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.

Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

5 Wye Rapid Cottage is a welcoming mid-terrace Wye Valley holiday cottage in the natural wonderland of Symonds Yat in Herefordshire. The pet-friendly waterside cottage offers families an ideal base for exploring the wonders of Herefordshire and features a large outdoor area with landscaped gardens and a modern, spacious interior.

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A 2-torey rural holiday cottage overlooks a garden pond
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This beautiful, well-equipped, dog-friendly Lake District Holiday Cottage near Cunsey has views over Lake Windermere from its location on the 5000-acre Greythwaite country estate. Guests have access to a heated indoor swimming pool, gym, fishing, and a kids' play area. Hilltop sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Set amongst mature waterside gardens in a gorgeous secluded location, Bratton Mill Cottage, near the medieval village of Bratton Fleming in Devon, is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage. It has been recently redecorated yet retains much of the character and charm of the original mill.

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Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
6

If your large family is looking for a place in the Peak District for a cottage holiday, look no further than The Rindle! This large rural holiday cottage near Leek comfortably houses up to 14 people and serves as the perfect rural base for countryside holidays for families and friends.

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A garden table with a parasol sits outside a stone-built barn conversion in Cumbria.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Onsite owners greet you with a welcome package, just the first of many outstanding touches you’ll find with a stay at Woodside Barn, a remote, child-friendly holiday cottage in the secluded hamlet of Pennington on the Cumbrian coast near Ulverston and the Lake District. Sleeps 4.

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A waterside balcony with seating overlooks a small marina
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

A newly refurbished 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment finished to a high standard with views across the water. The stunning riverside location means that there will always be something out of the window to occupy your attention. WiFi to keep in touch with your friends back home, and reserved parking.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Annexe is one of 12 Exmoor Holiday Cottages at Duddings Country Cottages in the beautiful Avill Valley near Dunster and Minehead. It sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms. Facilities include an indoor pool, spa bath, games room, tennis court, trampoline, and play centre. Families and dogs are welcome. The Annexe is 4-star rated by Visit England.

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A 2-storey barconversion with a low stone wall overlooks a paved drive and a spacious lawn.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Heath Cottage in the rural hamlet of Ollerbrook, Derbyshire, is the ideal High Peak romantic cottage for couples on holiday in the East Midlands, a stone-built barn conversion situated close to the owners’ farmhouse with cosy beamed living room and patio with lovely views of the countryside.

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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

Rainbow Cottage is a sought-after rural holiday cottage in Cumbria boasting authentic details and contemporary style. Located near Kirkby Stephen between The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, the pet-friendly property offers expansive gardens, a games room, beautiful views, seclusion and wheelchair access.

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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.