An octagonal, stone-built toll house shaded by trees.

Book Self-Catering Holidays in Quirky and Unusual Holiday Homes

Fancy a holiday that’s a bit off-kilter, 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?

Step into the delightfully eccentric world of quirky holiday cottages, where the ordinary takes a back seat and the extraordinary becomes your temporary abode!

Search here to find architecturally unique holiday cottages 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.

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.

Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Indulge in the serene allure of Cosy Cornish Cottage, the perfect Cornish coastal getaway for a family or small group of friends. This pet-friendly haven in Cornwall beckons with its charming ambience and spacious accommodation for up to 6 guests across 3 bedrooms, ensuring an intimate escape for couples or a cosy gathering for friends. Picture enchanting evenings by the crackling log burners and days brimming with exploration amidst Cornwall's breathtaking landscapes and attractions. Revel in the modern comforts, from Wi-Fi to underfloor heating, and savour the convenience of nearby shops and eateries. Whether you seek quiet moments with your partner or cherished memories with friends, Cosy Cornish Cottage offers a haven for relaxation and adventure. Secure your slice of romantic bliss today!

  • Active Holidays
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Exterior of a restored Scottish croft with stone walls thatched roof in a remote location on Skye
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Beaton’s Croft is a truly unique romantic getaway. The A-listed rural cottage is listed under the National Trust for Scotland and occupies a secluded corner of Kilmuir on the Isle of Skye. With a thatched roof and whitewashed walls, plus an open fire, the Croft exudes character and enjoys views.

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A lighthouse with a sweeping clifftop lawn and sea views.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Book an Isle of Wight holiday cottage with superb sea views at Landward, a beautifully renovated ex-Lighthouse keeper's cottage at St Margaret's Lighthouse. Near Ventnor, a few minutes walk from the beach, this attractive cliff-top rural holiday cottage sleeps 4. Pets welcome.

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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.

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Eterior of a vintage railway carriage converted to a holiday rental in a garden.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

A Victorian Railway Carriage converted into a small holiday cottage sleeps 2, set in a pretty private garden with ample parking that leads into a three-acre field. Ideal for couples, semi-rural location on the edge of the village of Wisbech St Mary. Pets welcome.

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Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Spectacular ocean views extend to the horizon from Galatea, a coastal cottage within the Whitby Lighthouse complex. The unique cottage offers elegant and light-filled accommodation, spacious furnished grounds, a refreshing sea breeze, sophistication, and seclusion within easy reach of the beach. 

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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.

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Aerial view of a Lighthouse and crew buildings atop cliffs overlooking the sea at Lizard Point in Cornwall.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable coastal holiday experience, Longships is the perfect cottage for you. Located within the Lizard Lighthouse near Lizard Village in Cornwall, this spectacular seaside cottage offers breathtaking views over the ocean that you won't find anywhere else. With modern comforts, subtle decorations, and ample grounds for children and pets to explore, Longships is the perfect getaway for families or couples looking to relax and unwind by the sea. So why wait? Book your stay at Longships today and experience the beauty of Cornwall like never before!

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Doves Barn Suffolk
Sleeps
20
Bedrooms
8

This spacious Suffolk Barn conversion, Bradley, sits on 2 acres of land and provides well-furnished accommodation with stunning views of the countryside. Guests can also enjoy a hot tub.

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Whimsical Wonders: Quirky Holiday Cottages for the Adventurous Soul

Fancy a holiday that's a bit off-kilter? Step into the delightfully eccentric world of quirky holiday cottages, where the ordinary takes a back seat and the extraordinary becomes your temporary abode!

A Spin on Traditional Stays

Imagine waking up in a windmill, your head literally in the clouds (well, almost). These cylindrical charmers offer a slice of the high life, complete with winding staircases and panoramic views that'll make your Instagram followers green with envy.

Experience the Whimsical Beauty of Converted Railway Cottages

Or how about channelling your inner conductor in a converted railway carriage? All aboard the nostalgia express! These compact cottages are just the ticket for those who love to choo-choose unique accommodations.

Lighthouse Living: Not Just for Lonely Keepers

Lighthouse cottages are a beacon of hope for those who prefer their holidays with a dash of maritime magic. Fall asleep to the rhythm of crashing waves and wake up to views that'll make you feel like the king (or queen) of the sea.

Elevated Experiences

Tree huggers, rejoice! Luxury treehouses offer a chance to live out your childhood dreams, minus the splinters and wobbly planks. These lofty retreats come with all the mod cons, proving that the high life doesn't have to mean roughing it.

Fantasy Becomes Reality

Hobbit holes aren't just for the vertically challenged or Middle-earth enthusiasts. These earth-covered dwellings offer a chance to burrow into comfort, with round doors that would make Bilbo Baggins proud.

Signalling a New Kind of Stay

For a truly on-track holiday, converted signal boxes offer a unique vantage point. These elevated abodes give you a bird' s-eye view of the surrounding landscape, without needing actual wings.

Rustic Charm in a Compact Package

Shepherd's huts prove that good things come in small packages. These snug sanctuaries offer a cosy retreat that's perfect for those looking to count sheep in more ways than one.

Architectural Oddities

Follies, those wonderfully whimsical structures built purely for decoration, now offer more than just eye candy. Stay in a mock castle or a miniature Greek temple and live out your architectural fantasies.

These unusual holiday homes are more than just a place to rest your head; they're the starring characters in your next great adventure story. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family escapade, or a solo sojourn, there's a quirky cottage waiting to become the backdrop to your holiday memories.

Ready to embark on your own distinctive holiday adventure? Explore our curated selection of quirky holiday cottages and unearth the perfect unconventional abode for your next getaway. From quirky cottages to unusual holiday homes, we offer a smorgasbord of properties that are anything but ordinary. Book directly with property owners and dive into a world of unique stays across the UK, enjoying transparent pricing and a personalised booking experience.

Your extraordinary holiday begins here. Uncover your ideal quirky cottage today and enter a world where the unusual becomes the unforgettable!