A quirky and fascinating 180-year-old converted lighthouse B&B in South Wales.
A cosy and characterful B&B near the City of Newport, Gwent, this 180-year-old converted lighthouse is a welcoming bolthole from which to explore beautiful South Wales.
West Usk Lighthouse looks out over the Severn Estuary, at the mouth of the River Usk. Built to protect sailors in the seas below, it was a working lighthouse until 1922 when it was decommissioned, and was semi-derelict when its current owners bought it in 1987. They gradually set about restoring it to the comfortable, quirky place to stay that it is today.
The lighthouse has a unique design: it was built to live in, with a wide circumference that means there’s plenty of space inside. Once, that space would have been the lighthouse keeper’s home. Now, it houses four comfortable, quirky double rooms. Adding to the unique character of the lighthouse, Dr Who fans will be delighted to discover a Dalek in the entrance hall and a Tardis on the roof! Indeed, West Usk makes an ideal base for those visiting the Dr Who Exhibition in Cardiff.
You’ll find the lighthouse at the end of a long, stony track. Once inside, you enter a slate-floored entrance hall with its own wishing well. Up the spiral staircase, you’ll find the four en-suite bedrooms, each wedge shaped. Each room is individually decorated. Two have four poster beds, and one a waterbed. You can book out the whole lighthouse for your family or friends, or book a room for a break for two. If you are planning a wedding, West Usk has a civil ceremony licence for 20 guests and has several packages to suit – this unique location is sure to make your big day even more memorable.
At the top of the spiral stairs, you’ll come out onto the large roof terrace, with sweeping views out over the sea and the countryside. Relax on the decking…or bring your swimsuit and jump into the hot tub (champagne optional but recommended). If it’s a little chilly up top, head for shelter in the glass lantern room and enjoy the views from there.
Make sure you bring your camera. From the roof and rooms, you’ll never be far from a stunning photo opportunity. You’ll be treated to golden sunsets and sunrises over the water and and the fields. Twice a day, the tide rushes in, changing the landscape. Romantics will feel right at home.
The lighthouse makes a great base from which to explore the South Wales countryside. Head out along the coast, and you’ll find some impressive sandy beaches nearby, and pretty seaside towns. Welsh capital Cardiff has some good shopping, museums and galleries. Staying closer to home, you’ll find some lovely walks along the cliffs around the lighthouse.
West Usk Lighthouse offers cosy, inviting rooms in a historic building, with incredible views. It’s perfect for romantic couples and families looking to stay somewhere characterful and special.
Things to note
Check-in time from 4pm. Open all year. Weekends require a minimum 2 night stay and bank holidays require a minimum 3 night stay. No dogs permitted. Group exclusive booking available on request. Civil ceremony licence for 20 guests.
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