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.

Large holiday bungalow on Ocea Island with picnic tables. Sleeps 8. Pets welcome.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

One Manor Beach Cottage on Osea Island is a luxurious Essex holiday cottage by the shingle beach, just 90 minutes from London. This remarkable coastal retreat offers private beaches, an outdoor pool, a saltwater lido, a cinema room, a games room, and more. The spacious cottage features four stylish bedrooms, two bathrooms with rolltop baths, and a well-equipped kitchen. Enjoy sea views and a private garden. Ideal for special celebrations and family holidays, it's pet-friendly, offers short breaks, and welcomes two dogs.

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A Welsh stone-built barn conversion surrounded by a low stone wall in a large courtyard.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Cefn-Yr-Efail is a coastal cottage outside Porthmadog, near sandy beaches, mountains and lakes, in Gwynedd, North Wales. This large Snowdonia holiday cottage near Porthmadog sleeps 8, with amazing views of the surrounding countryside, slate floors, a jacuzzi bath and a private garden

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A bungalow with a large sunroom overlooks a drive with plenty of parking space
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Located in the picturesque coastal town of Rhyl, Beach Cottage stands as a shining example of an exceptional family seaside retreat. Perfectly situated just a brief 2-minute stroll from Kinmel Bay's inviting beach, and offering easy access to the bustling heart of Rhyl, this holiday haven exudes quality and comfort. Impeccably furnished to provide a capacious home away from home, Beach Cottage is the ideal choice for families seeking a beachside break.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

View this tranquil romantic getaway in Snowdonia. Lily Cottages offers a snug and comfortable 1-bedroom accommodation of a high standard for 2-3 guests. With far-reaching countryside and mountain views, this charming cottage near Caernarfon is also within easy reach of the coast.

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A cottage lounge with a pine-beamed ceiling and comfortable leather sofas.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Located close to Dorset’s Jurassic Coast near Bridport, The Cider Barn is a newly refurbished family-friendly barn conversion in secluded rural surroundings at Hembury Mil in Askerwell. The Cider Barn sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, appealing to those planning beach or walking holidays on the Dorset coast.

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An L-shaped, single-storey barn conversion overlooks a courtyard and a raised flowerbed.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Overlooking picturesque green pastures, this holiday cottage near Newquay provides well-presented and attractive accommodation for up to four people, with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.

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The rooftops of a large holiday cottage surrounded by a sloping lawn and trees with a river estuary in the distance.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Dower House is a large 18th-century Devon holiday farmhouse that sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms. It is located in the village of Dittisham, between Dartmouth and Totnes, and offers panoramic views across the Dart Estuary. It is ideal for holidays with families or small groups of friends.

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On the edge of a mature wood, a timber-frame lodge with a spacious deck overlooks an open field.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Brook Lodge is a charming and romantic cottage on 500 acres of Wakes Hall Farm in Essex. This pet-friendly, comfortable cottage with a hot tub for couples is located by a small lake amidst beautiful woodland and tranquillity. The cottage is eco-friendly and sophisticated. It features an enclosed garden and deck to enjoy the stunning rural views. 

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Exterior of a terraced seafront cottage with a walled front garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover Riversmeet, your ideal holiday home in Instow, North Devon. This sunset-facing seafront cottage offers breathtaking views of Instow Beach and Appledore. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, it accommodates up to six guests. Enjoy the open-plan living area with modern amenities. Pet-friendly and close to local amenities, it's perfect for families. Experience coastal living at its finest. View the full description for more details.

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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.