Belle Tout Lighthouse and Accessibility
The Belle Tout Lighthouse is a decommissioned lighthouse situated at Beachy Head in East Sussex.
It was built in 1832 and came into operation on 11th October 1834.
In those days building accessibility wasn't a concern and as such there are five levels to the lighthouse which are all accessed by steps.
There are no lifts or elevators.
There are a total of eighty (80) steps from the car park to the top of the tower.
Most steps are eight inches (8in) or twenty three centimetres (23cm) in depth.
This makes the total ascent approximately fifty-three feet (53ft) or just over eighteen metres (18.4m)
Entrance Steps
From the car park there are ten steps that lead up to the main entrance.
There is a hand rail on your left for support.
There is a small threshold step through the main door to the building.
Ground Floor
On the ground floor we have the Old England and New England rooms.
There are 18 steps that lead up to a first floor landing.
There is a hand rail for support.
First Floor Landing
On this level there are magnificent views of the East Dean, Friston and the Downs.
There are two further steps to reach the first floor.
There is a hand rail for support.
First Floor
On this floor we have the Beach Hut, Captains Cabin and Shiraz rooms.
The reception is also situated on this floor.
There is a small threshold step to each room.
There are twelve steps up to the second floor landing.
There is a hand rail for support.
Second Floor Landing
The second floor landing also has great views of East Dean, Friston and the Downs from a slightly higher level.
There are three additional steps to reach the second floor.
There is a hand rail on your left for support.
Second Floor
On this level is the Breakfast Room and Guest Lounge.
Also on this floor, up one step, is the Keepers Loft Room.
This is the original keepers bunk room and has its own accessibility requirements as the bunk bed is accessed via a ladder.
From this floor you are able to ascend the steps up the original tower to the lantern room.
Tower Steps - first level
There is an initial step before you reach the steps to the main circular tower.
There are seventeen steps up to the second level.
There is a rope hand rail for support.
Tower Steps - second level
On this level we have the original keepers watch room which we call Keepers Attic.
We use it as a small art gallery.
There are a further seventeen steps until you reach the lantern room.
There is a rope hand rail for support.
The Lantern Room
There is a hand rail to assist your ascent into the lantern room.
The spectacular lantern room provides 360 degree views of the area.
The Lantern Balcony
You are welcome to open the door to access the balcony.
There is a small threshold as you step out onto the balcony.
There is a hand rail and railings around the entire circumference of the tower.
Check availability
You can check availability using our on-line room availability calendar. When you've found the date and decided what room you would like to book, get in touch to make your booking.
Or call us today on 01323 423 185.
One night stays
We operate a minimum two night stay policy, however, providing there is availability, one night stays may be available within a week of the proposed date of stay.
Contact us a week before to check.
Booking in advance
To avoid disappointment for anniversaries, birthday and honeymoon celebrations, we recommend you book well in advance. We are taking bookings for this year and next year so please book as early as you can.