A weekend in a lighthouse

On the weekend of March 3rd / 4th 2012, we had the great pleasure of staying in the Belle Tout Lighthouse at Beachy Head, Eastbourne. This former working lighthouse has been transformed into an amazing bed and breakfast and has to be one of the best places I have ever stayed.

The lighthouse sits on the top of the cliffs and has a 360 degree view of the South Downs and the English Channel. We had stunning views of the night sky, as well as views along the coast to Birling Gap, Seaford and on to Brighton. The view from the lantern room at the top was spectacular.

Belle Tout has six rooms to let, we stayed in New England (see photograph below). This room was on the ground floor with views of the Downs. Other rooms, which were all decorated in different styles, had views of the sea, with a couple of rooms having a twin view of the Downs and the coastline.

The food was first class, as was the hospitality. It poured with rain on the Sunday, but we were quite happy to sit in the guests’ lounge supping free coffee, only venturing out for lunch, which we enjoyed at the George Inn in nearby Alfriston.

We were so impressed with Belle Tout that we are planning to return in the Summer, hopeful to enjoy a barbecue and a bottle of wine in the gardens.

Visit the Belle Tout Lighthouse website