Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottage
- Premier host
- Longhope, Orkney Islands, Scotland
- See on map
- Sleeps: 4
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathroom: 1
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
Perched on top of a 115-foot cliff, on the red sandstone Scottish island of South Walls, Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottage is remote enough to make you feel as though you’ve been magically spirited away from everyday life.
Adjacent to the historic lighthouse tower itself, the cosy cottage sleeps four guests in two bedrooms; ideal for a true ‘get away from it all’ break for a small family or a group of close friends – including their well-behaved dogs.
Once the home of a Victorian lighthouse keeper (the lighthouse was built in 1856), you can expect timeless comfort in instantly charming surroundings. Everything you need for a relaxing break is here, including a well-equipped kitchen, a family bathroom, and a snug lounge that comes complete with a warming fireplace.
Oh, and if you can’t tear yourselves away from those mod cons, you’ll find there’s WiFi (vital for updating your Instagram account with magnificent sea views), a TV, and a gym for ensuring that essential workout routine doesn’t suffer while you’re away!
Better still, if you enjoy far-reaching sea views, you’re in for a genuine treat. Most of the rooms boast incredible scenery, and as you’re on top of a high cliff, those dramatic views will seem as though they stretch out forever.
Watch the huge, rolling waves as they lead your gaze out towards the Pentland Firth, or across the hills of Hoy – the highest you’ll see on the Orkney Islands. Watching that incredible, ever-changing vista is likely to become completely addictive, whether you’re taking in the sunrise with your morning coffee, or gathering together for sunset tipples.
Yet if you’re not one for staying in, you won’t have to! Light the firepit by evening for a sizzling al fresco supper cooked on the barbecue, while by day you can get up close and personal with those waves, with kayaks and paddle boards available to hire.
Keep readingAt a glance
- Cosy lighthouse cottage, the former home of a Victorian lighthouse keeper, set adjacent to the historic working lighthouse tower on the Scottish island of South Walls, part of the Orkney Isles.
- The cottage sleeps four guests in comfort, along with their well-behaved dogs. Expect incredible views out towards the Pentland Firth.
- The site features a gym and laundry facilities. Bicycles, kayaks and paddle boards can be hired.
- There are shops, pubs and restaurants within two miles, in nearby Longhope. There is a sandy beach and a nature reserve close by.
Features
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Hot Tubs
Seaside Breaks
Facilities
Lighthouse cottage with 2 bedrooms, one kingsize and the other twin or double (advise on booking). WiFi. Indoor fireplace. Central heating. Laundry facilities. TV. BBQ and firepit outside. Gym on site. Private entrance. Parking on premises.
Local activities
Cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, walking, rock climbing, birdwatching.
More information
You can also hire a bike (or bring your own) and explore the surrounding area. Head for the Hill of White Hamars wildlife reserve for some incredible opportunities to spot nesting seabirds and grey seals, along with some gorgeous wildflowers during the summer months!
Wander towards Hoy if you’re more of a rambler, where you’ll spot the iconic Old Man (a 449-foot red sandstone sea stack that’s very popular with climbers) and immerse yourselves in famed Orkney myths and legends whilst spotting endless bird varieties.
Of course, you could simply stretch out on the sandy beach with a book, or head into nearby Longhope for some holiday supplies before heading back to the comfort of your lighthouse cottage. Simply and refreshingly, the choice is entirely yours.
Things to note
The lighthouse is active. No smoking. Check in after 3pm, check out before 10am.
Where you'll be staying
Longhope, Orkney Islands
What the guests of Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottage say
“Just back from a long weekend stay at Cantick Head
Lighthouse Cottage; it was exactly what we needed. Stunning views, peaceful
and relaxing surroundings and the perfect cottage to stay in. The
facilities at Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottage were excellent, there was
everything needed for making dinners to kids toys and books. The cottage itself
was spacious and homely with a fabulous real fire. We had an excellent
time, and saw some lovely sights on our walks, thankfully Alan and Vicky know
the area well and were on hand to point out the best places to go to make good
use of our few days there. We will definitely be back and for longer next
time.”
“Another wonderful week spent at Cantick Head Lighthouse and
still we feel that we haven’t done all that we want on Hoy. So much wildlife,
scenery and wildflowers which change with the seasons…the cottage is perfect,
warm, comfortable and with everything you need for a relaxing break. Alan and
Vicky are so welcoming and are there if you need them. We saw Orca, porpoise
and countless seabirds from the front door of the cottage, and too many other
great experiences to list! If you don’t want a peaceful, magical and unique
wild island experience, best go somewhere else.”
“Stayed for 2 nights in June – what a fantastic place to
wake up in the morning. Photos just don’t do the place justice. The cottage is
as quaint as you can get with everything you need for your stay. I was
mesmerised looking through the binoculars for hours. The hosts were perfect and
left us a few local delicacies to enjoy. They also gave us great advice on
where to go during our stay. The Orkney Islands are incredible – around every
corner is yet another breathtaking view. Can’t wait to return.”
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