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.

2-storey exterior of. stone-built barn conversion overlooking a paved terrace and a lawn
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Harvest Cottage welcomes couples to a pretty stone and pantiled farm cottage near Pickering in the heart of picturesque Levisham. The pet-friendly, one-bedroom barn conversion offers ample gardens and peace and quiet. It is an ideal base for exploring the North York Moors and coast.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
Sleeps
13
Bedrooms
5

A fun-filled self-catering holiday in the Yorkshire Dales awaits at Laurel Bank, a large, five-bedroom, pet-friendly holiday home near the rural village of Embsay. Laurel Bank Cottage sits among mature gardens. This charming and modern cottage is finished with dashes of bold colour and country style.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a stone-built Dorset chalet bungalow overlooking a front lawn and drive.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Lanes End, a charming Chetnole holiday rental, offers a delightful escape with three bedrooms: one ground-floor king-size, one double, and one twin. Enjoy modern amenities like a bathroom with a walk-in shower, a kitchen/diner, and a living/dining room with a wood-burning stove. The property features a private driveway, front lawn, and rear garden with furniture. Immerse yourself in comfort with WiFi, TV, and essential supplies included. Experience tranquillity in this pet-friendly retreat, where no smoking is allowed — book now for a memorable Dorset getaway in all seasons.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Entry arch and adjoining granite-built cottage overlook a castle courtyard.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The National Trust for Scotland offers Courtyard Cottage, a romantic apartment inside Drum Castle in Drumoak. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in Aberdeenshire dates back 700 years and boasts antique furnishings in keeping with its history, as well as an open fire, contemporary comforts and beautiful grounds.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • 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
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Located at the southern end of the Lake District, Bobbin Mill is a large and nicely furnished holiday cottage in the. Lake District with beautiful terraced gardens, a 10-minute walk from Lake Windermere. Bobbin Mill comprises the main house and a separate 1st-floor annexe, between them, sleeping 8 guests in 4 bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
End of terrace exterior with off-road parking of a seaside holiday home in Hunstanton.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The Northgate Loft is a thoroughly modern and spacious seaside holiday let in Hunstanton with easy access to the sandy beaches of Hunstanton and the Norfolk coast. The coastal cottage boasts ample windows with ocean views and is situated within the heart of the coastal town. Escape to the seaside and relax.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a double-fronted Exmoor holiday cottage overlooking a front garden and surrounded by trees.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

Pipits is a large period Exmoor holiday home on the outskirts of the Somerset village of Exford. This pet-friendly cottage boasts a large inglenook fireplace, oak beams, two wood-burner stoves, a terraced garden with a summerhouse, and four bedrooms comfortably sleeping up to eight guests.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A 2-storey, timber-walled lodge in a woodland glade.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Deerpark Lodge is a delightful wooden-clad holiday lodge in Leicestershire on a 28-acre estate near Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The pet-friendly rural property is surrounded by woodland for walks and lakes for fishing. It offers light-filled open-plan spaces, a contemporary design, a large deck with views, and a log fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays