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

The Burrow is a beautifully transformed Somerset chapel surrounded by well-maintained lawns and picturesque countryside. This romantic holiday cottage in Bruton welcomes pets. It features impressive vaulted beamed ceilings, charming arched windows, a cosy mezzanine bedroom, a wood burner, a wine cooler, and even a home cinema. It's an ideal place to unwind and enjoy peace and quiet.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Front entrance to a contemporary barn conversion in Somerset.
Sleeps
11
Bedrooms
6

Selworthy is a 4-Star Gold West Somerset Holiday Cottage sleeping 11 in 6 bedrooms. This large, dog-friendly cottage is on a small country estate in an Exmoor valley near Dunster and Minehead. Facilities include an indoor pool, hot tub, games room, tennis court, trampoline and play centre.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A cluster of houses nestle alongside a stone bridge over a river.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Fell Beck enjoys dual-aspect views of an adjacent beck and lies on the edge of the lovely Yorkshire Dales village of Burnsall. The stone-built rural holiday cottage boasts true character and modern comforts and features a wood-burning stove and a sunlit courtyard. Relax in style and explore the scenic county of North Yorkshire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Discover pure romance at The Stables amidst the serene Somerset countryside at our enchanting holiday cottage. Nestled in nature's rural embrace in The Quantock Hills near Stogumber, this cosy haven is tailor-made for couples seeking a romantic escape with their beloved pets. Immerse yourselves in the tranquil surroundings while indulging in modern luxuries that include a private hot tub, creating cherished memories in this single-storey holiday cottage in The Quantocks.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A water tower converted to a holiday home overlooks woods and fields.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The Tower is a rural cottage that has won several awards for its unique construction and sweeping countryside views. Located near Latchingdon in Essex, this circular building has beautifully combined its original utilitarian architecture from the 1930s with modern sophistication, including a large balcony and spacious open areas.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Compass is a stylish one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the resort town of Swanage, Dorset, a romantic flat within a pleasant courtyard that makes a cosy holiday escape for couples, with a private parking space, fully fitted kitchen, breakfast bar, tiled bathroom, and comfy sitting area.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Outdoor dining chairs cluster around a table on a tree-lined lawn on Osea Island. Behind them is a cross-timbered holiday cottage on Osea Island.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Introducing The Chase, a charming cottage situated on the tranquil Osea Island. This elegant retreat in Essex features a cosy lounge area with a log burner, spacious bedrooms, and three well-appointed bathrooms. Whether you're looking for quality time with family or some peaceful moments to yourself, this cottage offers the perfect ambience. With its four-poster beds and roll-top baths, you are guaranteed a comfortable stay. During summer, you can relax in the private garden with a fire pit and barbecue. Osea Island provides a range of private amenities, including beaches, a saltwater lido, an outdoor pool, a tennis court, a cinema room, a games room, and much more. So, come to Osea Island and experience your ideal seaside getaway.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Dating back to the 17th-Century, Higher Mullacott Farmhouse near Ilfracombe is a large and luxurious 5-bed holiday cottage in North Devon which has been tastefully renovated for style and comfort, all set in a beautiful countryside location with sea views on the North Devon coast.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A double fronted East Devon holiday cottage in front of a secure lawned garden.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Hamilton House is a large East Devon seaside holiday cottage in Branscombe. The sophisticated cottage boasts a unique dining room and a sun trap garden within easy reach of Branscombe Beach. The large deck catches the sea breeze and invites relaxation. Hamilton House sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms.

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