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 wide tree-lined drive leads to a long, Boscastle holiday bungalow.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Anneth Lowen, a remarkable North Cornwall holiday cottage, welcomes couples, families, and friends to experience peaceful coastal holidays in the serene hamlet of Tresparrett near Boscastle. Recently refurbished to exacting standards, this pet-friendly 3-bedroom holiday home for up to five guests provides a comfortable rural retreat within easy reach of fabulous Cornish throughout the year.

Situated within a designated National Landscape, Anneth  Lowen occupies a spacious plot, providing an ideal escape for those seeking peace and privacy. The village, though rural, is just three miles from the stunning Cornish coast, boasting a host of remarkable beaches like Crackington Haven, Trebarwith, Bossinney, Bude, Widemouth Bay, Polzeath, Strangles, and Tregardock.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Positioned at the end of the three-mile shingle beach at Slapton Sands, you couldn’t get closer to the sea if you tried. Step inside this beautiful apartment, and you’ll instantly feel at home. Enjoy the fantastic sea views from the Juliet balcony, or relax in the spacious open-plan living areas.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Semi-detaachd, brick holiday home in caersws with off-road parking spaces.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

7evern blends tradition with contemporary style in a converted barn near the village of Caersws in Mid Wales. The rural holiday cottage lies on Porth Farm, and the light and airy converted barn offers families joyful décor, exposed beams, and access to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A row of Victorian town houses leading to the sae in Tenby.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

This elegant Grade II listed, large holiday cottage in Tenby is in a quiet cobbled street within this beautiful seaside town in Pembrokeshire. Walk 80 yards one way to a stunning beach or the other way to the town centre with its medieval walls, harbour and fishing boats.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Barn conversions overlook a courtyard with a central flower bed
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Granary is a charming, detached cottage located in the rural area of Keld Head Cottages, near Pickering in Yorkshire. This award-winning farm cottage features an open fire and beautiful exposed beams, creating a warm and cosy ambience. The cottage also offers large, stunning gardens with indoor and outdoor play areas, perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The beautiful views surrounding the cottage are sure to help you unwind and enjoy a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Small Cottages
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Sunset View is an award-winning Cornish coastal cottage in Newquay boasting ocean views. The sophisticated pet-friendly cottage near Porth beach enjoys authentic coastal chic and an elevated position. It offers a hot tub, an open fire, outdoor entertaining spaces, an upside-down design and close to the beach.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • 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 wooden eco-lodge surrounded by a deck and a large lawn.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

4 Faraway Fields is a delightful romantic cottage boasting modern interiors and seclusion. The nicely-appointed hilltop cottage on the outskirts of Dobwalls in Cornwall features a hot tub and offers lovely rural views of the sunset, especially from the sky deck with a glass in hand.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a single storey barn conversion with a pair of floor-to-ceiling French doors  overlooking a shingled courtyard with flower troughs.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

The Old Stables is a luxurious country cottage located in Gastard, Wiltshire, and is situated on an acre of grounds. The cottage is detached and can accommodate eight people. It offers seclusion, fresh country air, and beautiful views of the surroundings from the fully furnished gardens. The interior of the cottage features a log fire and is designed with an open-plan layout and contemporary style.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays