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.

A n ewly thatched Devon cottage overlooking a spacious lawn.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

The Manger is an authentic rural cottage holiday cottage near Axminster, nestled among woodland and fields in East Devon. The lovely pet-friendly cottage of stone and thatch possesses a generous garden with a pond and orchard, a table tennis table, an interior with lime-washed walls, exposed beams, and gentle rustic charm.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a heritage railway station building in North Yorkshire.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Ticket Office is a unique, quirky romantic cottage in the heart of Ruswarp in the North York Moors. The Grade II listed former ticket office features a cast iron fireplace and mullion windows encased in stone walls. The pet-friendly property is ideal for couples seeking something different.

  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
A water tower converted to a holiday home overlooks woods and fields.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

The Tower is a rural cottage that has won several awards for its unique construction and sweeping countryside views. Located near Latchingdon in Essex, this circular building has beautifully combined its original utilitarian architecture from the 1930s with modern sophistication, including a large balcony and spacious open areas.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A Lighthouse complex on a clifftop with panoramic ocean views.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Panoramic ocean views stretch before Verity Cottage, a sophisticated coastal cottage within Trevose Head Lighthouse. The coast of Cornwall lies on either side of the cottage, which boasts outdoor entertaining spaces, contemporary comfort, light and airy design, the chance to get away from it all with more clean, fresh, revitalising air than you could shake a windsock at.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A Cornish lighthouse complex with holiday cottages in a clifftop location.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Bishop Rock is a former Cornish lighthouse keeper’s cottage located within the Lizard Lighthouse grounds boasting panoramic ocean views from its clifftop location. The unique much modernized comfortable property near Helston provides direct access to this wonderful stretch of the Cornish coast.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • 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
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  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A modern brick cottage overlooking a lawn with s small millstream running through it.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Lower Mill Cottage is a charming country cottage that was once part of a larger traditional mill. It is situated in the beautiful Cotswold village of Broadway, which is considered one of the most attractive villages in the Cotswolds. The cottage features a lovely garden that is bordered by a peaceful stream, making it a perfect retreat for dog owners. Additionally, the cottage has private parking available.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
The tower of a windmill (no sails) surrounded by a shrub-filled garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Once a working flour mill for over 100 years, Aylsham Windmill now offers luxurious, family-friendly self-catering holidays (with Wi-Fi) for 2-6 guests in Aylsham, a picturesque rural market town in North Norfolk midway between Norwich and the coast at Cromer.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Cycling Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a holiday cottage in Cark-in-Cartmell overlooking a small patio and lawn.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Lovely 18th-century holiday home near Cartmel village in the South Lakes. Off-road location, log fire, free Wi-Fi. Short breaks from £240.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Circular exterior of cottage created within the base of a Suffolk windmill.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Harvey's Mill is a centuries-old Suffolk windmill near Saxmundham lovingly converted into a picture-perfect holiday cottage for two. It's a perfect rural bolthole for self-catering holidays and weekend romantic escapes, walking or cycling in the beautiful Suffolk Heritage Coast, and pets are welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a Cotswold honey-stone cottage overlooking a small lawn and patio with a dining table.
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 2

Laburnum Cottage is a charming and well-maintained country cottage in the picturesque Worcestershire village of Broadway. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, this lovely Cotswold holiday home boasts a mature private garden and can accommodate up to three guests in two double bedrooms. It's an ideal choice for anyone looking to escape to the tranquil countryside for a relaxing break. The property also features private parking and is dog-friendly, perfect for guests who want to bring their furry friends along on their holiday.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of an eco-friendly, wooden caravan in a Dorset field.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

North End Cabin is a funky rural cabin offering couples seclusion and fresh air. It is located on North End Farm in Chideock, Dorset, and promises beautiful views and wonderful sunsets. The cabin features a wood-burning stove, cosy comfort, space for pets, a hammock, and furnished outdoor spaces.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A thatched stone-built farmhouse and courtyard.
  • Sleeps 30
  • Bedrooms 12

North End Farm is a delightful property near Bridport and the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. It offers ample furnished grounds, rustic charm, lovely views & stunning sunsets. Surrounded by rolling green hills, the farm offers pet-friendly holiday cottages and cabins for couples, small families and large groups.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Ground floor, brick exterior of a barn conversion overlooking a shrub-filled garden
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Endless activities greet visitors to Oliver’s Mill, a large converted barn amid the rolling hills of Alkington. The 18th-century rural holiday cottage in Shropshire boasts style and traditional character and offers woodland, an indoor swimming pool, a multi-sports court & a children’s play area, plus a log fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A timber house on stilts beneath lime trees overlooks a large fenced garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

The Apple Tree House is a 5-star gold-rated rural cottage near Halse in Somerset. It is pet-friendly and sits below two mature lime trees, giving it the appearance of a mystical tree house. The Somerset holiday cottage combines country charm and modern amenities such as a swimming pool and a log burner. Guests can enjoy seclusion and a holiday amidst the idyllic foothills of The Quantocks.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays

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.