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.

A lighthouse complex with a squat tower perches on a clifftop.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Rowena Cottage is uniquely positioned inside a converted lighthouse near Swanage and enjoys superb ocean views from Anvil Point. The pet-friendly cottage features ample grounds to soak up the views of the Dorset coastline and boasts luxury and a rare chance to get away in a spectacular location.

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A lighthouse on a clifftop overlooking the ocean.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Situated on the grounds of a working lighthouse at the southernmost point in Devon, Landward Cottage near the abandoned coastal village of Hallsands overlooks Start Bay. It offers gorgeous sea views and a pet-friendly three-bedroom South Devon holiday cottage featuring a gravel patio and cosy sitting room.

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A lighthouse holiday cottage complex on a rugged North Devon clifftop.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Enjoy unique self-catering holidays in North Devon with a stay at Siren, one of four refurbished former lighthouse keepers’ cottages overlooking Bull Point near the village of Mortehoe, Devon, a child-friendly cottage that sleeps up to five, featuring three bedrooms, a fully fitted kitchen, and absolutely gorgeous sea views.

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An ancient granite built and thatched Dartmoor longhouse overlooking a lawn.e
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Explore Hole Farm, a large Dartmoor holiday cottage just 2 miles from Chagford. This historic thatched Devon longhouse, built in medieval times, offers a unique stay with impressive features. The spacious sitting room boasts an open fire and an inglenook fireplace. Flexible accommodation includes four bedrooms and a separate cottage in the courtyard. With 130 acres of traditional Devon fields, it's perfect for large families. Pet-friendly and surrounded by captivating landscapes, Hole Farm is an ideal quirky retreat for groups seeking history, charm, and plenty of Moorland walks.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Little Lamb is a lovely shepherd’s hut near the historic market town of Faringdon, Oxfordshire, a small romantic, rural retreat for couples amidst the picturesque Cotswolds. The compact and cosy eco-friendly holiday property provides a spacious feel, with a fully equipped kitchen, walk-in shower, and king-size bed.

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A single storey bick-built bungalow is surrounded by a lawn lined by hedges.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Based in the peaceful Norfolk countryside near Kings Lynn, Sheppard's Hut is a quaint bungalow on the outskirts of Terrington St. Clements. A quiet and simple holiday home, it is a perfect base to explore the Lincolnshire coast and countryside, popular for its trails and wildlife.

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Behind a low stone wall and lawns stands a lighthouse tower and buildings.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

View Stopes Cottage at The Old Higher Lighthouse, an unusual Portland Bill holiday cottage with sea views near Weymouth in Dorset, offering a sensational and unique holiday home. Once the dwelling place of Marie Stopes, this converted Jurassic Coast Lighthouse sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms.

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Exterior of a heritage railway station building in North Yorkshire.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Ticket Office is a unique, quirky romantic cottage in the heart of Ruswarp in the North York Moors. The Grade II listed former ticket office features a cast iron fireplace and mullion windows encased in stone walls. The pet-friendly property is ideal for couples seeking something different.

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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!