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.

S single-storey chapel conversion to a holiday cottage in West Lulworth
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Explore St Mary's Chapel, a luxurious West Lulworth holiday let in Dorset, offering an unforgettable escape in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This converted chapel sleeps up to six guests, featuring unique architectural elements, an open-plan living space with underfloor heating, and flexible sleeping arrangements. The enclosed garden with scenic views and proximity to local amenities, including Lulworth Cove's pebble beach, adds to the property's allure. Discover a perfect blend of comfort and coastal beauty at this Dorset holiday rental. View more information and photos for an enticing escape.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Floor to ceiling French windows in a brick and coblestone cottage overlook a formal garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Bridge Cottage is a cute cottage converted from a former mill worker home in Aylsham, Norfolk. The delightful garden leads into the characterful interior, which retains exposed beams and tiled floors and offers open-plan design, thoughtful presentation and décor, and easy access to many attractions.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a terraced seafront cottage with a walled front garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover Riversmeet, your ideal holiday home in Instow, North Devon. This sunset-facing seafront cottage offers breathtaking views of Instow Beach and Appledore. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, it accommodates up to six guests. Enjoy the open-plan living area with modern amenities. Pet-friendly and close to local amenities, it's perfect for families. Experience coastal living at its finest. View the full description for more details.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Stone-built exterior of a Peak District Cottage with flower-covered flagstone terrace.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Jasmine Cottage is a charming countryside retreat in Derbyshire's Peak District, blending traditional features with modern amenities. The child-friendly cottage features an en-suite bathroom with a waterfall shower and a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

They say that the view can make a holiday truly special, and families can certainly experience this at Glintings, a holiday cottage located in Polperro. This spacious and pet-friendly cottage in Cornwall can accommodate up to six people and boasts stunning views of the village and harbour from its sunny hillside location.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
6

The Old Chequers is an impressive converted pub in the quiet village of South Creake. The pet-friendly cottage welcomes groups and offers a spacious garden with a stream, hot tub and terrace, a sunlit conservatory, playroom, two living areas, a log fire, wonderful views and access to Norfolk.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A Northumberland farmhouse in open countryside overlooks a row of traditional barns
Sleeps
11
Bedrooms
6

Homestone Farmhouse is a large, traditional, stone-built farmhouse on a 250-acre working farm in an idyllic, secluded rural location 5 miles from Campbeltown on the Kintyre Peninsula. View this child-friendly farmhouse in Scotland sleeps 11 in 5 bedrooms. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Allerford is one of twelve 4-Star Exmoor Holiday Cottages in the beautiful Avill valley near Dunster, sleeping five in three bedrooms. Use indoor pool, spa, games room, tennis court, trampoline, play centre, etc. Families and pets are most welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a single-storey Cornish cottage surrouded by a tree-lined garden.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Millstream is a Tintagel holiday cottage for couples set in the picturesque St. Nectan’s Glen along the North Cornwall coast. This romantic rural retreat for two is in a former corn mill and retains its character, with a quaint arched door and sofa that converts into a full-size double bed.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages