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 mature garden slopes up to a large house backed by trees.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Gaze across the coastline of Porlock Bay from Elthorne, a large Exmoor coastal cottage just moments from the centre of Porlock, a desirable little seaside town in Somerset. Play with your pets in the beautiful private gardens and relax in the 1930s cottage with a wood burner and spacious light-filled rooms.

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A chapel conversion with a large rose window sits behind a low stone wall.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

The Old Methodist Chapel is a sophisticated conversion of the old chapel in Rosedale Abbey. Set amid the North York Moors and Coast, the cottage features tall arched windows, exposed timbers, stripped pine doors, a cast iron and marble fireplace, a furnished sunny patio, and an open fire.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Stables, situated amidst the owners’ 130 acres of wooded farmland in the rural village of Fifehead Neville, is a dog-friendly cottage in Dorset. It is a barn conversion lovingly renovated to an exceptionally high standard. The cottage offers spectacular views across the Blackmore Vale.

 

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A two storey brick house with a large gable end overlooks a lawn and spacious parking area.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Apple Mill is a delightful Grade II listed holiday cottage in East Devon, accessed via its own driveway. This large rural retreat near Tipton St John sleeping 8 has a secluded, private garden, hot tub and courtyard.

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A stone-built, end of terrace cottage overlooking an empty street.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

This traditional, stone-built Yorkshire Dales holiday cottage sleeps five on the outskirts of the charming village of Ingleton. Nicely located for exploring the Dales’ spectacular Three Peaks area, Bytheway Cottage has a snug sitting room with patio doors and is almost next door to an excellent pub.

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A 2-storey Exmoor holiday cottage stands in front of a bank of mature trees.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Discover the quiet luxury of The Mount, a large holiday home in Dulverton accommodating up to 10 guests. This comfortably furnished property with a games room invites you to experience memorable holidays on Exmoor with family or friends. Enjoy spacious interiors, stunning views, and a tranquil atmosphere in this beautiful National Park, ensuring a perfect rural retreat for those seeking an escape to the countryside.

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A semi-detached cottage with a secure front garden nestles into a tree-covered bank
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoying an elevated position above Bridgetown, this Exmoor holiday home has wonderful views of the village and this beautiful national park. The pet-friendly cottage boasts a cosy wood-burning stove and multiple outdoor areas for fun and relaxation. It is close to Dulverton and the many attractions in West Somerset.

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Quaint country cottage overlooks a garden surrounded by a stone wall.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Old Church House is a Grade II listed 16th-century rural cottage nestled beside the churchyard at High Bray. Situated between the country and the coast in Brayford, Devon, the gorgeous pet-friendly cottage boasts multi-pane windows, oak beams, stone fireplaces, and a wood-burning stove.

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A tall, sdtone-built barn conversion with a spacious courtyard.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Exposed beams and original features abound in Malham, a rural holiday cottage near Settle set within 150 acres of countryside in the Yorkshire Dales. Malham welcomes families and pets to enjoy modern comforts, an on-site restaurant, a games room and a heated swimming pool.

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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.