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 large country Manor house with a timbered Tudor wing.
Sleeps
24
Bedrooms
11

The Manor on the Monnow is an impressive baroque manor house located on the east bank of the River Monnow, just a short walk from the centre of Monmouth. The property comfortably accommodates 24 guests in 11 bedrooms/9 bathrooms, with spacious communal areas, great outdoor space, and a hot tub too!

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Moorparks Cottage is a traditional farm cottage offering two bedrooms, 1 King-size (Which converts to a twin) and one double bedroom. Downstairs lounge diner leading through to a kitchen with views to Exmoor. The Barn is suitable for children over six years of age. • Bathroom: with shower over

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A holiday bungalow with off-road parking in a remote rural location.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Ghyll Bank Bungalow is a gorgeous traditional cottage nestled among farmland near Staveley in Cumbria and The Lake District. The cosy, pet-friendly property enjoys breathtaking views of the fells and features charming details, furnished outdoor spaces, contemporary comforts and an open fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a double-fronted, wisteria-clad Abbotsbury holiday cottage
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Market House, an Abbotsbury holiday home, offers a tastefully updated, spacious retreat with charming original features. This family-friendly holiday let in Dorset accommodates up to six guests, featuring a wood-burning stove, contemporary decor, and a delightful courtyard. Centrally located, it provides easy access to Abbotsbury's quintessential high street and numerous attractions, including the Subtropical Gardens and the Jurassic Coast Path. Discover the charm of this family-friendly retreat – your ideal coastal escape in Dorset.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A 2-storey, stone-built East Devon holiday cottage overlooks a shingle covered courtyard.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
2

Relax and unwind in this cosy East Devon rural holiday cottage in the Blackdown Hills near Honiton and, slightly further, the Jurassic coast. Apple Tree Cottage is perfect for couples seeking a romantic rural retreat in any season or a family with an infant for holidays during school term times.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a chalet bungalow overlooking an ornate garden with rockery
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
1

North End Farm's Old Dairy is a very comfortable, spacious rural holiday cottage for couples near Bridport in Broadchurch country on Dorset's Jurassic Coast with walks and beautiful beaches nearby. Well-equipped kitchen, central heating, wood burner and Strauss piano. Great pubs.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
7

This superb, pet-friendly Edwardian seaside holiday home on Anglesey is large enough to accommodate up to 14 guests by the sea in Cemaes Bay. With sea views from most rooms and a garden bordering the beach, it's perfect for holidays all year round for large families or groups of friends.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • 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
  • Waterside Cottages
L=shaped rural holiday bungalow surrounded by a large hedge and parking spaces.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Applewood is a pretty one-bedroom cottage situated in the village of Harome near Helmsley within walking distance of the Michelin-starred Star Inn and nestled between the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and the Howardian Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Families or groups of friends seeking to holiday in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales find the perfect home base for their travels with 9 Navigation Square, a large holiday cottage in Skipton just off the historic High Street. The 4-bedroom house comfortably sleeps eight in spacious accommodation.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays