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.

Exterior of a 2-storey contemporary home with twin floor-to-ceiling French windows opening onto the garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Bucket & Spade is a beautiful coastal cottage in East Devon, just a stone's throw away from the pristine white sands of Seaton. The pet-friendly holiday home boasts a spacious garden with an outdoor relaxation area, a cosy log fire, and an open-plan design with a chic coastal feel.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
3-storey stone-built Cumbrian farmhouse in a remote rural location
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

In a secluded rural location, Groffa Crag is a large holiday cottage in the Lake District near Ulverston. This spacious, pet-friendly cottage in Cumbria sleeps 12 in 6 bedrooms, perfect for a large family or group holidays within easy reach of the Cumbrian coast, Coniston Water and Windermere.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Truly embodying the rural surroundings, Garden Cottage is a semi-detached barn conversion near Buxton, just on the edge of the hamlet of Sparrowpit within the Peak District. Set on a working dairy farm, the one-bedroom countryside cottage offers a secluded, romantic getaway for couples amidst verdant fields.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A farmhouse lounge with large sofas and a widescreen TV
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

James’s Parlour is a spacious converted Georgian barn set on lush green fields in Alkington, Shropshire. The large rural cottage offers an open-plan design, exposed beams, trusses and brick pillars, and extensive furnished grounds with an indoor swimming pool, multi-sports court and play area.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Cottage Discounts
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Aerial image of a Shropshire holiday barn surrounded by open fields and woods.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Wassall Barn is an elegant barn conversion situated on beautiful grounds in Craven Arms, Shropshire. The property is pet-friendly and offers stunning views of the countryside. The spacious rooms feature an open-plan design that allows plenty of natural light to flood in, and the contemporary style is complemented by trussed full-height ceilings.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A modern single storey lodge stands in front of trees overlooking a hedge-lined field.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This delightful lodge on Wakes Hall Farm is a haven of peace on 500 acres of private land. Having recently been awarded a five-star AA award, it features an open-plan kitchen/dining/sitting area, a verandah and a hot tub. The historic town of Colchester is 40 minutes away.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A semi-detached house with a shrub-filled front garden and privet hedge.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Old Malthouse is a sophisticated rural cottage in Monksilver, Somerset, which blends tradition and modernity. Replete with exposed beams and a wood burner, the pet-friendly property once supplied malt to the region and is an ideal place to enjoy a local cider or an ale after a day exploring Exmoor.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Backed by tall pine trees a 2-storey tone-built Newtonmore holiday cottage overlooks a large lawn.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Nestled amidst the natural beauty of the Monadhliath and Grampian mountain ranges, Feagour is a remote country cottage in the western approach to the Cairngorms in the Central Highlands of Scotland, offering well-equipped, tastefully furnished self-catering accommodation. Sleeps 4.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a modern Suffolk with large windows on both floors overlooking a flower-filled garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
2

Welcome to Hillcrest, a stunning Suffolk barn-style holiday home that offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. With accommodation for up to six guests, this property is surrounded by lush fields and verdant gardens, offering a peaceful retreat near Saxmundham. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Hillcrest is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday exploring the picturesque Suffolk coast and countryside. Plus, Hillcrest is pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it an ideal choice for everyone. Book now and experience the ultimate in Suffolk holiday luxury!

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays