Gwent

West Usk Lighthouse

When legendary Scottish architect James Walker built the lighthouse in 1821, at the junction of the Esk and Severn estuaries, overlooking the Bristol Channel, it was his first such venture. He clearly did OK, as not only is this one still in use (albeit not as a lighthouse), but he went on to design and build over 20 more. Since the 1980s, the West Usk Lighthouse been an impressively quirky B&B.

Eat: Food is limited to the expected breakfast, but that one fine meal is generous enough to make skipping lunch feasible.

Sleep: There are four large bedrooms in the lighthouse, one of which (the family room) is dog friendly. There is also a roof garden and the relaxing Lamp Room that offer amazing views.

Walk: There are plenty of amazing walks in the immediate area, including the 47-mile Usk Valley Walk and part of the historic Celtic Way, while there is also the Wales Coast Path. A short(ish) drive will take you to the Brecon Beacons. For those of an urban persuasion, Cardiff, Newport and Bristol are also within reach for a day trip.