Stay in a lighthouse: England’s 5 best

From cool conversions to cosy cottages, there are plenty of places to channel your inner lighthouse-keeper

Belle Tout Lighthouse, East Sussex (CoolStays)

Belle Tout Lighthouse, East Sussex

A lovingly converted 19th-century lighthouse perched on the pristine chalky white cliffs of Beachy Head, just west of Eastbourne, with 360-degree views of the English Channel. The Belle Tout mixes modern luxuries with a unique setting – literally on the very edge of England’s south coast. Every effort has been made to keep the original features of the lighthouse – the lamp room, for example, is lit blue at night and comes with a telescope to help you spy on passing ships. From £155; sleeps 12.

Belle Tout Lighthouse, equipped to spy on passing ships

Argus Cottage, Cornwall

Argus is one of two holiday cottages available at Pendeen Lighthouse, situated in a dramatic location on a granite headland on the north Cornwall coast, within a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The South West Coast Path passes round the headland, through Cornwall’s oldest mining areas. While staying at the cottage, you may be lucky enough to spot seals on the rocks below the lighthouse headland, as well as a variety of seabirds. Inside, everything is on one level, and has been decorated to match the tones of the sea outside. From £81; sleeps three.

Argus Cottage is decorated in marine pastels

Gurnard Cottage, Isle of Wight

St Catherine’s Lighthouse is situated just outside the hamlet of Niton, approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the popular coastal resort of Ventnor, the southernmost point of the Isle of Wight. Stay in the lighthouse cottage and you’re within easy reach of beaches including Ventnor, Shanklin, Freshwater Bay and Sandown, including the Battery Gardens. The island is very dog-friendly and that there are nine beaches that welcome dogs all year round. There’s also an excellent real ale pub just a 10-minute walk up the hill. The cosy cottage sleeps five, with a clean and simple decor and stunning views. From £115; sleeps five.

Gurnard Cottage is a perfect choice for dog lovers

Khina Cottage, Kent

Khina is one of two holiday cottages at the lighthouse, which lies on the chalk headland above the charming seaside town of Broadstairs, on the far eastern tip of Kent. Both cottages are surrounded by spacious lawns and set well away from the cliffs. You can reach Joss Bay and its excellent sandy beach in only a few minutes’ walk from the property. The nearest pub, the Digby Inn, is also only a 10-minute stroll and serves good food and local ale. Historic fact: the earliest reference to a light here dates back to 1499, when the beacon was almost certainly used to warn of attack or piracy rather than as an aid to navigation. From £102; sleeps four.

Khina Cottage is a historic setting for beacons

Rowena Cottage, Dorset

Panoramic views are in abundance from Rowena Cottage, one of two holiday cottages at the lighthouse, situated within the grounds of Durleston Country Park. The interior has been decorated mainly in whites and blues, with the use of natural materials throughout. Enjoy the outdoors with a private garden area with a sea view; you can even eat al fresco on balmy days. There is easy access to the Dorset coastline and some terrific sites such as the National Trust’s Corfe Castle and Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour. From £133; sleeps five.

Rowena Cottage comes with a private garden as well as a sea view

Claire Wills is international editor at CoolStays.com, an online travel brand for finding extraordinary properties including treehouses, windmills, cool cottages, B&Bs and hotels in the UK and abroad