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
2
Bedrooms
1

This cosy countryside holiday cottage for couples sleeps two on a peaceful 200-acre farm near Church Stretton in the rural village of Eaton-under-Heywood. Kite’s Nest is a beautiful barn conversion surrounded by South Shropshire’s picturesque countryside, with access to gardens, ponds and woods.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A large multi-windowed chalet bungalow in Charmouth with an extended plate-glass walled deck
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Charmouth holiday let, Pendower, just a short walk from Charmouth village, presents guests with stunning sea views. This seaside holiday home in Dorset boasts a flexible split-level design, perfect for families or couples. Enjoy the enclosed gardens, an ideal playground for kids and pets, while savouring coastal vistas. The open-plan living space, stylish kitchen, and three inviting bedrooms ensure a comfortable retreat. Book Pendower for a memorable stay near Charmouth's vibrant charm and explore the wonders of the Jurassic Coast. Discover more about this captivating property.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
3-storey house with a 2-storey wing and a large parking space in front
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

The North East Coast of Scotland is adored for its scenic coastal walks all year round. 1 Seafield Street is a large holiday cottage in Cullen, a historic coastal town on the Murray Firth, sleeping up to ten adults and two children in spacious, well-equipped accommodation. One well-behaved pet is welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a Cotswold honeystone cottage overlooking a lawn with daffodils in bloom.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

1 Lower Mill Cottages is a charming Cotswold Holiday Cottage nestling in a quiet corner of the Worcestershire village of Broadway with private parking. This two-bedroom,dog-friendly countryside cottage has lovely stream-bordered gardens and lies within an easy walk of superb pubs and restaurants.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
8

Deerclose is a large Yorkshire Dales Farmhouse offering self-catering accommodation for large families and groups of friends in the tiny village of Horsehouse near Leyburn in Coverdale. High up on the fells, this characterful farmhouse offers stunning rural views of the Dales countryside.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Keeper Cottage West stands at the most westerly point of mainland Britain, nestled below the majestic Ardnamurchan Lighthouse on the shores of Loch Linnhe, the gateway to Ben Nevis. This cosy granite, pet-friendly seaside cottage with WiFi sleeps 4 in a lovely remote rural location.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large, contemporary 3-storey apartment building with a central gable of floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Make your stay along the Welsh Riviera memorable with a stay at The Mushroom House, a fabulous ground-floor, seaside holiday apartment in  Tenby. This one-bedroom romantic cottage for couples is just steps from award-winning Pembrokeshire beaches. It features open plan living space and a front decked area.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Two rows of cottages converted from stables line two-sides of a courtyard.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

This charming holiday cottage in Enniskillen is decorated to a high standard, with period furnishings and a wood-burning stove. It features a sitting area, kitchen area, twin bedroom and bathroom. It has a small outside patio.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A stone-built holiday cottage with a picnic table patio overlooks a lawn.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
2

A delightful, tranquil location at Lea Hill. Seven acres of grounds and gardens with wonderful views. Dog exercise field. Up to four dogs are welcome. Plenty of places to visit. Nine miles from Dorset's fabulous Jurassic Coast.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Managed by My Favourite Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays