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 two storey Marazion holiday cottage overlooks a lawned garden and sweeping sea views.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

A stunning Cornish cottage located right on the coast of Marazion, offering breathtaking views of St Michael's Mount. The holiday home features three spacious bedrooms, original details, and a luxurious interior, providing truly relaxing seaside holidays in Cornwall.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A drive flanked by lawns to two Exmoor barn conversions  overlooked by beech trees.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

A charming conversion above the stables turned into a small Exmoor holiday cottage nestling in the beautiful Doone Valley amidst pretty moorland countryside. The Hayloft in the small Somerset village of Oare features a stylish sitting room, a country-style kitchen with granite countertops, and two en-suite bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A ground-floor rural barn conversion in Cornwall overlooks a shingle-covered courtyard.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
1

Wheal Rose is a romantic cottage tucked away in the hills near St. Newlyn East in Cornwall. The rural cottage boasts exposed beams and a delightful garden, modern comforts and proximity to the Cornish coast. Relax, connect, unwind and sample the delights of this beautiful county.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Whites Farm Barn is a picture-perfect rural holiday cottage near Ledbury, set among manicured gardens. The stone-built barn contains vaulted beamed ceilings and country charm, modern sophistication, ample gardens with lovely views, abundant natural light and serenity.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A 3-storey Windsor town house at dusk with windows bathed in light.
Sleeps
11
Bedrooms
5

Escapade is an exceptionally sophisticated townhouse on Eton’s High Street in Berkshire, a short walk from Windsor Castle, the Tube, and riverside walks along The Thames. Escapade is a large Windsor holiday apartment spanning four floors and boasts contemporary design touches and the height of luxury with two living rooms for relaxation.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
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
A bungalow with a large sunroom overlooks a drive with plenty of parking space
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Located in the picturesque coastal town of Rhyl, Beach Cottage stands as a shining example of an exceptional family seaside retreat. Perfectly situated just a brief 2-minute stroll from Kinmel Bay's inviting beach, and offering easy access to the bustling heart of Rhyl, this holiday haven exudes quality and comfort. Impeccably furnished to provide a capacious home away from home, Beach Cottage is the ideal choice for families seeking a beachside break.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Barn conversion buildings overlooking a grass courtyard with a raised flower bed.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Lovely large 6-bedroom barn conversion in East Yorkshire with private gardens - set on our farmstead in 19 acres of grass and woodland two miles from the historic town of Beverley. Free wifi - arrive any day. AWARD-WINNING COTTAGES. Pets welcome. Sleeps 12+2 extra children.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a North Devon rural barn conversion amid a large garden.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Stay at The Tallet, which is ideal for countryside self-catering holidays in North Devon. This dog-friendly holiday cottage accommodates ten guests, offering tasteful decor, sweeping countryside views, and underfloor heating. Explore the nearby coast and Exmoor National Park easily. The cottage lies on the edge of Exmoor and boasts five bedrooms, including a private hot tub, a shared games room, and a patio for alfresco dining. Book the Upper or Lower Tallet separately or the entire house for a complete rural retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays