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
17
Bedrooms
7

A large and pet-friendly holiday cottage in Chiddington comprises a self-contained wing of a delightful Tudor manor house with a tennis court and games room. It is located on the Kent-Sussex border. It sleeps 17 in 7 bedrooms in 6 acres of gardens in Chiddingston near Hever.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
A single storey county-conwy holiday-cottage with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Visit Snowdonia from this delightful stone-built, romantic Betws-y-Coed holiday cottage for two. Royal Oak Farm Cottage promises tranquillity in a tastefully restored one-bedroom cottage. Wooden décor features strongly in this cottage, which is equipped with all of the comforts of home.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of an L-shaped apartment building with iron-railings protecting walkwabys and spaced for parking beneath.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

3 Dolphin Court epitomises coastal convenience. The seaside apartment lies just minutes from the harbour and Brixham's attractions. Its location allows families to explore South Devon with ease. This Brixham holiday cottage's sophisticated, light-filled interior carries a nautical aesthetic and catches the sea breeze and the sun.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Treverbyn Vean Stable is a tastefully refurbished detached 2-bedroom holiday home in the Cornish countryside near Dobwalls/ This waterside cottage is surrounded by almost one acre of beautiful grounds, including a garden and private access to the River Loveny, where guests can fish.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
An end-of-terrace, brick holiday cottage in Church-Stretton behind a front lawn.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Betty’s Barn is a brick-built barn conversion on a 200-acre farm in the peaceful village of Eaton-under-Heywood, 5 miles from Church Stretton. This beautifully furnished countryside holiday cottage in South Shropshire sleeps 5, with gardens, ponds and access to idyllic woodland. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Gable end of a wooden eco-lodge in an orchard setting.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Orchard Cottage is a beautiful timber-clad holiday cottage in Ledbury, Herefordshire surrounded by lush green countryside. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys wonderful views and offers a sun-drenched deck, generous grounds, light and airy open-plan spaces, an outdoor games area and the chance to truly relax.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
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  • Child-Friendly Cottages
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Eco Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Large, 2-storey, Victorian house with a tree-lined garden
Sleeps
17
Bedrooms
9

Stoneleigh is a gorgeous 19th-century North Devon holiday let designed by prominent Victorian architect William Bryden and situated on the coast in Northam. This large, child-friendly holiday home boasts ornate brickwork, original sash windows, a traditional games room, and space for up to 17 guests.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Behind a table set for cocktails on a balcony is a view of Brixham Harbour.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Blue Horizon is a luxurious coastal cottage boasting superb views of Brixham Harbour, Devon. The sophisticated former fisherman’s cottage sleeps four and blends chic with tradition. It features exposed beams, stone walls & antique furnishing, and a furnished balcony for basking in the sunshine.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Front entrance and patio to  Praa-Sands holiday cottage fronted by a palm tree and shrubs.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Lighthouse is a true beachside getaway. The romantic holiday cottage on the shores of Praa Sands in Cornwall offers couples a cosy, light-filled escape with vibrant design features and impressive furnishings. The four-poster bed adds a touch of luxury, and the open-plan space enjoys ample windows.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Small Cottages