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.

Gable end of a Somerset holiday bungalow with a terrace offering far-reaching views across fields and ocean at Porlock Bay
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Enjoy Somerset holidays at Gapperies in West Porlock, where you'll revel in the awe-inspiring vistas that grace nearly every room of this modern retreat. With sweeping views over fields and salt marsh to the picturesque coastline of Porlock Bay, Gapperies offers an ideal sanctuary for those searching for a peaceful escape in the unspoiled realm of Exmoor. The ever-changing panorama outside your window promises a continuous source of delight. This exquisite property accommodates up to 6 guests.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
17
Bedrooms
7

Treetops is a large holiday cottage in Monmouthshire with a swimming pool located in the sleepy village of Govilon near the attractive market town of Abergavenny. It sleeps 17 and is perfect for large groups, walking and cycling holidays in the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Stourton Manor is a masterfully restored, large rural holiday home in Stourton, blending its Cotswold stone exterior with traditional interior charm and sophistication. The pet-friendly Warwickshire cottage offers two log fires and sits on lovely grounds. Amenities include a yoga studio, gym, tennis court, and cricket net.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A 2-storey double-fronted stone-built holiday cottage in Cornwall with a slate roof overlooks a large lawn. Behind the cottages is a bank of mature trees in full leaf.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Treverbyn Vean Stable is a tastefully refurbished detached 2-bedroom holiday home in the Cornish countryside near Dobwalls/ It is surrounded by almost one acre of beautiful grounds, including a garden and private access to the River Loveny, where guests can fish.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
Remote barn conversion surrounded by open fields and mature trees in The Pennines.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Imagine a large holiday home near Ripponden, nestled within the rugged and picturesque Pennine landscape, where rural tranquillity meets pure luxury. Welcome to Top Barn, a spacious and inviting 6-bedroom holiday cottage with a hot tub to bring families and friends closer amidst the stunning West Yorkshire Pennines.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Ivy-clad exterior of a stone holiday cottage in Hawkshead, Cumbria, with a lawn to the front.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Bibby Lot is a quaint, dog-friendly, 3-bedroom traditional Lake District holiday cottage with Wi-Fi near Windermere on the Graythwaite Estate. Guests have access to a communal indoor heated swimming pool, games room, children's play area, fitness suite, and trout fishing lake.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a sandstone cottage with a courtyard lined by flowering shrubs.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
3

Gaze upon gorgeous coastal views or stunning moorlands during your stay at Honey Bee Cottage, a child-friendly holiday cottage in Staintondale. Converted from a former farm building, this charming rural holiday home near Scarborough with exposed timbers sleeps 4. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A waterside balcony with seating overlooks a small marina
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

A newly refurbished 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment finished to a high standard with views across the water. The stunning riverside location means that there will always be something out of the window to occupy your attention. WiFi to keep in touch with your friends back home, and reserved parking.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
The Gable end of a single-storey barn conversion overlooks a country garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Fellside Barn is a gorgeous rural barn conversion offering panoramic views of the hills of Cumbria. The light and airy pet-friendly property in Broughton Beck boasts generous gardens with a large furnished deck and an interior blending reminders of yesteryear with open-plan, contemporary comforts.

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