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.

An arched  brick gatehouse converted to holiday cottages.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Treasury is an elegant romantic cottage within the grounds of the private Wolterton Park Estate in Norfolk. The pet-friendly luxury cottage for two boasts exposed brick walls and great character, as well as fine furnishings and an open fire. Couples can also enjoy the private estate and its 150 acres of grounds.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Dovedale Lodge offers comfortable accommodation for up to four guests in the quiet Peak District hamlet of Blore, Derbyshire, a charming countryside cottage on the grounds of the Old Rectory featuring French furnishings, modern well-equipped kitchen, two bedrooms, and fabulous views.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

Sandy beaches lie just moments from 5 Cae Derwydd, a modern coastal cottage at Cemaes Bay, Isle of Anglesey. The spacious and welcoming cottage caters perfectly for families and their pets with ample grounds, outdoor areas, light and airy spaces, contemporary comforts and ocean views.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A cosy stone-built cottage in Danby on a sunny day with a garden bench and patio.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Daffodil Cottage offers couples on self-catering holidays in North Yorkshire spectacular rural views and cosy accommodation in the remote hamlet of Houlsyke, near Danby. This romantic cottage for couples exudes warmth and character, a perfect rural retreat for weekends and walking holidays on the North York Moors.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Cotswold cottage exterior with a bay window and low stone garden wall.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Hope Cottage epitomises Cotswold charm. The stone-built, luxury rural retreat near Cirencester in Gloucestershire offers a lovely country garden with impressive views and open-plan spaces with contemporary design features, exposed beams, French doors, natural light and a cosy wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a single-storey norfolk holiday cottage with outdoor seating and block-paved off-road parking.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Styled on a traditional Norfolk barn, 5d Hideways boasts vaulted beamed ceilings, wooden décor, and contemporary comforts. The Hunstanton holiday cottage on the North Norfolk coast is ideal for a seaside escape as it offers a delightful courtyard, open-plan spaces and proximity to sandy beaches.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A covered balcony with table furniture above a lawn and estuary at high tide
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

For exceptional self-catering holidays in South Devon, view 3 Riverside. This holiday first-floor apartment overlooking Kingsbridge Estuary boasts modern comforts with a balcony offering stunning water and countryside views. It is fully refurbished and features a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable bedrooms, and a walk-in shower. It is an ideal location for exploring South Devon's beaches and attractions. Private parking, Wi-Fi, and proximity to town amenities enhance the appeal. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful waterfront retreat with scenic surroundings.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
A large thatched cottage overlooking a spacious lawn near Bridport.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Eagles Nest is a classic grade II listed thatched cottage in Dorset, sleeping 6 in 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms. The property is rurally located near Symondsbury, close to the Jurassic Coast. Enjoy peace and quiet with a private garden, hot tub and games room. Dogs welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
2 Whicker lounge chairs in front of 2 floor-to-ceiling sash windows opening onto a balcony.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

"The Well" is a charming, eco-friendly terraced townhouse located in the creative area of Margate, Kent. This coastal cottage is decorated with items sourced from around the world, giving it a unique and delightful feel. The house boasts a roll-top bath, mini bar, urban decor, plenty of natural light, and ample space for pets. Additionally, it is conveniently located close to beautiful beaches, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays