The best thing about lighthouses is that they are located in the most beautiful coastal landscapes. There is something inherently romantic about the sight of a lighthouse standing strong on the edge of a cliff and its promise to lead the sailors safely to shore.
Who wouldn’t want to spend a night surrounded by the sheer beauty of the seaside? To celebrate National Lighthouse Day (a US “day”) on August 7, we prepared a list of 11 lighthouses around the world which double up as the most picturesque accommodation available.
1. Belle Tout Lighthouse in Beachy Head, East Sussex
Built in 1832, Belle Tout is one of the most famous lighthouses in England. It was owned by the BBC and featured in many TV productions including the James Bond movie The Living Daylights.
Now fully renovated, the lighthouse boasts a stunning 360 degree view of the English Channel from its lantern room and has six themed bedrooms such as ‘The Captains Cabin’.
2. The Lighthouse in Island Bay, Wellington, New Zealand
Located 15 mins from Wellington city centre this lighthouse is a perfect base for walks on the beach or to the seal colony at Red Rocks.
It is a perfect venue for a romantic getaway as you will have this small lighthouse with its ground floor kitchen, middle floor bedroom and top floor seating area with a balcony all to yourself.
3. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, Seal Rocks, Australia
Comprising of three beautifully restored lighthouse keepers’ cottages, Sugarloaf provides accommodation for groups between four and eight.
Located in a sleepy village of Seal Rocks, it is a perfect getaway for water-based activities: swimming, snorkelling, fishing and many others, as well as bush trailing in Myall Lakes National Park.
4. Hecata Head Lighthouse, Yachats, Oregon, USA
To say that Hecata’s location is scenic doesn’t do it justice. This lighthouse stands midway up a 62m headland of a state park and shines the strongest light on the Oregon coast.
You can stay in one of six rooms in the lightkeeper’s cottage and benefit from the dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean or the lighthouse itself.
5. Great Fish Point Lighthouse, Eastern Cape, South Africa
One of South Africa’s smallest lighthouses and one of only four you can stay in, Great Fish Point is located close to Port Alfred on Eastern Cape and offers cottage accommodation for up to 12 people.
Magnificent views of the Indian Ocean and the proximity of the seaside resort of Port Alfred make this lighthouse a perfect holiday destination.
6. Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel, Kirkcolm, Scotland
Whether you’re after fishing, bird watching, golfing or reaching Belfast by sea, Corsewall is your ideal stay. With five suites and six rooms, this small hotel based in a working 1815 lighthouse is a very unique and charming place to relax.
7. Roter Sand Lighthouse, Germany
Described as the ‘loneliest hotel in Germany’ and located 30 miles off the coast, this lighthouse might be better explored with a friend, unless a solitary escape is what you’re after.
8. Rose Island Lighthouse, Newport, USA
This place is not your usual B&B but a working lighthouse so you can spend the night in the museum on a first floor or choose the ‘keeper’ option.
As a keeper you volunteer your time and are given some tasks to ensure the maintenance of the lighthouse runs in its usual order.
9. Harlingen Lighthouse, Harlingen, The Netherlands
The lighthouse is no longer used to guide ships through Harlingen docks but boasts a single suite for up to two people stretched over three floors.
Modern décor, fantastic views of the harbour and a private dining area in the Lantern Room make for a luxurious and unforgettable stay.
10. Molja Lighthouse, Ålesund, Norway
The contemporary interior of this lighthouse was designed by Snohetta, the company behind some well-known projects such as the Oslo Opera House and Ground Zero Museum in New York.
It is part of a boutique Hotel Brosundet and its most popular 47th room. The space is very cosy at 3 metres in diameter but the views more than make up for the lack of space.
11.West Point Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island, Canada
At 21 metres tall, West Point Lighthouse is one of Prince Edward Island’s tallest lighthouses. Built in 1875, this lighthouse was manned until 1962 when the keeper retired.
More than a decade later, the beautiful lighthouse was converted into an Inn where people could escape to find harmony.
Enjoy a stay at West Point Lighthouse Inn and explore the beautiful beaches and dine on local seafood. Oh, and keep an eye out for the famous ‘Phantom Ship’, rumour has it that it is best seen just before a storm rolls in.
Main image by Randy Pertiet
