There’s something magical about the idea of staying in a lighthouse - the sound of the waves crashing against rocks, the smell of the salty-sea air and a sense of seclusion. If this sounds like your dream staycation then you don’t have to travel too far.
Located on an island off Barrow-in-Furness, Walney Lighthouse is around two and half hours’ drive away from Manchester. The picturesque white building sits in isolation at the end of the island, overlooking Morecambe Bay.
The lighthouse was named in The Guardian’s list of the 10 best off-grid retreats in the UK and it’s ideal if you’re after a staycation which offers something a little different. There’s two accommodation options available; you can book the cottage which sleeps up to six people, or the hide, which sleeps two.
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Surrounding the lighthouse is the South Walney Island Nature Reserve, where you can spot local wildlife including a variety of birds and a grey seal colony, the only one to be found on the Cumbrian coast. Bring a pair of binoculars with you and you can watch the seals from the comfort of the cottage.
Watching the sunrise or sunset is a must during the stay as the location offers uninterrupted views of the horizon. Both the cottage and the hide are tastefully furnished inside and offer a cosy retreat for when the coastal winds turn chilly.
Walney Island itself is 11-miles long with several beaches and two nature reserves. From the western coast you can even see as far as the Isle of Man.
There’s plenty of activities to do, including kitesurfing and cycling. There’s also a golf course and a horse riding school.
During your stay it’s important to note that there is no access to the beach on the south tip of the island and there are restrictions on where you can walk as it is a site of special scientific interest. No dogs are allowed at the property or on the reserve.
For more details visit the Walney Lighthouse website.
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