A surfer traverses a large wave. Find holiday cottages for active holidays in the open air.

Book Self-Catering Holiday Cottages For Active Holidays

Scroll down to find a choice of self-catering cottages suitable for those seeking an active holiday involving sporting or outdoor pursuits. Whether walking in England, climbing mountains in Scotland, riding rapids or zip wires in Wales, the holiday cottages listed here will be near an attractive choice of activities to enjoy in the great outdoors. Many activity cottages will offer on-site facilities such as fishing, swimming pools and tennis courts or will be surrounded by long, bracing walks in the country or along the miles of scenic coastal footpaths. 

Click on the preview description of any cottage to view its main page.

A wood dining table set for breakfast stands on a courtyard in front of a brick-built Norfolk cottage with arched windows.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The Old Coach House exudes charm. The converted cottage in Banningham, Norfolk, enjoys the tranquillity of its rural location and is within reach of the coast. It offers exposed beams, stone floors, high ceilings, outdoor relaxation areas, a games room, an open-plan design and a log fire.

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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Stunning views of the River Yealm await visitors to Elphinstone, a large, luxurious holiday cottage in Newton Ferrers, Devon. Situated close to the sea, the impressive cottage offers a spacious deck, outdoor entertaining areas, an open-plan design, abundant natural light, a neutral palette and tranquillity.

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A spacious lounge with wide-screen tv and large leather sofa.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Linnet’s Wing is a two-bedroom Cotswold holiday let in Lechlade-on-Thames. The elegant rural cottage enjoys abundant natural light, pastel-coloured wooden panelling, clean lines, wooden floors and modern decor. The cottage also places guests amid the endless attractions of the Cotswold Hills in Gloucestershire.

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Exterior of a sonte-buklt Exmoor holiday cottage with a background of trees and a clear sky
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Set on a working farm of 280 acres in Exmoor National Park is Honeycott, a lovingly-converted remote holiday cottage near Wheddon Cross in Somerset. Sleeping 4, the pet-friendly cottage features a stone exterior, expansive grounds with views, private outdoor spaces, and a generous open-plan design.

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A twin-gabled brick house with large windows site behind a shingled drive.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Welcome to Highcroft Cottage. Situated just two miles away from the enchanting medieval town of Stratford-upon-Avon, Highcroft Cottage is a haven of tranquillity set within 2.5 acres of shared grounds. This idyllic rural retreat in Warwickshire boasts a wildlife garden and a tennis court, providing a delightful backdrop to your stay.

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A large, rendered Hereford holiday home overlooks a spacious paved courtyard
Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
8

Cedars House is a large Herefordshire holiday cottage in Whitchurch amidst a designated National Landscape. It is beautifully restored and combines modern amenities with original features, including wood floors and fireplaces. This adorable and pet-friendly Georgian property can accommodate up to 16 guests in 8 bedrooms (4 en-suite).

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Take tea overlooking the old mill pond at the stone-built Locks Cottage and enjoy the idyllic setting of this two-bedroom, rural holiday cottage in Langcliffe near Settle. Gaze upon the green hills of the Yorkshire Dales and unwind by the open fire in a cosy, peaceful cottage near the River Ribble.

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Aerial view of a country cottage on the edge of a wood overlooking fields in Glamorgan
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Nos Da (Welsh for 'good night') is a beautifully presented contemporary cottage offering the ideal tranquil escape in South Wales' beautiful countryside and nearby coastline. It is perfect for walkers and cyclists, and there are many attractions nearby, including the Millennium Stadium.

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Exterior of a large, L-shaped brick East Yorkshire farmhouse overlooking a spacious courtyard and lawn.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
7

Hall Garth is a large and impressive rural holiday cottage in Beverley sitting on beautiful grounds near Beverley in the Vale of York and Yorkshire Wolds. The grand house sleeps 14 and boasts outdoor entertaining areas with stunning views, a luxurious interior with a log fire, exposed beams, rural elegance and an open-plan design.

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Activity holidays don't need to involve knuckle experiences. For families with young children or those preferring a 'healthy holiday' without the risk of injury, consider hiring bicycles to explore a Sustrans Cycle route or a cycle path such as the Tarka Trail in North Devon or The Bonsal Trail in Derbyshire. To ensure that a holiday cottage has precisely what you are looking for, e.g. an outdoor shower for washing the salt of wetsuits and surfboards, use the Visit Website button to go to a cottage's website for further information. Alternatively, e-mail or phone the owners direct to check that what you want to do on holiday is precisely the activity accessible at the cottage.