Unusual & Quirky Holiday Cottages

Find unusual and quirky holiday cottages across the UK, from former windmills, lighthouses and railway buildings to distinctive conversions and historic homes. Every property in this collection should have a clearly described feature that sets it apart—whether that is its architecture, original purpose, setting or design. Explore the listings, then check the individual property details for practical information such as layout, access, parking and pet rules.

Pendeen lighthouse holiday cottages in a clifftop location
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 2

Argus Cottage is a unique coastal cottage set inside Pendeen Lighthouse atop the cliffs of Pendeen. The pet-friendly cottage boasts stunning ocean views and an abundance of wildlife, as well as a generously sized, furnished garden, contemporary design features, a sea breeze and access to the Cornwall coast and South West Coast Path.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A lighthouse and cottages stands on a cliff edge.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Ariel is a stylish coastal cottage offering a unique getaway in Nash Point Lighthouse near Marcross on the South Wales Coast. The pet-friendly cottage sleeps 5. It provides uninterrupted ocean views and a sea breeze, lovely grounds with furnished spaces and an interior boasting contemporary chic, natural light and comfort.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A  stone-built cottage overlooks a large lawn surrounded by flowering shrubs and bushes.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

A perfect rural retreat set amidst a working sheep farm within the Exmoor National Park, Mill Cottage in Luxborough offers comfortable upside-down accommodation for up to six guests, a child-friendly cottage in Somerset with a spacious living area, a wood-burning stove, and an enclosed garden.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
The double-fronted exterior of a rustic, terraced holiday cottage in a Mid Devon village street with a flowery creeper overhanging the front door.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Sausage Cottage in Oakford is a large and charming Mid Devon holiday cottage that can accommodate up to eight guests. It offers four delightful bedrooms, an inviting sitting room with an art deco fireplace, and a separate Snug/TV room. The cottage is situated within walking distance of the village pub and is an ideal base for exploring the idyllic moorland surroundings. It promises a unique and memorable stay for its guests.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Aerial view of a tall, brick-built, twin-towered, Victorian folly in a rural location.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Ultimate Romantic Bolthole for Couples in the Shropshire Countryside.

The Summer House is a Grade II listed octagonal tower and summer house built around 1607 near the Shropshire village of Eyton-on-Severn. The memorable, romantic rural retreat will entice couples with its spiral staircase, original features, elegance, magnificent rural views, and a wood-burning stove in the bedroom

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
holiday lodge deck with a hot-tub, table and chairs
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Escape to the Somerset countryside near Cheddar at the beautiful Combe Hay eco-lodge, complete with luxury furnishings and a private Jacuzzi hot tub, perfect for a romantic getaway for two.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Doves Barn Suffolk
  • Sleeps 20
  • Bedrooms 8

This spacious Suffolk Barn conversion, Bradley, sits on 2 acres of land and provides well-furnished accommodation with stunning views of the countryside. Guests can also enjoy a hot tub.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A stem engines rushes through Somerset countryside past two old carriages converted to holiday homes
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Experience a unique holiday in the Somerset countryside by staying in your very own railway carriage beside the vintage West Somerset Railway tracks near Williton. The Railway Carriage is an authentic replica fitted out to provide you with style and luxury. This pet-friendly holiday cottage has a 4-star rating and features an eco-friendly design, a log burner, and modern amenities.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A steam-train passes by a line-side holiday cottage on a sunny summer's day.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Located near Woolston in Somerset, Railway Cottage is a picturesque destination for steam railway enthusiasts. This pet-friendly cottage on the West Somerset Railway boasts stunning countryside views, charming interiors, a cosy log burner, bright and airy rooms, oak flooring, and modern amenities. It has also earned a 4-star gold rating.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 3

The Brewery is a unique conversion providing a very comfortable 3 bedroomed detached house with a large garden and access to an organic farm littered with swimming ponds. The kitchen dining area works very well and the views from the bedrooms and living rooms are incredible with views through the adjacent swimming lake south to the Jurassic coast and west towards Golden Cap, Hardown Hill and Morcombelake. The fold down downstairs bed and adjacent shower room allow for less mobile guests to be comfortable as do the ramp to the patio. The coast at Seatown is 2 miles and the vibrant towns of Bridport and Lyme Regis are 15 mins.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Spectacular ocean views extend to the horizon from Galatea, a coastal cottage within the Whitby Lighthouse complex. The unique cottage offers elegant and light-filled accommodation, spacious furnished grounds, a refreshing sea breeze, sophistication, and seclusion within easy reach of the beach. 

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Waterside Cottages

What makes a holiday cottage quirky?

A quirky cottage is more than an attractive old building or a cottage with colourful décor. Look for a specific, documented feature: perhaps a former ticket office, a converted water tower, a lighthouse stay, a windmill or a railway carriage. The listing should make clear why the property belongs here.

If you are looking forLook forCheck before booking
A historic conversionA former mill, ticket office, tower or other repurposed buildingStairs, original layout and any access restrictions
Unusual architectureA lighthouse, tower, circular building or non-standard layoutFloor plans, headroom and external access
A memorable settingA heritage site, coastal landmark or distinctive rural locationPrivacy, nearby visitors, other properties and parking
A design-led stayA clearly described themed or characterful interiorPhotos, room layout and the exact features provided

Things to check before you book

Older and converted properties can have steep stairs, split levels, compact rooms or unusual access arrangements. If you are travelling with children, a dog, or anyone with limited mobility, read the full property description and ask the owner or agent about anything important to your stay.

Frequently asked questions

It should have a verified architectural, historic, original-use, setting or design feature that makes it materially different from a standard cottage.

Some are, but suitability varies. Check bedrooms, outside space, stairs, water features and any property-specific safety notes before booking.

Use the dog-friendly cottages collection, then confirm the individual property’s pet policy, charges and any garden restrictions.

Not always. Converted and historic buildings may have steps, narrow doorways or split-level layouts. Check the property details before booking.