Unusual Places to Stay in Devon: Discover The Signal House & The Lookout Tower on Beer Head
If you’re searching for unusual places to stay in Devon, there’s something special about waking up on the cliffs above the Jurassic Coast, with sea views stretching across Lyme Bay and the South West Coast Path right outside your door.
Tucked away on Beer Head in East Devon, Beer Head Holiday Park is home to two of the most unique coastal stays in the UK: The Lookout Tower and The Signal House.
Whether you’re planning a romantic coastal break, a weekend walking holiday, or simply looking for somewhere completely different to stay in Devon, these historic cliff-top properties offer an unforgettable escape.
Stay Somewhere Different on the Jurassic Coast
Devon is filled with cottages, hotels and holiday parks, but truly unusual accommodation is harder to find. The Lookout Tower and The Signal House combine history, coastal scenery and modern luxury in one of the most dramatic locations in East Devon.
Perched above the fishing village of Beer, both properties sit on the Jurassic Coast with panoramic sea views, direct access to coastal walks and peaceful surroundings far away from busy tourist hotspots.
The Lookout Tower: A Historic Coastal Retreat
The Lookout Tower is one of the most distinctive places to stay in Devon. Originally built as an 18th-century Napoleonic signal station, the tower has been transformed into a luxury coastal retreat while preserving its remarkable history.
Standing high above the cliffs at Beer Head, the tower offers 360-degree views across the coastline and countryside. Inside, the property sleeps four guests across two bedrooms and features a stunning top-floor lounge designed to make the most of the surrounding scenery.
What makes The Lookout Tower unique?
Historic 18th-century signal station conversion
Panoramic sea and countryside views
Luxury self-catering accommodation
Private sauna and landscaped garden
Direct access to the South West Coast Path
Stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution
Peaceful cliff-top location near Beer and Branscombe
The property has also featured in national travel publications and was highlighted for its remarkable restoration and setting.
Guests regularly describe it as a “wonderful, peaceful and unique place to stay” with “spectacular views”.
The Signal House: Coastal Cottage Charm with History
Just next door sits The Signal House, another historic coastal property offering a completely different style of stay.
Once a Custom and Excise house linked to the area’s smuggling history, The Signal House has been carefully restored into a cosy cliff-top cottage overlooking Lyme Bay.
The property blends traditional cottage character with modern comfort, making it ideal for couples, families or small groups looking for a relaxing Devon coastal break.
Highlights include:
Two-bedroom self-catering cottage
Large garden with sea views
Log burner for cosy evenings
Fully equipped modern kitchen
Easy access to Beer village and Branscombe
Quiet cliff-top setting beside the coast path
Unlike larger holiday resorts, The Signal House feels private, peaceful and connected to the surrounding landscape.
Why Beer Head Is One of Devon’s Hidden Gems
Part of the appeal of both properties is their location. Beer Head sits on the Jurassic Coast in East Devon, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known for dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and walking trails.
From your doorstep you can:
Walk the South West Coast Path
Visit Beer Beach and Branscombe Beach
Explore the fishing village of Beer
Discover nearby Lyme Regis and Sidmouth
Enjoy coastal pubs, cafés and local seafood
Watch sunsets over Lyme Bay
Despite being one of the UK’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, Beer Head remains quieter and less commercial than many Devon holiday destinations.
Looking for Unusual Places to Stay in the UK?
If you’re tired of standard hotels and generic holiday cottages, The Lookout Tower and The Signal House offer something genuinely memorable.
From historic signal stations and smuggling history to cliff-top views and peaceful coastal surroundings, these properties combine character, luxury and location in a way few UK stays can match.
Explore availability and book your stay: