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.

Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Enchanting 16th Century Pink Cottage in Coddenham, one of the prettiest Suffolk Villages. Fabulous walks. It is ideal for exploring the countryside and Suffolk Heritage Coast. Cyclists can keep their bikes in the enclosed courtyard garden. Perfect for a relaxing romantic break for one or two people.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A 4-storey house with balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows within a well-kept, mature garden.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Big Blue is a beautiful waterfront cottage that offers breathtaking views of the Bristol Channel. The Portishead holiday cottage features rustic antique furnishings and artwork that add to its old-world charm. Additionally, the cottage has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer expansive views of the sea, stretching all the way across to Wales. It is a secluded coastal cottage that is truly elegant and perfect for those seeking a relaxing retreat.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Studio is a one-bedroom North Norfolk holiday cottage in East Ruston. It offers a delightful and stylish opportunity for couples to relax and enjoy a peaceful (and cosy) holiday in all seasons, exploring the Norfolk Broads and nearby beaches along the coast. From an EV charger to underfloor heating, you'll find that The Studio is comfortably equipped for all you'll need during your stay including some eco-friendly features.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
The tower of a windmill (no sails) surrounded by a shrub-filled garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Once a working flour mill for over 100 years, Aylsham Windmill now offers luxurious, family-friendly self-catering holidays (with Wi-Fi) for 2-6 guests in Aylsham, a picturesque rural market town in North Norfolk midway between Norwich and the coast at Cromer.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
Exterior of a chalet bungalow overlooking an ornate garden with rockery
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
1

North End Farm's Old Dairy is a very comfortable, spacious rural holiday cottage for couples near Bridport in Broadchurch country on Dorset's Jurassic Coast with walks and beautiful beaches nearby. Well-equipped kitchen, central heating, wood burner and Strauss piano. Great pubs.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A steam engine glides by a Somerset holiday cottage on a summer's day.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Located near Woolston in Somerset, Railway Cottage is a picturesque destination for steam railway enthusiasts. This pet-friendly cottage on the West Somerset Railway boasts stunning countryside views, charming interiors, a cosy log burner, bright and airy rooms, oak flooring, and modern amenities. It has also earned a 4-star gold rating.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Aerial view of a Cornish Lighthouse complex overlooking the sea.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Brook Cottage is a sophisticated coastal cottage set above the cliffs within Trevose Head Lighthouse near Padstow. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys spectacular ocean views and a sea breeze. It offers enclosed lawned gardens with furnished spaces, coastal chic and proximity to the many delights and attractions on the North Cornwall coast.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays