Perched high above the dramatic cliffs of Beachy Head, the historic Belle Tout Lighthouse has welcomed travellers for nearly two centuries. Today, this iconic landmark offers a truly unique bed and breakfast experience on the stunning East Sussex coastline.
In 1691, local petitions called for a lighthouse to protect sailors navigating this dangerous stretch of coast, where frequent shipwrecks claimed countless lives. As maritime traffic increased, concern for seafarers continued to grow.
In 1828, authorities built a temporary wooden lighthouse on the cliffs at Beachy Head following a series of devastating shipwrecks. Its success soon led to plans for a permanent structure.
Builders completed Belle Tout Lighthouse in 1832 using Aberdeen granite transported by ox teams from Maidstone. The lighthouse officially began operating on 11th October 1834, with two lighthouse keepers maintaining the beacon around the clock.
Engineers carefully selected the clifftop location so ships could spot the light from up to 20 miles out at sea. The positioning also helped warn sailors when they drifted dangerously close to the shoreline.
Over time, coastal erosion threatened the lighthouse and reduced its effectiveness. Concerned for the safety of the keepers, Trinity House commissioned a new lighthouse at the base of the Beachy Head cliffs.
In 1902, Belle Tout Lighthouse was officially decommissioned, and workers later removed the lantern.
A year later, the Davis-Gilbert family purchased the building from Trinity House and transformed it into a charming tea room, welcoming visitors to one of the most scenic places to stay near Beachy Head.
In 1923, renowned surgeon Sir James Purves-Stewart acquired the property. During the Second World War, the evacuated lighthouse suffered damage when Canadian troops used it for target practice exercises.
Recognising its historical importance, Sir James offered Belle Tout to the council in 1948, and the property eventually came under council ownership.
In 1956, Dr Edward Revill Cullinan leased the lighthouse and introduced modern amenities, including mains electricity, running water, and a septic tank, helping preserve the building for future generations.
The lease changed hands several times during the following decades. In 1986, the BBC purchased Belle Tout and featured it in Fay Weldon’s acclaimed drama Life and Loves of a She-Devil.
In 1996, Mark and Louise Roberts bought the lighthouse as a family home. Just three years later, engineers carried out an extraordinary rescue operation to save the building from coastal erosion. In 1999, Abbey Pynford successfully moved Belle Tout Lighthouse 17 metres (56 feet) back from the cliff edge.
In 2007, the Belle Tout Lighthouse Preservation Trust campaigned to open the property to the public, allowing guests to experience this extraordinary coastal retreat for themselves.
David and Barbara Shaw purchased the lighthouse in April 2008 with a vision to create a luxury bed and breakfast and unforgettable accommodation on the Sussex coast. Between 2008 and 2010, they carefully restored the building to its former glory while preserving its unique character and heritage.
In March 2010, Belle Tout Lighthouse officially opened its doors to guests seeking distinctive B&B accommodation, spectacular sea views, and one of the most memorable places to stay in East Sussex.
The lighthouse later appeared on Channel 5’s Build a New Life in the Country, further cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s most unique coastal escapes.
In July 2020, Belle Tout celebrated ten years of welcoming guests from around the world to experience the beauty, history, and tranquillity of this remarkable lighthouse stay.
Today, Belle Tout Lighthouse offers cosy bed and breakfast accommodation at Beachy Head, combining historic charm with breath-taking coastal scenery. Whether you are searching for a romantic getaway, a unique seaside escape, or unforgettable places to stay in Sussex, Belle Tout delivers an experience unlike any other.
Book your stay at Belle Tout Lighthouse and discover the magic of this extraordinary historic B&B overlooking the English Channel. Belle Tout Lighthouse, Britain's most dramatic stay.