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 semi-detached Cornish cottage overlooks a block-paved courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Curlew's Cwtch offers country charm within reach of the ocean. The pet-friendly holiday cottage lies moments from the beaches of Polzeath. It boasts views of the Cornish countryside from its ample garden, a pastel palette with local art, open-plan design, picture windows and a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
2-storey barn conversion with a patio for dining and large lawn.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Rampisham Hill Farm Barn sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on a working sheep farm near Hooke in Dorset, & the rural cottage promises beautiful views, spacious outdoor areas, an open fire, fresh farm eggs, contemporary comfort, open-plan design, serenity & access to the Jurassic Coast.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A white-rendered 2-tory, semidetached holiday cottage in Cumbbria overlooks a quiet lane.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Kings Cottage in the historic market town of Alston, Cumbria, makes the perfect dog-friendly holiday cottage for couples planning a romantic holiday in the Pennines. This recently refurbished character cottage lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Set amongst mature waterside gardens in a gorgeous secluded location, Bratton Mill Cottage, near the medieval village of Bratton Fleming in Devon, is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage. It has been recently redecorated yet retains much of the character and charm of the original mill.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A stone-built holiday cottage with a picnic table patio overlooks a lawn.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
2

A delightful, tranquil location at Lea Hill. Seven acres of grounds and gardens with wonderful views. Dog exercise field. Up to four dogs are welcome. Plenty of places to visit. Nine miles from Dorset's fabulous Jurassic Coast.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Managed by My Favourite Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
8

South Bay is a large holiday cottage a 2-minute stroll to the beach at Bridlington in East Yorkshire. The house offers pet-friendly self-catering holidays for up to 14 guests. This child-friendly house welcomes large families and groups of friends for traditional seaside holidays and celebrations.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

An enchanting Shropshire countryside farm cottage near Shrewsbury, the Corn House is located on a 100-acre working cattle farm. This small, rural house, with a fabulously luxurious yet rustic interior, lies on the outskirts of the village of Leighton and sleeps four.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A grand 3-storey, brick-built Tudor house overlooks a large, formal lawned gardens.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
12

Surround yourself with royal luxury at Upton Cressett Hall, a grand regal cottage in Shropshire. Marvel at the manicured grounds of the pet-friendly cottage, and indulge in the seclusion and beauty of a residence boasting log fires, exposed beams, antique furnishings and unique décor.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Explore Little Haven, a captivating 2-bedroom seaside holiday let in Lymington. This Hampshire coastal cottage seamlessly blends modern comfort with charming aesthetics. Enjoy open-plan living, a stylish courtyard, within easy reach of Lymington's waterfront. With a fully equipped kitchen, Smart TVs, and outdoor dining, it's an ideal retreat. Walk to boutique shops, restaurants, and the Quay. Discover nearby attractions like the New Forest National Park. Little Haven promises a picturesque escape—view the full details for an unforgettable coastal getaway.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays