Blow away the cobwebs by staying in holidays homes in some of the most dramatic settings in Britain — and save money. Rural Retreats is offering discounts until December 17 on short breaks in lighthouse keepers’ cottages, which it lets in association with the Trinity House Lighthouse Service.

The cottages became redundant with the automation of the service and have been refurbished with white-painted exterior walls and smart and cosy interiors, a welcome retreat from winter winds. The discounts are available at three sites, two of them in popular holiday destinations.

The Pendeen lighthouse is on the cliffs of North Cornwall, six miles from Land’s End, and behind it are three single-storey cottages, each with two bedrooms. Prices for a three-night break start from £237. Guests are protected from straying over the cliff by a four-foot wall and by ear plugs, provided in the cottages should conditions turn misty, bringing the automatic fog warning signal into action.

The Whitby lighthouse has no operational foghorn and a cottage either side, each accommodating five guests in three bedrooms and available for £410 for three-night stays. The site is on cliffs just above the historic port, which is still full of life and activity in winter. The North York Moors offer an alternative to cliff walks, with several cosy pubs for refreshment.

Discounts are also available at the four cottages grouped around the tall Nash Point Lighthouse on the Vale of Glamorgan Heritage Coast, near Llantwit Major. They each sleep five and prices are from £301.

www.ruralretreats.co.uk — 01386 701177

Times recommends

• 'New York has lost its edge'
• The UK and Ireland's 25 best Christmas events
• Chalet Chef 2010: the winners