In the most dangerous corners of the world, lighthouses and their keepers have worked for centuries to keep ships and sailors safe.
As an island nation, it’s no surprise to learn that the British coastline is dotted with lighthouses, with more than 60 maintained by the charity Trinity House.
What is surprising is that many of them are now converted into accommodation, perfect for luxury lighthouse stays.
But first, here are a few of the most famous lighthouses in the UK
The oldest UK lighthouse
Dover Castle, next to St Mary’s Church, was built around 2,000 years ago during the Roman occupation.
It’s a remarkably well-preserved four storey structure, but looks more like a tower than a lighthouse, and it’s easy to pass by without realising its significance.
The oldest complete lighthouse in Britain
Chalk Tower at Flamborough Head in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
It’s possible that the beacon was never actually lit, but having stood for more than 350 years it’s one of the oldest lighthouses in the world.
The most southerly lighthouse on the British mainland
Lizard Point in Cornwall, where a light has stood since 1619.
When a local man, Sir John Killigrew, applied to build one, he was given permission on condition that the light was doused if pirates or smugglers were around.
The most northerly lighthouse in the British Isles
Muckle Flugga, on the Isle of Unst in Scotland.
Designed and built by Thomas and David Stevenson – father and uncle of author Robert Louis Stevenson – it’s thought the writer used Unst as inspiration for Treasure Island.
Most iconic lighthouse in Britain
That’s a bit more contentious.
Eddystone Lighthouse in Plymouth has long been referenced in popular literature, including Moby Dick.
But probably the most recognisable of all UK lighthouses is the one at Beachy Head near Eastbourne, with its red and white stripes set against the chalk cliffs. It’s been featured in dozens of TV shows and films, including a spectacular sequence in the Bond film The Living Daylights.
So have we whetted your appetite for lighthouses?
Here are 9 amazing locations for luxury lighthouse stays.
Because of their original purpose, they are situated in some of the wildest and most beautiful parts of the UK.
North Ronaldsay Lighthouse, Orkney
The ultimate holiday getaway, and one of the most fantastical.
Surrounded by wild and dramatic scenery, the local community is isolated and traditional. Rare breed sheep can be seen browsing on seaweed by the shore, which gives the local mutton a unique flavour.
The restored cottages, which are wheelchair accessible, provide a great base for exploring the island’s unique wildlife and landscape.
Getting to North Ronaldsay
A journey to Orkney involves either a short flight with Loganair or a trip with Orkney Ferries. Services run from May to October. Once on the island, there is a taxi service from the airport.
You can book one of the two Lighthouse Keepers Cottages here
Lundy Island, Devon
Almost as isolated as Ronaldsay, the former lighthouse-keeper’s house on the granite rock sits at the entrance to the Bristol Channel.
Surrounded by reefs and jagged rocks, it has puffins and pipits, dive spots for experienced scuba athletes and a quirky trail of 27 letterboxes made from different materials.
The self-catering accommodation is snug and comfy, essential because the weather can be a bit wild, and the whole island is stunningly beautiful.
Getting to Lundy Island
The MS Oldenburg ferry runs from Ilfracombe and Bideford between March and October, and there’s a year-round helicopter service from Hartland Point, weather permitting.
The Landmark Trust has two self-contained flats in the old keeper’s cottage. You can book them, and other accommodation in Lundy, here.
Belle Tout Lighthouse, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Nearly lost to the waves a few years back, Belle Tout has been renovated and moved away from the cliff’s edge to stop it falling into the sea.
Situated where the chalky South Downs meet the English Channel, Belle Tout was the original lighthouse for these dangerous waters, funded by Mad Jack Fuller who was distressed by the suffering caused to the local community by shipwrecks.
The current building dates back to 1829 and was operational until 1902 when the more photographed red-and-white striped lighthouse was built on the rocks below.
After years of neglect it was restored by the BBC who used it as the location for the TV series the Lives and Loves of a She Devil, and it’s now a luxurious holiday B&B.
Getting to Belle Tout.
Eastbourne is the nearest town, easily reached by car, train or bus, but you will need a taxi or your own transport to get to the lighthouse, which is about 15 minutes away from the town.
You can stay in themed rooms like Captain’s Cabin, Old England and Keeper’s Loft, a small double room on the upper floor which was once the bunk room of the lighthouse keepers and still has the original loft ladder.
Happisburgh Lighthouse, Norfolk
We love Happisburgh Lighthouse, built in the late 1700s and sited 400 yards from the cliff edge. We often visit on our trips to Norfolk but have never yet stayed in the former lighthouse keeper’s cottage at its side.
The lighthouse is well worth a visit on its regular Open Days, but the best views of it can be had from the top of Happisburgh church or the nearby East Ruston Gardens.
Oh, and it’s pronounced Hayz-bur-ruh, by the way!
Getting to Happisburgh lighthouse.
Happisburgh is on the North Norfolk Coast, south of Cromer. The number 34 bus service from Stalham passes nearby, but having a car makes the rest of the area more accessible.
The cottage sleeps up to 5 people and has spectacular cliff-top views. Book through Host Unusual here.
Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
Established in 1817 by Robert Stevenson, its light is still in operation, shining its warning to ships approaching the mouth of Loch Ryan.
After more than a hundred years of lighthouse keepers, including one sacked for falling asleep on duty, it was fully automated in 1994 and is now available for luxury stays.
Getting to Corsewall Lighthouse.
It’s a long drive from the nearest airport, Glasgow, and the road gets pretty rough towards the end of the journey.
The hotel has wonderful views from the Rhinns Peninsula out towards the coast of Ireland, and you can book rooms here.
Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
Another Robert Stevenson lighthouse, it’s perched on the clifftop on the most southerly point of Scotland, and first illuminated the waves in 1830.
115 steps get you to the top for amazing views and an exhibition showing what life was like for the former lighthouse keepers.
Getting to Mull of Galloway lighthouse
It’s remote and you will need your own transport.
The three holiday cottages, once home to the keepers, now offer spectacular coastal views backed by superb mountains and forest.
The West Usk Lighthouse, near Newport, South Wales
The lighthouse originally stood on an island at the mouth of the River Usk but is now situated on the mainland with views over the river, the Severn Estuaries and the Bristol Channel.
It was the first lighthouse built by Scottish engineer James Walker, who went on to build 21 more.
It was decommissioned in 1922 and is now a luxury hotel.
Getting to West Usk lighthouse.
Just south of Newport, you need a car as access is down a long, bumpy, private road.
With a hot tub on the roof plus four posters and waterbeds, the hotel has a reputation for being the perfect romantic getaway or wedding venue.
Aberdeen Lighthouse Cottages, North East Scotland
Not far from Aberdeen City centre is yet another lighthouse, designed by Scottish engineer Robert Stevenson.
Dating back to 1833, Girdle Ness was described by the Astronomer Royal, on a visit in 1860, as ‘the best lighthouse that I have ever seen’.
It’s certainly slim and elegant, and it takes 182 steps to get to the top.
Getting to Aberdeen lighthouse.
The lighthouse is situated on the peninsula just south of Aberdeen Harbour, and there’s an airport and mainline train station in the city.
The accompanying cottages have a beach front setting, with views of the coast and all its wildlife. It’s available through several listing sites, including Booking.com.
The Lighthouse, Llandudno, Conwy
More fortress than lighthouse, this quirky holiday stay was originally built in 1862 and still has plenty of original features.
The lighthouse is situated within the Great Orme Country Park about two miles from Llandudno and if you stay in the Telegraph Room you’re guaranteed 280° views.
Getting to Llandudno lighthouse.
Manchester airport is just over an hour’s drive away and there are rail services to Llandudno from London and other major cities.
You can book your stay direct. The Principal Keeper’s Room is a four-poster Victorian style bedroom, while the Lamp Room still has its Victorian glass panels and again spectacular coastal views.
Some images reproduced under Creative Commons licence
Where to next?
• Island Life – Tresco
• Postcard from Cornwall
• Holiday & Travel Competitions