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 Modern 3-storey apartment block with large glass-fronted balconies with outdoor dining furniture.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Discover Beach Breeze No.4, a prime Bournemouth holiday let. This modern ground floor apartment sleeps 4, offering accessibility and comfort. Enjoy al fresco dining on the terraced patio with BBQ. Smart TVs, ensuite, and fully equipped kitchen ensure convenience. Just a short walk to vibrant Westbourne and sandy beaches. Explore the bustling town centre and its attractions. Perfect for a seaside getaway. View now for more details!

  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
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
A stone-built cottage overlooks a cobbled courtyard bordered by a low stone wall.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Aunt Jane’s is a delightful semi-detached rural holiday cottage on a working farm in Winster. The stone-built cottage offers beautiful views of the surrounding Peak District and Derbyshire Dales. It boasts old cruck beams and reminders of yesteryear, plus spacious outdoor areas and modern comforts.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A Norfolk barn conversion overlooks a riverside lawn
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Hayloft is a charming romantic cottage for two surrounded by cute gardens and quaint villages in North Norfolk. The cosy, pet-friendly conversion retains traditional features such as an open fire, and its elevated position affords its views of the surrounding region, Ideal for a romantic escape.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
A single storey barn conversion with dolding French windows opening onto a dining terrace.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy the country and the coast at Bromholm Barn, a luxurious 200-year-old cottage in Ridlington, Norfolk. The pet-friendly cottage offers a single-level open-plan design, exposed stone walls and beams, abundant natural light, a southwest-facing courtyard, ample grounds, and even a tent.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Brambles is a single-bedroom holiday cottage in Dorset, ideal for couples or lone travellers. It is situated between the seaside town of Weymouth and Abbotsbury, famous for its swans. It is set in stunning farmland which overlooks the Dorset Coast and the Chesil Beach. Fantastic walks straight from the door of the cottage.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
Exteerio of a beachfront chalet bungalow overlooking a sea wall.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

This lovely three-storey beachfront holiday cottage in Weymouth, Dorset, can sleep twelve people in six bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

The Norfolk Beacon is a sophisticated North Norfolk coastal cottage within the lighthouse at Winterton-on-Sea. Sitting within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the pet-friendly cottage boasts a sea breeze, beautiful views, unique architecture, a library, a log fire, a patio and a sunroom.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A drive flanked by lawns to two Exmoor barn conversions  overlooked by beech trees.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

A charming conversion above the stables turned into a small Exmoor holiday cottage nestling in the beautiful Doone Valley amidst pretty moorland countryside. The Hayloft in the small Somerset village of Oare features a stylish sitting room, a country-style kitchen with granite countertops, and two en-suite bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays