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.

Double-fronted exterior of a stone-built holiday cottage in Buxton
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Exchange Cottage lies outside of Winster, amid the beauty of the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales. The family-friendly holiday cottage is also within easy reach of Bakewell, Matlock, Ashbourne, and Alton Towers.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A 3-storey holiday cottage in Swanage with twin bay windows.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
7

Enjoy the beauty of the Jurassic Coast with a stay at 20 Ulwell Road, a large Swanage holiday let in Swanage on the Dorset coast, along the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck. This three-storey pet-friendly cottage boasts seven bedrooms, an AGA cooker set in exposed brickwork, an annexe with an en-suite king-size bedroom, and a tiered garden.

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

Barn Croft Cottage is a paradise for walkers and couples seeking seclusion and relaxation. The stone-built cottage in a picturesque village near Winster lies in an elevated position, affording beautiful rural views over the Peak District. It is genuinely a well-presented cottage for couples and pets.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A 2-storey stone-built Cotswold mill conversion overlooking a well-kept garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Lower Mill Cottage is a charming country cottage that was once part of a larger traditional mill. It is situated in the beautiful Cotswold village of Broadway, which is considered one of the most attractive villages in the Cotswolds. The cottage features a lovely garden that is bordered by a peaceful stream, making it a perfect retreat for dog owners. Additionally, the cottage has private parking available.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Stone-built Dorset farm cottage with a patio, lawns and mature trees.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Uncover the unique charm of Droop Farm Cottage, an idyllic Doret holiday let in Hazelbury-Bryan. This 300-year-old stone barn, converted with care, is an elegant and inviting rural retreat in Dorset for families or friends. Characterized by small windows, a slate roof, and thoughtful décor, the cottage offers picturesque views and modern amenities. Set in the peaceful village of Hazelbury Bryan, Droop Farm Cottage is a perfect blend of comfort and countryside, creating an idyllic setting for a tranquil getaway. View our main page for more details and photos.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Stone built exterior of a Yorkshire Dales cottage with large zinc plant pots lining the front.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Middle Cottage lies in the sleepy Wensleydale village of Middleham. This 3-bedroom pet-friendly Dales holiday cottage is perfect for family holidays exploring the Dales or North York Moors. The Cottage is a short stroll to historic Middleham Castle, the childhood home of Richard III.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A 2-storey, stone-built gwynedd holiday covvage oveerlooks a garden full of poptted plants and shrubs.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

The Railway Cottage is a stone-built seaside holiday cottage in Fairbourne that sleeps five people in three bedrooms. It is located close to Barmouth and Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales and within easy reach of the Snowdonia National Park.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A wooden holiday cottage overlooks a large lawn with outdoor dining furniture.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2
  • Nestled in the picturesque Quantock Hills, you'll find the fantastic Flora's Barn, your perfect getaway for all-season family adventures in the West Somerset countryside. This family-friendly two-bedroom / two-bathroom holiday cottage in Crowcombe sits on a small farm and welcomes pets.
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
8

Belle Isle Castle – Hamilton Wing is a large holiday home near Enniskillen that offers sumptuous accommodation for up to 16 guests on an estate spread over eight picturesque islands on the northern tip of Upper Lough Erne in County Fernaugh, a child-friendly property with modern amenities expertly complementing original features.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages