The Belle Tout Lighthouse
COVID 19 UPDATE
Dear Guests,
To fall in line with the latest directives and guidelines, we have sadly taken the decision to close Belle Tout until further notice. Initially, for around six weeks, until the end of April, with the overall situation being monitored closely and that date being extended if and as necessary or prudent.
We are doing this in the interests of the safety of our guests and staff. In normal circumstances, guests who have stayed with us before will know that our standards of hygiene and cleanliness are second to none, but these are exceptional times that call for exceptional measures. During the time we are closed we will be carrying out an extremely thorough, deep clean operation so that we will be ready and waiting to receive guests the moment it’s safe to do so.
The other reason we were reluctant to even temporarily close, is that in these stressful times there surely can be no better place to come to than Belle Tout, to experience a calming and mentally rejuvenating therapy. We are sincerely sorry that this is not available to you at present, probably at the time you need it most.
For those immediately affected, ie those with existing bookings before May 1st, please contact us by email info@belletout.co.uk to receive guidance on what to do now. We will either phone or email you back, most likely suggesting you postpone your stay until later in the year, so it will be really helpful if you have a few convenient alternative dates in mind.
We are very much looking forward to getting back to normal, as I’m sure you are.
We send you our kindest regards,
David Shaw and the Belle Tout Team.
An unforgettable stay
The Belle Tout Lighthouse at Beachy Head is a unique place to stay.
Built in 1832 and decommissioned in 1902, a tea-shop, a home, part-destroyed during the second world war and lovingly rebuilt in the 50's. Owned and filmed by the BBC, moved due to erosion - and now, beautifully restored and renovated.
With 360 degree views of the English Channel, beautiful landscape, countryside and the enigmatic Seven Sisters, Belle Tout is a remarkable place to stay.
With themed rooms such as 'The Captains Cabin', 'Old England' and 'Keepers Loft', the accommodation and facilities will ensure a comfortable and memorable break.
Relax in the Guest Lounge and on colder days warm your toes by the fire. Enjoy the sunset and the views of the Beachy Head Lighthouse and Seven Sisters from the breathtaking Lantern Room,
Beach Hut King size double bed, with en suite facilities and breakfast included
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Captains Cabin Double bed, with en suite facilities and breakfast included
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Keepers Loft Mezzanine level double bed, en-suite facilities and breakfast included
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New England King size double or twin bed, with en suite facilities and breakfast included
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Old England King size double bed, with ensuite facilities and breakfast included
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Shiraz King size double bed, en suite facilities and breakfast included
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The History of the Belle Tout LighthouseRead more
The Belle Tout Lighthouse was built in 1832 and came into operation on the 11th October 1834. It was decommissioned in 1902 due to constant cliff top fogs and the threat of erosion.
It then became a tea house, bought as a family home by Sir James Purves-Stewart in 1923 and almost completely destroyed during the Second World War. It was restored as a family home, owned by the BBC to film The Life and Loves of a She-Devil and then moved back from the eroding cliff in 1999.
David and Barbara Shaw bought Belle Tout in 2008 and spent two years renovating it until, finally, in 2010, the Belle Tout Lighthouse opened for guests as a unique bed and breakfast.
The Story of the Belle Tout LighthouseRead more
Belle Tout has a fascinating history, from our Neolithic ancestors and Roman farming, through to the brave acts of Parson Darby and "Mad Jack" Fuller's influence that led to the first temporary lighthouse being built.
Rob Wassell's book was the first book specifically about the Belle Tout Lighthouse and includes pictures and facts that many people will not have seen. It's an interesting and captivating read about one of Britain's most unique buildings.
The Story of the Belle Tout Lighthouse is available to buy at the lighthouse, at the Beachy Head Visitor Centre, at the National Trust shop in Birling Gap or on-line.
Beachy Head
Expect fine food, great ales and a warm welcome
in the idyllic country pub
The Tiger Inn.
Weddings and Events amid the splendour and
beauty of Birling Manor and Bardolphs Hall.
Enjoy a
mid-week getaway for less – stay at the Tiger
Inn between Monday and Thursday and you get three
nights for the price of two.
Find out more at
www.beachyhead.org.uk
Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters
Birling Gap provides a point of entry for delightful walks and you can find a National Trust café here on the cliff top. The beach below is ideal for seaside picnics with its rock pools and areas of pebbles and sand. It is a great example of a marine nature reserve. Find out more on Birling Gap
The National Trust shop sells locally sourced items, seaside goods and traditional favourites from fishing nets to fleeces, books to buckets and spades.
Find out more at the National Trust web site.
