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.

ATudor farmhouse with timbered beam and overhanging floor overlooks a mature garden.
Sleeps
13
Bedrooms
7

Top Farm House exudes rural charm. The Grade II listed 17th-century farmhouse in Knockin is surrounded by the Shropshire countryside and boasts original beams, uneven floors and antique furnishings, as well as a wood-burning stove, Aga, baby grand piano, four-poster bed, playroom & lovely gardens.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • 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
Exterior of a weather-boarded Suffolk Cottage behind a garden lined with fur trees.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Marsh View is a sophisticated, contemporary ground-floor Suffolk holiday apartment for two guests, overlooking the glorious, unspoilt Hazlewood Marsh and the River Alde. The delightful seaside destination of Aldeburgh is within easy reach.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Beachcombers is a lovely coastal cottage in Newquay with a pool just moments from the sands of Porth Beach in Cornwall. Pastel hues and modern facilities feature in the cottage, including generous open-plan living space. Beachcombers are ideal for a coastal family holiday.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
Clapper-board exterior of a 2-storey apartment with a terracotta roof and large courtyard.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

River View is a romantic cottage in Aldeburgh which occupies the first floor of Marsh Lodge & enjoys gorgeous views of Hazlewood Marsh. The luxuriously appointed cottage rewards couples with sophisticated design features, a sun-trap courtyard, and views of the famous big skies of Suffolk.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
aerial view or a beach with a small seaside village overlooking the sands
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Just metres from the beach at Slapton, this chic, beachside apartment is perfect for dog owners looking to enjoy a slice of coastal life. We can't think of a better way to experience this special part of south Devon with a lovely, open-plan layout, two spacious bedrooms, and allocated parking.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Gable end of a Somerset holiday bungalow with a terrace offering far-reaching views across fields and ocean at Porlock Bay
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Enjoy Somerset holidays at Gapperies in West Porlock, where you'll revel in the awe-inspiring vistas that grace nearly every room of this modern retreat. With sweeping views over fields and salt marsh to the picturesque coastline of Porlock Bay, Gapperies offers an ideal sanctuary for those searching for a peaceful escape in the unspoiled realm of Exmoor. The ever-changing panorama outside your window promises a continuous source of delight. This exquisite property accommodates up to 6 guests.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Remote barn conversion surrounded by open fields and mature trees in The Pennines.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Imagine a large holiday home near Ripponden, nestled within the rugged and picturesque Pennine landscape, where rural tranquillity meets pure luxury. Welcome to Top Barn, a spacious and inviting 6-bedroom holiday cottage with a hot tub to bring families and friends closer amidst the stunning West Yorkshire Pennines.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A stone-built holiday barn conversion overlook a lengthy lawn
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Apple Store is a charming Herefordshire holiday cottage in Whitchurch boasting exposed beams, stone walls and features windows. The pet-friendly cottage in Herefordshire's beautiful countryside offers couples a romantic retreat in a one-bedroom cottage close to the Forest of Dean. It features multiple outdoor relaxation areas and contemporary comforts.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays