it doesn’t house your typical spiral shape, this lighthouse-cum-cottage is perfect for groups up to eight. It’s modernly furnished and you’ll be able to spot the sea from every window of the house.
Book at: www.airbnb.co.uk
Sloop, Killough – Northern Ireland
Fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing below when you settle in for a night at St John’s Point Lighthouse station in Killough, Northern Ireland. Distinguishable thanks to its animated yellow and black bands, the lighthouse can sleep up to four guests and provides the perfect backdrop to any photograph.
It’s rural location is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and it’s home to great walking routes, nearby Strangford Lough, a natural beauty that’s perfect for scoring some great photo ops.
Book at: www.irishlandmark.com
St Catherines Lighthouse, Isle of Wight
A quick ferry ride over to the Isle of Wight and you’ll find St Catherines Lighthouse slotted delicately on the southernmost point of the miniature island.
Just a short ten-minute drive from the coastal resort of Ventnor, the castle-like lighthouse is located just outside the small village of Niton. There are three properties on the site, one being the former lighthouse keepers’ cottage, which sleeps up to four guests, while both Gurnard Cottage and Penda Cottage sleep five guests. It’s a pretty destination that’s perfect for hosting a family reunion. A short stroll through the village you’ll find a traditional ale pub and local shops, perfect for sinking a pint in after stocking up on groceries for the week.
Book at: www.ruralretreats.co.uk
St Anthony’s Lighthouse, Cornwall
With its crystal clear coastline and sandy beaches, you can’t go wrong with a rural holiday to Cornwall away from the big smoke, and the thought of a holiday just got a whole lot better thanks to St Anthony’s Lighthouse, which sleeps up to four guests.
Situated at the furthest point of Roseland Peninsula, the lighthouse is completely remote, with no public access down to the building. Look out over the glistening sea in the observation room, that’s decked out with a huge picture window, perfect for catching the sunset or rise. The lighthouse really does look as if it’s been plucked from a painting.
Book at: www.ruralretreats.co.uk
Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel, Scotland
You’ll feel as though you’re sleeping in the clouds when you book in for Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel in Scotland.
Tucked in the North Rhinns of Galloway, it’s the perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway thanks to its rural location, away from any of the hustle and bustle of the city. Plus it’s home to a really sweet award-winning restaurant too, perfect for elevating date night up a notch.
Even if you don’t want to stay in the lighthouse, the restaurant is open to non-residents too, meaning you can enjoy the sea views while you dine.
Book at: www.lighthousehotel.co.uk
