An octagonal, stone-built toll house shaded by trees.

Book Self-Catering Holidays in Quirky Holiday Cottages

Fancy a self-catering holiday in a quirky and unusual holiday property? Who wouldn’t say no to a holiday with friends in a luxury lighthouse or a beautifully restored Napoleonic Fort?

Search here to find an architecturally unique holiday cottage for a more than usually memorable holiday with family or friends. The UK has a splendid choice of distinctive and unusual character cottages appealing to those looking for something slightly different from a traditional house. 

While quirky cottages are not the ‘everyday’ holiday property, they still offer the same standards, facilities, and amenities you would expect to find in any decent holiday property worth its salt. Types of out-of-the-ordinary holiday lets include (but are not limited to):

  • Lighthouses
  • Windmills
  • Restored railway stations and carriages
  • Castles and Forts.
  • Shepherds Huts
  • Narrow Boats
  • Tree-houses
  • Signal boxes
  •  Follies 

View this collection of distinctive holiday properties to find one with that ‘must-stay’ funky factor for a long holiday or just a weekend break.

A farmhouse and attached barns in open countryside overlook a bend in a river
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Riverside Farm Cottage sits on 12 acres by the River Dove and offers guests a luxurious escape. The rural cottage in Kirby Mills sleeps eight. It boasts impressive views of the Yorkshire countryside, a furnished garden, an interior with ample windows, contemporary styling & a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A row of 2-storey seaside holiday apartments in Brixham with seaward-facing balconies overlooking a grassy slope towards a beach below
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Bayview is a sophisticated coastal apartment within The Cove complex in Brixham, Devon. Overlooking Fishcombe Cove, the apartment sleeps four and promises fantastic views, urban chic, abundant natural light, beautiful spacious grounds, a furnished balcony and a swimming pool.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Stag Cottage is a lovely farm cottage with a swimming pool and games room resting in a quiet corner of Little Torrington. The rural North Devon holiday cottage boasts a garden and woodland views and treats guests to experiences with farm animals.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Rear exterior of a terraced holiday cottage in Ulverton overlooking a garden with flowering bulbs.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Hawthorn Cottage is a delightful, pet-friendly holiday cottage in the market town of Ulverston. It offers couples a romantic escape in Cumbria and The Lake District. Oak beams and stone-flagged floor complement the open fire and add character to the cottage, which boasts a lovely patio and modern comforts.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
An outdoor swimming pool and terrace with a sun-lounger swing are overlooked by a garden and cottage.
Sleeps
11
Bedrooms
5

Llys Offa is a spacious, family-friendly rural holiday cottage near Ruabon in North Wale. It offers tranquillity, multiple spaces for relaxation, a games room, a sauna, and an outdoor heated swimming pool, all of which sit beside a running stream and are within easy reach of the attractions of North Wales.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A slate-roofed, stone holiday cottage in Powys nestles beneath a step hill toppped with a wood.
Sleeps
11
Bedrooms
5

The character and location of Y Sgubor are delightful. The large rural holiday home in Mid Wales is situated near Llangynog with superb views of Pennant Valley, charming décor, modern fittings, an outdoor hot tub, a sun-trap patio, an open fire and five thoughtfully decorated bedrooms. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a double-fronted, stone-built cottage overlooking a quiet village street in East Devon.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

2 Smugglers Close is a delightful East Devon holiday cottage in Branscombe in East Devon. Stroll the seaside village and relax in a charming cottage with a country kitchen and picture window. The pet-friendly cottage sleeps six and enjoys beautiful countryside views plus access to beautiful beaches.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a honey-coloured Cotswold holiday cottage with a spacious lawn with topiary.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Little House is a cute romantic cottage in the Cotswolds, boasting unique features. The luxury holiday cottage for couples in Stroud epitomises rustic chic. It offers a beautiful garden with a tipi, spa bath & views of the Cotswolds, while the interior features a fireplace with an open fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A double fronted, stone-built Welsh farmhouse sits on a flower-filled raised bank above a lane.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

The Farmhouse in Aberaeron is the epitome of a serene rural retreat, blending character and modern comforts to create an inviting and spacious holiday haven on an organic farm. Whether you're planning an extended family getaway or a gathering of friends, this charming family and pet-friendly cottage is your perfect home away from home, nestled in the heart of enchanting Ceredigion, North Wales, and only a stone's throw from the coastal charm of Aberaeron.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays