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.

Exterior of a double-fronted, detached, 2-storey Georgian house.
Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
5

Estcourt House is a well-presented Grade II-listed Georgian house with a hot tub in the idyllic Norfolk village of Burnham Market. This stylish and comfortable home-from-home is perfect for family get-togethers, larger groups and special occasions.

  • Active Holidays
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Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
4

The Cider House and The Old Dairy combine to form one cottage on North End Farm in Chideock, Dorset. The pet-friendly 4-bedroom cottage sleeps 12 (including two sofa beds) and boasts a thatched roof, oak beams, wooden floors, and a log fire, as well as outdoor furnished spaces that capture the rural views.

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A large, stone-built contemporary cottage with a stone wall, surrounded by countryside.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Pastures Barn is a beautiful stone-built conversion on lush grounds in Leek, Staffordshire. The pet-friendly cottage offers an escape, a hot tub, a wood burner, a sauna, spacious gardens, a games room, contemporary comforts and proximity to the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales.

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  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Scotch Hall Cottage is a beautiful Grade II-listed waterside holiday cottage in Denbighshire situated by the Llangollen canal next to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The pet-friendly cottage in the village of Trevor boasts traditional charm and modern comforts. This former canal pay office offers a unique and relaxing holiday in North Wales.

  • Active Holidays
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Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

A luxuriously furnished cottage in a rural setting, No 1 Railway Cottages welcomes five guests to remarkable and self-catering relaxing holidays in Betws-y-Coed and the spectacular Snowdonia National Park. Modern amenities ensure a relaxing holiday getaway amidst the natural beauty of North Wales.

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Exterior of a double-fronted cottage with a covered porch on a sunny day.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Introducing Pen-y-Bont, a charming pet-friendly holiday cottage located in Aberdaron, on the North Wales coast. The cottage features three bedrooms, modern amenities, and a cosy wood burner to provide warmth and comfort. Guests can also enjoy a private patio, games room, bike and kayak storage, and off-road parking. The cottage's central location in Aberdaron puts it just a few steps away from the beach, shops, and pubs, making it an ideal getaway for families, friends or couples looking for a relaxing coastal retreat.

  • Active Holidays
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A white-rendered cottage with a small porch overlooks a village street.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This lovely, pet-friendly holiday home in Cark-in-Cartmel sleeps four people in two bedrooms. It lies within easy reach of the Lake District and beaches on the Cumbrian Coast.

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A 2-storey barn conversion overlooks a paved courtyard and open countryside in North Wales.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Discover The Stables at Cae Gwyn, a remote Denbighshire farm cottage boasting original features and breathtaking views. This large holiday cottage with a hot tub offers four bedrooms, ample parking, and charming living spaces, including a games room and snug. With nearby attractions like Ruthin and Llangollen, it's the perfect base for exploring North Wales. View the full description for an unforgettable getaway.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
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  • Walking Holidays
A covered balcony with table furniture above a lawn and estuary at high tide
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

For exceptional self-catering holidays in South Devon, view 3 Riverside. This holiday first-floor apartment overlooking Kingsbridge Estuary boasts modern comforts with a balcony offering stunning water and countryside views. It is fully refurbished and features a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable bedrooms, and a walk-in shower. It is an ideal location for exploring South Devon's beaches and attractions. Private parking, Wi-Fi, and proximity to town amenities enhance the appeal. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful waterfront retreat with scenic surroundings.

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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.