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 Somerset farmhouse overlooks a large lawn lined by shrubs.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Trinity Cottage is a gorgeous detached cottage surrounded by greenery in Roadwater, Somerset. The large, pet-friendly holiday cottage boasts beautiful views over the surrounding valley and offers a log fire and spacious rooms with subtle elegance. A sophisticated escape with access to Exmoor and the coastline.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A 3-storey, stone-built holiday apartment in KEndal in a tree-lined courtyard.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

9 Camden Building is a quaint apartment boasting original stone features and is set right in the heart of Kendal in Cumbria and The Lake District. Exposed beams and traditional character permeate the cottage, which sleeps five and promises open-plan design, sophistication and access to the market town.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a twin-gabled Exmoor Farmhouse set back from a country lane and surrounded by open fields with a distant sea view.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
3

Wingate Farm is an impressive coastal cottage above Lynmouth on a working farm in the hamlet of Countisbury, Devon. The large, pet-friendly holiday home enjoys stunning views of the Exmoor countryside and the ocean beyond and offers seclusion, spacious grounds, fresh air, contemporary design and a log fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

Rainbow Cottage is a sought-after rural holiday cottage in Cumbria boasting authentic details and contemporary style. Located near Kirkby Stephen between The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, the pet-friendly property offers expansive gardens, a games room, beautiful views, seclusion and wheelchair access.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Miller’s Tale is a quaint remote studio cottage for two in Suffolk near the village of Hasketon. It is set on the grounds of a country house beside a garden pond, the perfect rural escape for individuals and couples, featuring brick flooring, a rainfall shower, a wood-burning stove, and a comfy king-size bed.

 

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

A country escape awaits at Brook Cottage. Expansive views of rolling green hills stretch forever from the romantic cottage near Challacombe in Devon. Boasting a four-poster bed and other luxury touches, the pet-friendly cottage promises seclusion, a woodburning stove and a sunroom.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Milkens Cottage at Endamoor Farm is a luxury Peak District holiday cottage located in glorious rural surroundings near Bakewell. It in Derbyshire that sleeps 4 very comfortably in 2 bedroom. This pet friendly cottage is perfect for walking or cycling holidays on the Tissington and Manifold Trails.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Barn Croft Cottage is a paradise for walkers and couples seeking seclusion and relaxation. The stone-built cottage in a picturesque village near Winster lies in an elevated position, affording beautiful rural views over the Peak District. It is genuinely a well-presented cottage for couples and pets.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a large rural holiday cottage surrounded by lawns.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Thatch Barn, situated on the edge of the Norfolk Broads near Acle in Norfolk, offers groups of up to eight guests relaxing country cottage holidays. This large rural cottage retains many original features while providing a contemporary feel. Sleeps 8.

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