Lighthouse accommodation – How to stay in a U.K. lighthouse

Staying in a converted lighthouse is a dream for many people. It is an escape from reality to wake up to the sound of waves crashing below your window and watch the sunset over the dinner table. Since the automation of the lighthouses, the keepers have not been replaced and the keeper’s cottages have been renovated and converted into quirky and unique holiday cottages.

lighthouse that you can stay in with heather

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Things to consider when choosing a lighthouse holiday cottage

  • Getting to the Lighthouse
  • Access
  • Child Safety
  • Things to Do Nearby
  • Facilities in the Cottage
  • Luxury Lighthouses

Getting to the Lighthouse

The drive to the lighthouse isn’t always as easy as the map would leave you to believe. By the nature of their design, lighthouses are in remote locations a lot of the time. While the map indicates a 30-mile drive this may be on narrow or gravel roads which cannot be approached at 40mph. The final approach may well take much longer than anticipated. If you intend to explore around the lighthouse then this is fine, but if you want to take day trips it is a consideration. How many times do you want to have to attempt the narrow cliff edge road with wandering sheep?!

Access

Access to many lighthouses can be difficult, especially for those with mobility problems. If access is a problem make sure you are aware of any issues before booking. Many lighthouse keepers cottages are on one level but there may still be steps and narrow doorways. Many lighthouses are listed buildings and modifications are not always possible.
Many lighthouses are distant from the parking area, sometimes down narrow cliff paths with steep uneven steps. Make sure that you will be able to get in and out of the cottage easily.

Child Safety

This may be blindingly obvious but it needs to be said! Many lighthouses are on cliff tops. They were not designed for inquisitive toddlers or boisterous children. If you want to take your children to stay in a lighthouse make sure it is child-friendly or they are old enough to understand rules and consequences.
Many lighthouses have an age limit for this reason, however, there are many located in family-friendly locations. Our favourite is Covesea Lighthouse near Lossiemouth which has a small gate onto sand dunes and the most amazing sandy beach.

lighthouse from sand dunes at sunset

Things to Do Nearby

Staying in a lighthouse is an escape from the real world, but it is always nice to explore around where you are staying. It is worth exploring which lighthouses have activities nearby as this will help with your planning. Given their remote location, some lighthouses are perfect for walking and beaches while others are a little more central and close to villages and towns with more attractions.

Facilities in the Cottage

The facilities and furnishings of each keeper’s cottage will vary depending on the owner’s budget and preferences. This will be reflected in the price. As they have been converted from old buildings the dimensions of the rooms can vary from palatial through to cosy. It should be possible to work out the layout from the photographs and some cottages will provide a floor plan which can be useful if you are staying in a larger lighthouse cottage.
Given the location of the lighthouse, it is also worthwhile to find out what is provided. Some will need you to bring your own bed linen and towels as well as basic provisions and others are fully catered with dinner in the AGA on your arrival. It may not be possible to nip out for forgotten supplies once you have arrived at your lighthouse.

Luxury Lighthouses

If you want something a little bit special there are a few boutique hotels and B&Bs located in lighthouses. These are the perfect blend of lighthouse luxury, stunning sea views and amazing food. These lighthouses are usually a little less remote but still an escape from the everyday.

Wildlife watching and photography during a lighthouse stay

Lighthouse keepers are well known for their love of wildlife and many became naturalists, recording the birds and sealife around their lighthouses.

This history alongside the location of the lighthouses makes them the perfect place to stay for a wildlife holiday. Most lighthouses are in remote locations, surrounded by high sea cliffs that are home to thousands of sea birds.

Some lighthouses overlook sandy beaches and these are perfect for rock pooling and exploring the coastline.

With their coastal location, the lighthouses are also fantastic for whale watching. Nothing beats sitting in the warm watching the ocean with binoculars waiting for a passing whale or pod of dolphins.

Staying in a lighthouse also has benefits for photographers. Many of the locations mean a long walk in for sunrise or sunset. Coastal paths in the dark are not fun. By staying in the lighthouse you can roll out of bed just before sunrise and be on location within minutes. It also presents opportunities for star photography and experiencing the northern lights overnight with the cliffs and lighthouse being easy to include.

starlings sitting in the sun on a lighthouse

Who offers holidays in lighthouse cottages?

There are a number of cottages that offer lighthouse accommodation. While I have not stayed at all of the cottages they offer I have used all of the companies and have loved every stay. They are unique in their style but all of the cottages have been warm, clean and beautifully presented.

Rural Retreats

This company probably have the biggest selection of keepers’ cottages for rental. The website is clear and booking and check-in are very easy. They book up a long way in advance so if you want specific dates or lighthouse it is better to book as far ahead as you can.

The Landmark Trust

This charity manages all of the lighthouse keepers’ cottages as well as other places to stay on Lundy Island. These range from little bothies for 2 people through to huge houses for 10 and more. The journey to Lundy Island is by a small boat in the summer months and by helicopter over the winter. The accommodation is a true retreat with no WiFi or television and there are no vehicles on the island. The Marisco Pub on the island is the hub for meeting others and the food is good. Staying on Lundy needs planning as the ferry times change with the tides and the daylight.
Booking to stay on Lundy is fairly easy but it is a juggle with the ferry booking and the cottage. They are used to this and will help as much as they can.

Sykes Cottages

Sykes offer a huge range of cottages and their lighthouses are just a small proportion of their portfolio. These cottages are well-kept and tend to be a little more accessible than other companies.

National Trust

The National Trust is well known for its stately homes and wild places but it also offers holiday homes. These are beautifully presented with stunning views although they currently only have two sites.

National Trust for Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland looks after a number of lighthouses and offers the keepers cottages for holiday stays. As the landscape is more remote in Scotland the journeys can be more complicated and can include the need for ferries and inter-island flights.

Privately Owned Lighthouses with Accommodation

Great Irish Lighthouses

This initiative provides accommodation and visitor centres around the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

I'm Suzanne the traveller and photographer behind Meandering Wild. With over 30 years of experience travelling to different corners of the world in search of wildlife and remote locations nearly all of the advice on this website is from my own exploring.