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.

Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Once an old stone dovecote in Ruthin, now painstakingly restored to as an absolutely charming holiday cottage for couples, a lovely romantic retreat in the heart of Denbighshire. Set in the grounds of Springs Spa, guests can enjoy unlimited pampering in the Spa's pool, sauna and steam room.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
Exterior of a stone-built barn conversion overlooking a field.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Linden Barn is a newly-converted barn bordering the Cumbrian countryside. The charming, pet-friendly cottage combines style with tradition and sits in a quiet corner of Orton. Spacious grounds surround the 3-bedroom cottage, and the interior features tiled floors, an open-plan design, comfort and a log fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Ward Court holiday cottage isa brick property next to the village shop.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Bright and cosy, Wards Court 1 is perfect for a romantic getaway in Gloucestershire. Updated throughout, this self-catering apartment in Frampton on Severn is a lovely idyllic village retreat for two. The River Severn and nearby countryside offer many delightful options for exploring or simply relaxing together.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A stone-built terraced cottage with a front garden behind a picket fence.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

1 Heath View, a New Forest holiday home, oozes charm and tranquillity. Nestled opposite the open Forest, it offers stunning heathland views and direct forest access. Relax in the comfortable lounge with a wood-burning stove, perfect for cosy out-of-season breaks. Enjoy a modern kitchen, conservatory, and two double bedrooms with forest vistas. It is ideal for walking and cycling holidays in the New Forest National Park. Book now for a delightful countryside getaway.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Attached stone barns form an L-shape around a shrub and flower-filled courtyard garden.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Derby is a luxury holiday cottage for couples at Endmoor Farm in the Derbyshire Peak District near Bakewell. This beautifully furnished, pet-friendly cottage in secluded rural surroundings is a beautifully appointed romantic retreat in the countryside for two (+cot) at any time of the year.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
A large, contemporary 3-storey apartment building with a central gable of floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Make your stay along the Welsh Riviera memorable with a stay at The Mushroom House, a fabulous ground-floor, seaside holiday apartment in  Tenby. This one-bedroom romantic cottage for couples is just steps from award-winning Pembrokeshire beaches. It features open plan living space and a front decked area.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

A charming traditional seaside cottage located on the coast at Marazion has been refurbished to offer you a comfortable stay. The property boasts stylish decor and open-plan living area that offers magnificent views from the elevated private patio. Moreover, you will find an enclosed courtyard garden, where you can unwind and sip your morning coffee.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • 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
10
Bedrooms
6

Tyddn Goronwy is a large and spacious Welsh Coast holiday cottage in Gwynedd with a swimming pool between Barmouth and Harlech Castle. The spacious house is very nicely equipped and furnished. The property sleeps 10 and is a 10-minute walk to a big sandy beach.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays