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 stone Penrith holiday home with a 1st floor Juliet Balcony overlook a paved courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Get swallowed up in the beauty of the remote North West Cumbrian countryside at the quieter end of The Lake District with a stay at the secluded Swallow’s Nest, a cosy, family-friendly, 5-Star Gold, barn conversion in Catterlen, near Penrith.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • 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
A spacious lounge with sofas, woodburner and coffee table
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

A log-burning fire crackles in Cranny, a cosy rural holiday cottage near Bude at East Thorne Farm. This pet-friendly holiday cottage in North Cornwall is surrounded by countryside and includes a beautiful garden, adventure playground, spa, indoor games room and proximity to the sea.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Stone-built Foxlair Holiday Cottage on Exmoor sits on a working farm and enjoys lovely countryside views and fresh air. The romantic cottage features extensive gardens, a beautiful patio, and open-plan spaces. Contemporary design features ensure a memorable getaway in Somerset. This charming Exmoor holiday cottage nestles in the peaceful riverside village of Withypool. It is tailor-made for couples seeking a tranquil rural retreat that welcomes four-legged friends.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
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 semi-detached with a large 1st floor balcony overooks a front garden with off-road parking.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

7 The Retreat is a sophisticated coastal cottage in Torbay, just a short walk from the beach in Paignton. Sleeping six, the pet-friendly Devon cottage is beautifully furnished. It boasts a lovely enclosed garden with a summer house, plus a light-filled interior with wooden floors, pastels & Juliet balconies.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
The exterior of restored railway carriage converted into self-ctering holiday accommodation with a vine-covered sun deck.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Ivywood is a Victorian Railway Carriage converted into a beautiful holiday cottage that sleeps 4. Set on the edge of the village of Wisbech St Mary in its own private garden with ample parking, which leads into a wood and 3-acre field. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A 2-storey barn conversion with  terracotta tiles nestles against a cluster of small trees overlooking a large garden and fields in East Sussex.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Set amidst an East Sussex valley north of the South Downs, Cherrystone Barn is a rural retreat near Lewes; a perfect holiday getaway for couples, this romantic countryside cottage with a hot tub has an enclosed garden offering expansive views, an open-plan living area and a separate bedroom with en-suite rolltop bath.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
2-storey exterior of a stone-built, large Dorset holiday cottage
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

Explore West Perry Hay, a charming Jurassic Coast holiday let located on the edge of North Chideock village. This spacious, stylish, and well-appointed semi-detached property is surrounded by countryside. It's perfect for family getaways with a multi-game table, a grand kitchen, and three cosy bedrooms. Enjoy alfresco breakfasts with farm views on the large lawned area. It is ideally situated to discover the Jurassic Coast's scenic wonders. This seaside holiday home in Dorset is your gateway to a delightful coast and countryside retreat. Click for a fuller description and book your escape.

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