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.

A single storey barn conversion overlooking a patio and securely-fenced lawn.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The Nurseries is an elegant barn conversion resting in a quiet corner of Syderstone in Norfolk. The pet-friendly cottage offers light-filled, open-plan spaces with vaulted beamed ceilings, Danish-style furniture & log fire. The enclosed lawned garden catches the sun, and a beach hut is available.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Granary Cottage is a stone-built holiday cottage in Staintondale that treats guests to blissful rural charm within the North York Moors National Park. The pet-friendly coastal cottage houses contemporary features, peace and tranquillity and stunning ocean views from its spacious gardens.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Barn conversions in a courtyard overlook a raised flower bed in its centre
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Tucked in near the Great Fryup Dale in the heart of North York Moors National Park, The Byre in the civil parish of Danby, North Yorkshire, sits on a working organic farm, a two-storey countryside cottage featuring exposed beams, vaulted ceiling, and ground floor underfloor heating.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a single-storey, stone barn conversion with a contemporary wood and glass extension.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Based on the Isle of Anglesey, Bwthyn Gwyn is a meticulously restored stone-built barn conversion, reappointed as a vibrant and welcoming holiday home in the countryside. The two-bedroom property is perfect for small families and combines contemporary comforts with rustic style for a relaxing breakaway.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Small Cottages
A thatched Hampshire holiday cottage sits behind a flowering hedgerow in the countryside.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

3-Bedroom, Pet-Friendly New Forest Holiday Home Near Lymington

Forest Cottage, ideal for self-catering holidays in the New Forest, invites you to a charming retreat. Nestled in a fabulous location, this detached thatched cottage exudes character with exposed beams and a peaceful garden. Sleeps five in three bedrooms, providing a quaint escape for families and couples. Direct forest access is perfect for New Forest walking holidays. Explore nearby attractions like Beaulieu Village, Lymington, and Bucklers Hard. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the New Forest—book your stay for a delightful holiday experience.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Decked entrance, outdoor dining area and meadow setting.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

A private lodge for couples only. Just a 5-minute drive from North Devon surf beaches and SW coast path. This immaculate, one-bedroom luxury lodge has a king-size bed and a gorgeous bathroom. Well-appointed kitchenette. South-facing outdoor decking, set in a pretty meadow. A calm and relaxing retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A stone Penrith holiday home with a 1st floor Juliet Balcony overlook a paved courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Get swallowed up in the beauty of the remote North West Cumbrian countryside at the quieter end of The Lake District with a stay at the secluded Swallow’s Nest, a cosy, family-friendly, 5-Star Gold, barn conversion in Catterlen, near Penrith.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A weatherboard barn conversion with a patio having a small table and chairs.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Larch Barn sits amidst a large meadow on the edge of the South Somerset village of North Perrott, a pretty child-friendly cottage offering comfortable accommodation for couples and young families, boasting two bedrooms and a light, airy open plan living area with exposed beams.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A table  with parasol and chairs tands on a sunny patio behind a stone built holiday cottage in Devon.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Escape to tranquillity at Buzzards View, a captivating holiday home in Cornworthy. Renovated in 2022, this South Devon country cottage nestles in the scenic Dart Valley. Revel in the open-plan kitchen/diner, unwind in the spacious sitting room, and relax on the tranquil patio. Three chic bedrooms, including a master with ensuite, guarantee comfort. Benefit from off-street parking and explore the fuller description for an in-depth look at this charming South Devon getaway.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays