Lighthouse Accommodation in the UK
- Lizard Point Lighthouse, Cornwall
- Start Point Lighthouse, Devon
- Corsewall Lighthouse, Dumfries and Galloway
- Trevose Head Lighthouse, Cornwall
- West Point Lynas Lighthouse, Anglesey
- Whitby Lighthouse, Yorkshire
- Portland Bill Lighthouse, Dorset
- St Anthony's Lighthouse, Cornwall
- Anvil Point Lighthouse, Dorset
- North Foreland Lighthouse, Kent
- Belle Tout Lighthouse, Beachy Head
- Cromer Lighthouse, Norfolk
- Pendeen Lighthouse, Cornwall
- John's Point Lighthouse, County Down
- Bull Point Lighthouse, North Devon
- West Usk Lighthouse, Newport
- St Catherine's Lighthouse, Ventnor, Isle of Wight
- Nash Point Lighthouse, Glamorgan
- Lundy Old Light, Devon
- East Bank (Sir Peter Scott) Lighthouse
Coastal stays don't get much more dramatic or romantic than spending a night in a lighthouse. Unrivaled sea views go without saying, as does a memorable stay at one of these quirky properties.
Situated on windswept headlands lighthouses are always going to have a wild and secluded feel. That said the majority on our list are within easy walking distance of great sandy beaches and rarely far from a shop or pub.
Here's our curated list of some of the lighthouse accommodation on offer around the UK's coast.
Lizard Point Lighthouse, Cornwall
Set on the most southerly point on the British mainland is the Lizard Point Lighthouse. The current lighthouse has protected shipping from the treacherous cliffs and reefs of this rugged peninsula since 1752, which makes it one of the oldest working lighthouses in the UK.
Consisting of two towers either side of a terrace of six keepers' cottages, the Lizard Lighthouse has been automated since 1998.
These cottages offer comfortable, dog-friendly accommodation with spectacular scenery on the doorstep. The cliff tops here are awash with rare and beautiful flora and fauna, and the stunning Kynance Cove is only a couple of miles along the coast.
Start Point Lighthouse, Devon
Perched in a dramatic position overlooking Start Bay the lighthouse guards the south-eastern tip of Devon's South Hams. The operational light dates back to the 1860s but has been automated since 1993.
Still owned by Trinity House, Start Point Lighthouse is home to two spacious keeper's cottages. What makes this location so great is that it is both remote and wild but also within a stone's throw of some of the finest scenery in the South Hams.
In addition the lighthouse provides a great base for exploring the nearby beaches of East Portlemouth, Slapton and Blackpool Sands, which are all within a 20-minute drive.
Corsewall Lighthouse, Dumfries and Galloway
The 112 ft tall tower of Corsewall Lighthouse has stood guard over the Irish Sea for 200 years. Its position on the northern tip of the Rhinns of Galloway is both dramatic and beautiful with views over to Northern Ireland, just 20 miles away.
Corsewall was automated in 1994 and is now remotely monitored from the Northern Lighthouse Board's offices in Edinburgh. The old Lightkeeper's accommodation has become the Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel which offers a number of well-appointed rooms all with stunning views.
Trevose Head Lighthouse, Cornwall
Just over 4 miles west of Padstow and 8 miles up the coast from Newquay, Trevose Head would appear to be in the very heart of Cornish holiday country. In fact this little stretch of the coast is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the tourist hordes.
Trevose Head Lighthouse has occupied this dramatic cliff top since 1847. Positioned 75 ft above the sea the light is another 90 ft from the ground. The light can be seen for over 20 miles and is still in operation. Anyone staying here may be glad to know the fog horn has been decommissioned!
There are two cottages at the base of the tower which are available to rent. Dogs are welcome and the sandy beaches of Harlyn and Constantine are within easy walking distance making this equally appealing for family stays or romantic getaways.
West Point Lynas Lighthouse, Anglesey
Sitting on a rugged headland on the northern tip of Anglesey is Point Lynas Lighthouse. The distinctive castellated structure was built in 1835 to aid ships making their way to Liverpool.
At only a little over 30 ft tall the lighthouse makes up for its height with an abundance of quirkiness. Whilst you might imagine the lantern would be set atop the tower, it is in fact set at the base. The upstairs functioned as a look out and telegraph room.
The old keeper's cottage now provides holiday accommodation for up to 6 people (and a dog). Although the location is secluded and private it is also only a couple of miles from the bustling harbour town of Amlwch.
Whitby Lighthouse, Yorkshire
The North Yorkshire coast is known for its high cliffs punctuated by sandy bays and harbour towns. Chief among these is the town of Whitby with its rich maritime history. This is where Captain James Cook set out to discover Australia aboard the HMS Endeavour.
The importance of Whitby as a port is reflected in it having not one, but three lighthouses. Two of those sit on the pier ends, guarding the harbour entrance while the third is set high on the cliffs to the southeast of the town.
Whitby High Lighthouse, as it is known, dates back to 1858 and consists of an octagonal tower flanked by a pair of keeper's cottages. It was built to warn shipping of the dangerous Whitby Rock. Now automated, the light is controlled remotely from Trinity House HQ in Essex.
With no more lighthouse keepers, the two cottages are now available as holiday lets. Boasting spectacular sea views, easy access to Saltwick Bay and a 15 minute walk into Whitby, these cottages are a fantastic place to stay.
Portland Bill Lighthouse, Dorset
Portland Bill is well known for its iconic 135 ft tall red and white-striped lighthouse. This is not it! This is the Old Higher Lighthouse which is located a stone's throw from the newer, better known tower.
Unlike nearly all the other lighthouses on this list the Old Higher Lighthouse is no longer in service. Decommissioned in 1905 the site was purchased by Dr Marie Stopes who is best known as a pioneer of birth control. Used as a summer house esteemed visitors included George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells and Thomas Hardy.
Today the two Grade II listed cottages are available to rent and offer not just spectacular views westwards from the low craggy cliffs, but a heated swimming pool and jacuzzi.
St Anthony's Lighthouse, Cornwall
Set at the southerly extreme of the bucolic, rolling countryside which makes up the Roseland Peninsula is St Anthony's Head Lighthouse. Despite its remote location it may look surprisingly to some older readers. That's because it featured as the "Fraggle Rock Lighthouse" in the popular 80s children's TV series.
The lighthouse was built here to aid shipping entering the massive natural harbour of Falmouth. In particular the light was set up to warn ships of the treacherous Manacles reef just east of the Lizard.
In the early days the keeper and his family lived in the actual lighthouse tower with an additional lantern set up in what was the living room. A cottage linked to the tower was home to an assistant keeper.
Now that the light is automated the cottage is available to rent. Sally Port cottage provides comfortable accommodation for a family of four plus dog. It also offers stunning views to Falmouth and the Lizard from the observation room, with its large picture window.
Anvil Point Lighthouse, Dorset
Set on an idyllic section of Dorset's Jurassic Coast is this 19th century lighthouse. The location is important as it provides a daymark for the last headland before entering the Solent and Poole Harbour.
Since the light was automated in 1991 the two keeper's cottages have been available as holiday lets. Beautifully presented, the two offer accommodation for 5 and 6 people, with the smaller being dog friendly.
The location is perfect for exploring with Durlston Castle and Dancing Ledge just along the coast and Swanage, with its fantastic beach, about 15 minutes walk away.
North Foreland Lighthouse, Kent
North Foreland is a sheer chalk headland just north of Broadstairs. Marking the eastern extremity of the "Isle" of Thanet this would seem a natural place for a lighthouse to guide ships in and out of the Thames Estuary. As such there has been a beacon here since the late 16th century.
The current octagonal tower dates back to 1636, although it has been modified many times since. North Foreland was the last manned Trinity House lighthouse in the UK, finally being automated in 1998. The light is still operational though.
With the lighthouse keepers gone the two attractive cottages are available as holiday rentals. Featuring high ceilings, spacious rooms and lots of outside space these are ideal for family stays.The lighthouse is also located right in the middle of some of Kent's best beaches.
Belle Tout Lighthouse, Beachy Head
Photo: Len Williams
Perched atop the world famous white cliff at Beachy Head this lighthouse appears positively diminutive. In fact it is over 40 ft tall, but the 250 ft+ cliff somewhat dwarfs it.
The granite lighthouse dates back to 1832 and has an interesting history. Only built after years of petitioning and numerous shipwrecks, the lighthouse was not as successful as was hoped. The first issue was it was positioned above the low sea fogs that wafted off the Channel. Another problem was the high cliff obscured the light from ships which sailed too close to the rocks.
The second problem resolved itself with the cliff eroding rapidly bringing the lighthouse closer to the edge. However, Trinity House ended up building the famous red and white Beachy Head Lighthouse at the foot of the cliff and decommissioning Belle Toute in 1902.
As the cliff erosion continued the lighthouse was in danger of falling in to the sea. So in 1999 the 850-ton lighthouse was moved 60 ft back from the cliff edge in a feat of engineering.
Since 2010 Belle Tout Lighthouse has been run as a bed & breakfast with the lantern room now decked out as an observation lounge with stunning views.
The lighthouse is within easy walking distance of Birling Gap beach and a swift hike from Eastbourne.
Cromer Lighthouse, Norfolk
Originally built half a mile from the cliffs behind Cromer beach, the lighthouse is now somewhat closer. This gives us a clue as to what happened to the earlier lighthouse.
There have been several lighthouses on this section of the East Anglia coast as it has always been an important shipping route. At one time the light at Cromer was the brightest on the British coastline.
Today the lighthouse sits rather incongruously between a golf course and country club. The light is still in operation but has been automated since the 1990s. The formers keeper's accommodation is now a fairly substantial holiday let and the ground floor of the lighthouse itself is home to a small apartment with a circular bedroom.
With great views, easy access to the beach and a golf course on the doorstep there are no shortage of takers for this quirky pad.
Pendeen Lighthouse, Cornwall
Pendeen Watch, as it is also known, is one of the most westerly lighthouses on the mainland UK. Located just a few miles from Land's End the light here has warned shipping away from this treacherous stretch coast since 1900.
The lantern is attached to a terrace of four cottages. Originally these housed the three lighthouse keepers and their families, as well as providing an office. Whilst the last keeper left in 1995 the light is still fully functional with Trinity House updating it as recently as 2024.
With everything automated the keepers' cottages are now available as holiday cottages. This is a fairly dramatic spot whatever the weather and the landscape here is dotted with the remains of the once great mining industry. The location also benefits from being next door to one of Cornwall's secret beaches.
John's Point Lighthouse, County Down
Set on the Lecale Peninsula on Northern Ireland's east coast is the tallest lighthouse on the island of Ireland. Standing at over 130 feet tall and with black and yellow stripes, St John's Point Lighthouse is easily recognised.
The tower actually started out life white and somewhat shorter, back in 1844. In 1902 the three black bands were added, and then in 1954 the white bands became yellow. It was built here to alert passing ships to the treacherous, rocky coastline and also aid entry to the nearby harbour at Killough.
The lighthouse was automated in 1981 and the former keepers' cottages have been operated as tourist accommodation by the Irish Landmark Trust since 2015.
Bull Point Lighthouse, North Devon
Bull Point Lighthouse is located just the other side of Morte Point from North Devon's most popular beach - Woolacombe. However, the backdrop here is not one of expansive golden sands but dramatic, rugged cliffs.
It isn't hard to see why a lighthouse was built here. Sitting at the mouth of the Bristol Channel the coast here can be somewhat treacherous. The headland of Morte Point literally translates to "Death Point" because of the number of shipwrecks - five in one winter!
The lighthouse itself is one of Trinity House's newest, with the most recent carnation being built in 1972. The light was automated only a couple of years later freeing up the keeper's cottages. These can now be rented and make a both convenient and secluded loaction for a North Devon holiday.
West Usk Lighthouse, Newport
As lighthouses go, West Usk is something of a short, stout fellow. The light is positioned overlooking the confluence of the Severn and Usk estuaries and dates back over 200 years.
Standing a little over 50 ft tall the two storey, cylindrical base is surprisingly spacious. Perhaps the quirkiest feature is the wedge-shaped rooms, or possibly the internal wishing well.
Previously the lighthouse was operated as a bed & breakfast, however the main building is now hired out for weddings and events. The accommodation now consists of the cabin which sits next to the tower looking out over the water. Equipped with a four poster bed, waterfront terrace and hot tub this is both a unique and comfortable place to stay.
St Catherine's Lighthouse, Ventnor, Isle of Wight
St Catherine's Lighthouse occupies an important position on the most southerly point of the Isle of Wight. Given the significance of this location to shipping in the English Channel it is little surprise this is one of the oldest lighthouse sites anywhere in Britain. In fact the original 14th century tower (St Catherine's Oratory) still stands on a nearby hillside.
The current structure dates back to the 1830s and was an impressive 130 ft tall when built. Since then the octagonal tower has been shortened somewhat but has had a second smaller adjoining tower added.
At the turn of the 20th century the lantern was electrified. It is said that at the time it was the most powerful electric light in the world, which reflects the lighthouse's importance.
Since the lighthouse was automated in the late 1990s the three keeper's cottages have become self-catering accommodation. The cottages are located within walking distance of the village of Niton, with its real ale pub, and some of the island's most secluded beaches. The popular resort town of Ventnor is just 10 minutes drive away.
Nash Point Lighthouse, Glamorgan
This stretch of the Glamorgan coast is known for its fascinating geology. The tall cliffs here are formed of clearly visible layers which represent separate geological eras. The oldest layers at the base are around 300 million years old and rich in fossils.
This part of the Glamorgan also has something of a reputation for shipwrecks. Over the centuries it is said that hundreds of ships came to grief on the Nash Sands. That was until 1832 when the lighthouse (or lighthouses) was built here. Sadly this wasn't soon enough to save the steamer 'Frolic' which went down here in 1831 with the loss of all 78 on board.
The light at Nash Point was one of the last to be automated in Wales. With the lighthouse keepers having left in 1998 the cottages are available as dog-friendly holiday accommodation. About a mile from Llantwit Major, the lighthouse is wonderfully remote, although it is still less than 20 minute's drive from Porthcawl or Barry.
Lundy Old Light, Devon
Photo: Lesbard
Sitting at the mouth of the Bristol Channel, between North Devon and South Wales, is the isle of Lundy. There isn't a great deal on the three mile long craggy island except for, not one, but three lighthouses.
The oldest of this trio is the aptly named "Old Light" which sits on the high ground overlooking the exposed west coast. In fact the lighthouse was the highest above sea level in Britain, which became something of an issue. The light often became obscured by fog, and despite the addition of a fog signal battery the lighthouse was abandoned in 1897.
Today the substantial granite keeper's quarters are available as a holiday let. Commanding spectacular views over the island and sea, there are two apartments and the tiny converted keeper's store.
With access to the island only by ferry or helicopter from North Devon this is the perfect escape for those seeking a secluded, dramatic location.
East Bank (Sir Peter Scott) Lighthouse
This lighthouse at the mouth of the River Dene has a very different feel to the others on our list. Rather than looking out from rugged cliffs the East Bank Lighthouse is set among the peaceful, flat fenland of rural Lincolnshire.
East Bank lighthouse is one of a matching pair on either side of the river where it enters The Wash. The lights were intended to be a navigational aid to ships entering the River Nene, which is navigable for 88 miles inland. It is said that the lights were never lit, although I can't confirm that.
The East Bank Lighthouse is more commonly known as the Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse. Named after the well-known naturalist and artist, Scott lived here during the 1930s when he also set up an attached nature reserve.
After many years of neglect the lighthouse was converted into holiday accommodation. Unlike most of the other properties on this list you actually get to stay in the lighthouse itself. Comprising three floors of accommodation with the lantern room on top this makes a unique and quirky stay for up to 8 people.