Lighthouse keepers’ cottages are some of the most unique and charming properties you can find along the coast. These historic buildings were once occupied by lighthouse keepers and their families, who worked tirelessly to keep the nearby lighthouse running and ensure that ships stayed on course.
Staying in a lighthouse keeper’s cottage is an experience unlike any other. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time and with their stunning coastal settings, these cottages offer the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area and taking in the natural beauty of the coast.
Sally Port Cottage
Sally Port Cottage is a cosy and secluded house located at the end of the stunning Roseland Peninsula. To get there, you’ll need to walk down a steep path that stretches for 300 meters from the car park above to the rocks below.
If you remember the children’s TV show called ‘Fraggle Rock’, you might recognise the Lighthouse where Sally Port Cottage is situated. The cottage is a private accommodation with no public access, so you’ll have the place all to yourself.
Inside, there’s an observation room that offers a breathtaking view through its large picture window. There’s a table and chairs, and even an electric wood-effect stove to keep you warm during any stormy weather.
Top tip: During the season, it’s highly recommended to take a ferry boat that operates regularly during the day between St Mawes and Falmouth, where the National Maritime Museum is located. It’s a great visit.
Start Point Lighthouse – Landward Cottage
Landward Cottage, which sleeps five guests, is one of two holiday cottages, perched on the cliff edge and available at the lighthouse. The view from here is simply stunning, with a panorama of sea views to the south and west and across Start Bay to the east.
This lighthouse is situated on a dramatic headland above Start Bay in the South Hams, between Dartmouth and Salcombe. It was built in 1863 and has been modernised over the years. To get here, you’ll need to take narrow country lanes that stretch for about 4 miles from the main road. The last half-mile is a private, walled tarmac drive that runs along the headland, which guests can share with walkers on the South West Coast Path. This path is perfect for those who enjoy clifftop walks and offers stunning views in both directions. If you’re looking to visit sandy beaches, you can reach East Portlemouth, Slapton, and Blackpool Sands within a 20-minute drive from the lighthouse.
Top tip: Walk some of the South West Coast Path taking in the spectacular scenery.
Wolf Rock at Lizard Lighthouse
The six charming cottages of Lizard Lighthouse sit on the Southern tip of mainland Britain, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and picturesque coastal walks. The location is home to a diverse range of rare and beautiful flora and fauna, adding an extra special touch to your stay. Lizard Village is just a short ¼ mile away, offering a selection of shops, restaurants, and a welcoming pub.
Lizard Lighthouse has a rich history, originally established in 1619 as a working lighthouse. The two iconic white towers that stand today were constructed in 1751 by the ambitious entrepreneur Thomas Fonnereau and were first lit on 22 August of the same year. Trinity House took control of the lighthouse’s operation in 1771 and continues to maintain it to this day. The lighthouse became electrified in 1924 and was fully automated in 1998. With a remarkable 26-mile light range and an automatic 3-mile fog signal, it ensures safety and guidance for seafarers in misty conditions.
Top tip: Visit the world famous Lands End. Enjoy a trip to the historic St Michael’s Mount.
Vanguard at Whitby Lighthouse
This cozy cottage, Vanguard, is located at the Whitby Lighthouse site on the East Coast, just outside of Whitby and close to the North Yorkshire Moors. It includes a sitting room, kitchen/dining room, double bedroom, twin bedroom, single bedroom, bathroom, and shower room. This cottage has oil central heating, an electric wood burner, and an electric hob and oven.
Whitby is a small port town on the North Yorkshire coast, surrounded by the High Cliffs. Captain James Cook started his voyages of discovery in a Whitby-built ship named ‘Endeavour’. The town is home to St. Hilda’s Abbey ruins, which is situated on the East Cliff, and the busy quayside and harbour entrance is full of alleyways and narrow streets. The coastal villages and resorts of Scarborough, Filey, and Bridlington lie to the south, while the North Yorkshire Moors, with its heather moorlands, lie inland. York is also located further afield.
Top tip: Try Mountain biking at nearby Dalby Forest
The Link at Cromer Lighthouse
The Cromer Lighthouse was originally constructed in 1680, but the current white octagonal tower was built in 1833 and upgraded to automatic operation in 1990. The Link, one of two semi-detached cottages at the lighthouse, offers breathtaking sea views. This location is only a mile away from Cromer, a charming North Norfolk village. It’s just a brief 10-minute walk along the coastal path or the beach to Cromer, where you can explore local shops and pubs and indulge in delicious seafood, especially the famous Cromer crab sandwiches. Cromer is a popular holiday destination for families that boasts a long sandy beach with colourful beach huts. The pier offers a theatre, a cafe, and the RNLI lifeboat station, which is open to the public. You can rent dipping nets and buckets there and try to catch your own Cromer crab from the pier! The lifeboat museum also features an excellent sea-front cafe/restaurant.
Top tip: Visit one of the the beautiful homes and gardens nearby, including Holkham Hall, Castle Rising Castle or Mannington Gardens.
Interested in finding more lighthouses in the UK that you can actually stay in! Rural Retreats is a great place to search. They have some amazing ideas and locations to explore. Find out more here ruralretreats.co.uk
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