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 the night surrounded by the sheer beauty of the seaside? To celebrate safe passages and scenic views, we’ve come up with our list of 11 lighthouses around the world that act as the most picturesque accommodation available.
Belle Tout Lighthouse in Beachy Head, East Sussex, United Kingdom
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 Captain’s Cabin”.
The Lighthouse in Island Bay, Wellington, New Zealand
Located 15 minutes from Wellington city centre this lighthouse is an ideal 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.
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, Seal Rocks, Australia
Composed 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.
Haceta Head Lighthouse, Yachats, Oregon, U.S.
To say that Haceta’s location is scenic doesn’t do it justice. This lighthouse stands midway up a 62 metre 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.
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 vacation destination.
Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel, Kirkcolm, Scotland
Whether you’re after fishing, bird watching, golfing or reaching Belfast by sea, Corsewall is our ideal stay. With five suites and six rooms, this small hotel based in a working 1815 lighthouse is a unique and very charming place to relax.
Roter Sand Lighthouse, Germany
Described as the “loneliest hotel in Germany” and located 48 kilometres off the coast, this lighthouse might be better explored with a friend, unless a solitary escape is what you’re after.
Rose Island Lighthouse, Newport, Rhode Island, U.S.
This place is not your usual B&B, but instead is a working lighthouse you can spend the night in. Choose between a stay on the first floor in the museum or choose the “keeper” option on the second floor. As a “keeper”, you volunteer your time and are given some tasks to ensure the maintenance of the lighthouse runs in its usual order.
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.
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 the Ground Zero Museum in New York. It is part of Hotel Brosundet, which offers 46 rooms, and Molja Lighthouse is locally known as room 47. The space is very cozy at three metres in diametre, but the views more than make up for the lack of space.
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, dine on locally caught seafood and just relax as your worries float away. 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.
Featured image: Portland Head Lighthouse, Portland, Maine (Randy Pertiet)
