UNFORGETTABLE DUFFLE STAYS

Jun 07, 2018

An island nation with one of the most dangerous coastlines with the world, it’s rather unsurprising that there are a myriad of lighthouses scattered along our shores, from Robert Stevenson’s elegant yet functional designs to strange and eerie off-shore lighthouses in the English Channel.

What is infinitely more surprising is that many of these lighthouses have now been converted to gorgeous hotels or cottages for your holidaying enjoyment. So what are you wanting for? In this blog post we’ve highlighted five of our favourite lighthouse stays in Britain, all of which are designed for a holiday to remember. (Don’t forget to pack that ’ready for anything’ duffle in your gorgeous Scotchgrain travel bag as the British coastline can just as fierce as it is gorgeous).

Belle Tout Lighthouse B&B East Bourne

Saved from falling into the sea and situated in a unique position of the south coast of England, where the South Downs roll into the English Channel, Belle Tout lighthouse was reopened in 2010 after an extensive renovation.

The Belle Tout Lighthouse at Beachy Head is a unique place to stay. Built in 1832 and decommissioned in 1902, its been a tea-shop, a home, part-destroyed during the second world war and lovingly rebuilt in the 50’s. Owned and filmed by the BBC, moved due to erosion and reopen in 2010 – and now, beautifully restored and renovated. With 360 degree views of the English Channel, beautiful landscape, countryside and the enigmatic Seven Sisters, Belle Tout is a remarkable place to stay.

Lighthouse Cottage, near Cromer, Norfolk

Extensive sea and inland views can be admired from this authentic Grade II listed former lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Built in 1791, it stands in a superb coastal location adjoining Happisburgh’s working lighthouse and within just a short drive of the Norfolk Broads. It offers well-equipped, comfortable holiday accommodation; and the cellar has been converted into a den for children.

The lighthouse is open to the public on some Sundays in high season, when visitors can enjoy the fantastic view from the top. With local rural, beach and cliff-top walks and your local shop, pub/restaurant just ½ mile.

Aberdeen Lighthouse Cottages, East Coast of Scotland

These beautiful lighthouse holiday cottages make it on to our ‘top 5’ list because of their fantastic location just outside of Aberdeen city centre and yes, gorgeous views to maybe sip something special and watch the sun go down.

For those of you interested in the history of the lighthouse, it dates back to 1833 and was designed by none other than Robert Stevenson. The Astronomer Royal, on a visit in 1860, described it as ‘the best lighthouse that I have ever seen’,and it also saw a bit of action during World War II when a mine drifted ashore and caused some damage to the lighthouse’s doors and windows.

Corsewall Lighthouse by night Pic by Iain Speirs

Dating back to 1815, this luxury hotel is situated on the northern tip of the Rhinns Peninsula and boasts views out towards the coast of Ireland. There is also an award winning restaurant as well as a helipad (we kid you not!) and the hotel can arrange helicopter transport. Interestingly, the light on the hotel is still operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board and to this day still shines brightly above the hotel.

Some of Scotland’s most spectacular coastline is found within and nearby the 20 acre grounds of Corsewall Light House Hotel. From the lighthouse galleries and public areas you will see the most fabulous views of the Kintyre Peninsula, Arran, the Firth of Clyde, Ailsa Craig and even the coast of Ireland. The Iron Age fort of Dunskirkloch is also found here and you could even find yourself doing a bit of seal and deer spotting from the truly abundant sea life that seems to thrive around theses shores. And if that’s not enough, on a clear night, you can even see the beams of several other Scottish and Irish lighthouses along the coast.

The West Usk Lighthouse, near Newport, Wales

Voted the best in the region, and hot tub on the roof to boot! This little lighthouse with views across the Bristol Channel is superb find.

Built in 1821 by Scottish architect, James Walker, it is unique among lighthouses having all the accommodation situated within the building itself creating a distinctive design that is bigger in circumference and shorter in height. The interior tends to be described as quirky and comfortable rather than luxurious. All the rooms are wedge-shaped with en-suite facilities. Stone spiral staircase runs though the centre of the lighthouse and beneath that is the rain collecting well – our now the hotels own wishing well and wine cellar!

Other quirky little extras include being driven to the restaurant in the local village by a Rolls Royce, or maybe having a barbecue on the roof overlooking the ships passing through the Bristol Channel below.