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 wisteria-clad stone-built holiday cottage in Porlock on a sunny day.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Jasmine Cottage is a charming stone-built end-terrace located on the edge of Porlock. The coastal holiday cottage in Somerset boasts breathtaking sea views and can comfortably accommodate up to six guests. The pet-friendly cottage offers guests a sun-trap enclosed garden, a breezy open-plan design, coastal chic decor, abundant natural light, charming furnishings, and a cosy wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A single storey county-conwy holiday-cottage with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Visit Snowdonia from this delightful stone-built, romantic Betws-y-Coed holiday cottage for two. Royal Oak Farm Cottage promises tranquillity in a tastefully restored one-bedroom cottage. Wooden décor features strongly in this cottage, which is equipped with all of the comforts of home.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior and patio of a single-storey, wooden eco-lodge surrounded by trees.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
1

Once a barn in a beautiful rural location, The Kingfisher’s Nest has been lovingly converted to create an idyllic one-bedroom waterside holiday cottage on the banks of Cowesby Beck in North Yorkshire. It is nicely located for exploring the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. This luxury cottage sleeps 4 in one double bedroom plus a sofa bed.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A 3-storey, glass-fronted house curves around a courtyard with a central lawn and sofas
Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
6

Indulge in a delightful luxury cottage vacation at Woolbrook Reservoir in Sidmouth - a stunning coastal cottage retreat with an awe-inspiring design. This holiday home in East Devon features spacious rooms, a captivating atrium, and a rooftop garden complete with a wood-fired hot tub. The property includes common areas like a high-quality kitchen, a games room, and an outdoor lounge suite. Located less than 1.5 miles from Sidmouth, it provides privacy and offers breathtaking views.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Eco Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
Exterior of a wooden holiday lodge in Watchet, surrounded by lawns,mature pine tree and beach hedges.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Enjoy a breathtaking sunset view over Blue Anchor from the private deck of Pines, a charming romantic cottage situated in Cleeve Park, Somerset. You can also take your time to explore the beautiful region of Exmoor and unwind at a coastal cottage that features an open-plan design, ample natural light, and a spacious enclosed garden.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
4

Holly Bank is a large detached East Yorkshire holiday home in Bevrley with a spacious garden and off-road parking. This well-equipped and pet-friendly property sleeps nine guests in four bedrooms.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
A gable end with French windows open onto a low-walled terrace withdining furniture and a sea view.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Vale View Apartment is a light, airy, spacious first-floor holiday apartment in Porlock Weir within the west wing of a beautiful Edwardian hunting lodge. Patio doors open onto a private balcony with a table and chairs overlooking the front of the property. Sleeps 4 guests.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a quaint stone-built Norfolk holiday cottage overlookings. mature garden and lawn.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Little Star is a romantic Norfolk flint-terraced village cottage near Hunstanton. The pet-friendly home promises a delightful garden and rustic interior. The cottage boasts exposed beams & wooden floors, as well as vaulted ceilings and a wood burner. Spoil your partner with a charming holiday.

  • 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
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The compact and cosy Stable Cottage lies within the stone walls of a converted stable and offers a delightfully-appointed rural retreat on a working farm in Levisham. The pet-friendly holiday cottage near Pickering is ideal for a holiday, enjoying both the moors and the coast.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays