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 2-storey, Cotswold honeystone cottage backed by tall trees.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

Oat House is steeped in tradition. The honey-coloured, stone-built rural holiday cottage in The Cotswolds boasts many original features and lies in the quaint village of Snowshill in Gloucestershire. Replete with exposed beams and a stone fireplace, the cottage offers a lovely garden within the Cotswold National Park.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A single storey, stone cottage overlooks a garden with a small stream trickling under a bridge in the foreground.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Minafon is a beautiful holiday cottage made of stone, perfect for couples and located in Colwyn Bay. You can reach it by crossing a bridge over a stream. The cottage features exposed stone walls, a cozy log fire, and wooden beams that add character, all while blending perfectly with the contemporary styling. Moreover, this romantic cottage welcomes pets and offers a stunning view of the Bodnant Estate and the Colwyn Bay region in Wales.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a double-fronted house with a patio containing dining furniture
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Combe Lane Cottage is a holiday cottage in Exford, a picturesque Somerset village with gorgeous rural views from its generous enclosed garden. The pet-friendly cottage boasts tranquillity, a wood-burning stove, and a light and airy design. Guests enjoy access to the picturesque hills, valleys, and wild moorland of Exmoor National Park and a hassle-free holiday.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A wisteria-clad Tenby holiday cottage with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooks a daisy-filled lawn.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Ideally situated in Tenby's desirable Welsh fishing village, the Orangery is a modern, spacious, family-friendly holiday cottage that sleeps 2-6 guests. Come to the Orangery in Pembrokeshire for a relaxing family seaside holiday in an idyllic corner of West Wales.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Milkens Cottage at Endamoor Farm is a luxury Peak District holiday cottage located in glorious rural surroundings near Bakewell. It in Derbyshire that sleeps 4 very comfortably in 2 bedroom. This pet friendly cottage is perfect for walking or cycling holidays on the Tissington and Manifold Trails.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
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  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a large, 3-storey, brick-built Wye Valley cottage with a large lawn.
Sleeps
24
Bedrooms
11

Forest House is a spacious holiday cottage located in Coleford, situated in the heart of the picturesque Forest of Dean. This property was formerly a 4-star hotel but is now converted into a self-catering accommodation that is perfect for large groups of holidaymakers who wish to explore the surrounding area. With 11 bedrooms, it can comfortably accommodate up to 24 guests.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
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  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
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A stone-built Cumbrian farmhouse and attached barns in a remote moorland location
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

Step back in time at the authentic stone remote cottage of Wray Green, which sits atop Wild Boar Fell in Cumbria. Sink into the comfort of the lovingly restored and furnished three-bedroom cottage. Pets are welcome. There is ample parking, plus a storage area for hiking and cycling gear. Sleeps 7.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a New Forest holiday cottage with a brick chimney stack, twin garages and backed by woodland trees.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Welcome to Gorselands Cottage, a hidden gem nestled within the enchanting New Forest National Park. Just a stone's throw from the charming village of Burley, this idyllic holiday home boasts a tranquil setting enveloped by lush woodlands and a sprawling, well-kept garden.

  • 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 wood-clad, single-storey Quantock Hills holiday home overlooks a courtyard with a hot tub at dusk.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Lavender Barn is a 200-year-old cottage located near Halse in Somerset. It offers modern sophistication and has been rated 5 stars. This property comes equipped with a hot tub, wood-burning stove, games room, swimming pool and is wheelchair accessible. Guests and their pets are gifted with beautiful countryside views and have easy access to nearby beaches.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages