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 table  with parasol and chairs tands on a sunny patio behind a stone built holiday cottage in Devon.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Escape to tranquillity at Buzzards View, a captivating holiday home in Cornworthy. Renovated in 2022, this South Devon country cottage nestles in the scenic Dart Valley. Revel in the open-plan kitchen/diner, unwind in the spacious sitting room, and relax on the tranquil patio. Three chic bedrooms, including a master with ensuite, guarantee comfort. Benefit from off-street parking and explore the fuller description for an in-depth look at this charming South Devon getaway.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
End of terrace exterior with off-road parking of a seaside holiday home in Hunstanton.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The Northgate Loft is a thoroughly modern and spacious seaside holiday let in Hunstanton with easy access to the sandy beaches of Hunstanton and the Norfolk coast. The coastal cottage boasts ample windows with ocean views and is situated within the heart of the coastal town. Escape to the seaside and relax.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

A remote Scottish holiday cottage found on the Trotternish Peninsula in the far north of the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, Ridge End Cottage in the isolated township of Conista promises a memorable holiday for groups of up to six looking to relax in cosy and comfortable rural accommodation.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A row of Victorian town houses leading to the sae in Tenby.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

This elegant Grade II listed, large holiday cottage in Tenby is in a quiet cobbled street within this beautiful seaside town in Pembrokeshire. Walk 80 yards one way to a stunning beach or the other way to the town centre with its medieval walls, harbour and fishing boats.

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

Once an old stone dovecote in Ruthin, now painstakingly restored to as an absolutely charming holiday cottage for couples, a lovely romantic retreat in the heart of Denbighshire. Set in the grounds of Springs Spa, guests can enjoy unlimited pampering in the Spa's pool, sauna and steam room.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
A single storey holiday lodge overlooks a garden with mature palm trees.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy beautiful views and a sea breeze at Oak, a coastal cottage at Primrose Hill in Somerset that boasts gorgeous gardens, disabled access, contemporary comforts, a games room, and light-filled spaces. Admire the countryside views and spend days exploring Blue Anchor Bay and Exmoor National Park.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Bakers Farm Oast is a stunningly authentic detached rural cottage in the High Weald AONB in Ticehurst. Set on the Sussex/Kent border, the rural cottage sleeps four and offers contemporary chic and country charm, a delightful private garden, local wildlife, lovely views, and a wood-burning stove.

 

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Bower Cottage is a large, stylish detached barn conversion offering self-catering holidays in Beaminster with generous accommodation and bright contemporary furnishings in an Outstanding National Beauty area in the West Dorset countryside.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A stone-built cottage overlooks a shrub-lined terrace with dining table chairs and a parasol
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Nestled on the grounds of the magnificent Bonython Estate just south of Helston in Cornwall sits Mews Cottage, a delightful child-friendly holiday cottage in Helston renovated to a five-star standard that comfortably accommodates up to six guests. It has a private courtyard and three bedrooms, two with en-suite showers.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays