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.

Exterior of a single-storey cottage with French Windows opening onto a patio.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Lake View Cottage is a rural holiday home in North Devona just outside the pretty North Devon coastal village of West Down' It lies within the grounds of Lower Aylescott Farm. One of 6 cottages, it shares lovely grounds, a fishing lake and a play area. The beaches at Woolacombe are only 5 miles away, and Exmoor is a 20-minute drive.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Managed by My Favourite Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a farm cottage overlooking a secure lawn.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

Hillarth Farmhouse is a large, semi-detached Edwardian Farmhouse with Wi-Fi in quiet countryside near Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The Farmhouse is situated in a quiet country lane, with a large garden and ample parking. It is a family-friendly holiday cottage that sleeps 8. Pets are welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
An arched  brick gatehouse converted to holiday cottages.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Treasury is an elegant romantic cottage within the grounds of the private Wolterton Park Estate in Norfolk. The pet-friendly luxury cottage for two boasts exposed brick walls and great character, as well as fine furnishings and an open fire. Couples can also enjoy the private estate and its 150 acres of grounds.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a terraced stone-built holiday cottage in Dunster.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Pebble Cottage is a delightful renovation of a traditional cottage for holidays exploring the West Somerset coast and Exmoor. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in Dunster sleeps four and offers a vibrant mature, south-facing, furnished garden, a stylish interior with an open-plan design and a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A large, brightly lit house overlooks a swimming pool at dusk.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4
  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
The harbour and sea view from the deck of a Polperro holiday cottage.
Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
4

Discover Pilchard Rock, a large holiday cottage in Polperro offering stunning sea views. Enjoy 180-degree vistas from every window and balcony. Ideal for coastal walks and village exploration, this pet-friendly, luxury seaside cottage boasts a modern interior with spacious living areas and comfortable bedrooms. With its central location and charming design, Pilchard Rock promises a memorable getaway for couples, families, and groups. Explore now for an unforgettable seaside retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • 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
A twin-gabled house overlooks a large lawn bordered by a tall hedge.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

New Lodge promises stunning views of Lake Ullswater from its cosy sitting room. The lakeside cottage in Watermillock, Cumbria, promises seclusion and modern sophistication, architectural design, floor-to-ceiling windows, two log fires, lovely gardens and a private shoreline with a small jetty.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A brick-built 1930s cottage with covered porch and block-paved courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

2 The School House is an attractive 1930s semi-detached property situated in the peaceful village of Dorsington, 7 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon. Conveniently located on the border of Warwickshire and the Cotswolds, it is the ideal base to discover Shakespeare Country.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays