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.

Front of a log cabin showing a covered deck.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This hand-built and wonderfully fitted log cabin in Shropshire oozes charm and romance. The entire cabin, from the bold exterior to the charming interior, was designed with Western Red Cedar and thoughtfully furnished to ensure that the country charm is carried throughout his eco cottage in Ellesmere.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A timbered eco-lodge sits in front of mature woods overlooking open fields
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Escape to the countryside and experience an enchanting holiday at Woodbell Lodge. This luxurious cottage is one of five detached properties located on the beautiful Wakes Hall Estate, near the village of Wakes Colne in Essex. The property is pet-friendly and features a veranda, hot tub, two en-suite bedrooms, and modern eco-technology.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Family-friendly Pippenwell Cottage at Farditch Farm is a luxury Peak District holiday cottage amidst beautiful rural surroundings in Derbyshire. This dog-friendly cottage sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms (1 en-suite) in a high-quality barn conversion.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Take tea overlooking the old mill pond at the stone-built Locks Cottage and enjoy the idyllic setting of this two-bedroom, rural holiday cottage in Langcliffe near Settle. Gaze upon the green hills of the Yorkshire Dales and unwind by the open fire in a cosy, peaceful cottage near the River Ribble.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Smoking Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
A heated indoor swimming pool with a hot tub.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Granary is a pet-friendly countryside apartment located on the first floor with access to an indoor heated pool, hot tub and sauna in Newton-on-Rawcliffe, Pickering. This cosy apartment has an open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner, providing stunning views of the Vale of Pickering and beyond. It has been attractively designed to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • 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 heated indoor pool and large jacuzzi.
Sleeps
19
Bedrooms
10

Mel House Cottages are a group of four pet-friendly properties that sleep from 3 to 19 Guests in the centre of attractive Newton-on-Rawcliffe in the North York Moors. Three of the four properties are rated at various levels of accessibility for disabled use. Facilities include an indoor Pool, Hot Tub, and Sauna.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a single-storey, stone-built, Cheshire holiday cottage.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Set among the gorgeous countryside of Cheshire, Orchard Cottage is a modern barn conversion near Rainow that offers luxury, seclusion, and relaxation. The pet-friendly cottage boasts a delightful garden with beautiful views, a games room, an open fire, original features and sun-filled spaces.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A contemporary 1st floor apartment with an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling glass windows and wrap around balcony.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Castle View is a striking, architecturally designed, large holiday home in Warwickshire opposite Warwick Castle. With a seamless blend of new and old, the cottage features exposed beams and stone walls, an orangery, a lovely garden, balconies and impressive views of the famous castle.

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