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
6
Bedrooms
3

On the outskirts of Exmoor and only a short drive from the North Devon coastline is Ford Hill, a luxury 3-bedroom North Devon holiday cottage with a beautiful garden. Elegantly decorated throughout, Ford Hill is a hop, skip and jump from many of the area's best attractions, including Woolacombe Beach.

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S single-storey chapel conversion to a holiday cottage in West Lulworth
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Explore St Mary's Chapel, a luxurious West Lulworth holiday let in Dorset, offering an unforgettable escape in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This converted chapel sleeps up to six guests, featuring unique architectural elements, an open-plan living space with underfloor heating, and flexible sleeping arrangements. The enclosed garden with scenic views and proximity to local amenities, including Lulworth Cove's pebble beach, adds to the property's allure. Discover a perfect blend of comfort and coastal beauty at this Dorset holiday rental. View more information and photos for an enticing escape.

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The tower of a windmill (no sails) surrounded by a shrub-filled garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Once a working flour mill for over 100 years, Aylsham Windmill now offers luxurious, family-friendly self-catering holidays (with Wi-Fi) for 2-6 guests in Aylsham, a picturesque rural market town in North Norfolk midway between Norwich and the coast at Cromer.

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Exterior of a large rural holiday cottage surrounded by lawns.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

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Thatch Barn is a charming holiday home in Acle on the edge of the picturesque Norfolk Broads. This inviting retreat can accommodate up to eight guests, making it the perfect choice for families or groups looking to escape to the country. The cottage has been lovingly restored to retain many original features, while also offering a modern and comfortable atmosphere. With its scenic countryside location, Thatch Barn provides a peaceful and relaxing base for coast and countryside holidays in Norfolk.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Enchanting 16th Century Pink Cottage in Coddenham, one of the prettiest Suffolk Villages. Fabulous walks. It is ideal for exploring the countryside and Suffolk Heritage Coast. Cyclists can keep their bikes in the enclosed courtyard garden. Perfect for a relaxing romantic break for one or two people.

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A spacious lounge with wide-screen tv and large leather sofa.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Linnet’s Wing is a two-bedroom Cotswold holiday let in Lechlade-on-Thames. The elegant rural cottage enjoys abundant natural light, pastel-coloured wooden panelling, clean lines, wooden floors and modern decor. The cottage also places guests amid the endless attractions of the Cotswold Hills in Gloucestershire.

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A luxuriouly furnished lounge with open fire in a Dartmoor holiday let.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover true luxury at Fingle Bridge, a 5-star countryside lodge on the Bovey Castle estate. This peaceful retreat offers laid-back lounges, an indoor pool, tennis courts, and more. The triple-height sitting area with a stone fireplace creates a captivating ambience. Enjoy alfresco dining on the terrace or cosy up by the fire. With three ensuite bedrooms, Fingle Bridge provides a perfect escape for families or groups. Explore estate walks, golf, and spa treatments for an unforgettable stay in Dartmoor.

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Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
5

Ddol Helyg Farmhouse is a large and spacious North Wales holiday cottage near Llanberis. It is situated on the grounds of the owner's 30-acre livery yard on the edge of the village of Llanrug in the Snowdonia National Park.

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A contemporary house with a large 1st-floor terrace and ground-floor deck.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

A luxury holiday cottage on Anglesey, Bwthyn Awel, is large enough to comfortably accommodate ten guests in five bedrooms. This secluded rural cottage with panoramic sea views over Church Bay is perfect for walking, cycling and beach holidays in North Wales.

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