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

The charming countryside Beech Cottage in Scales, Cumbria, sits in the heart of the Cumbrian peninsula, providing families on holiday boundless opportunities to enjoy the coastline of the Furness Estuary or the splendid beauty of Lake District National Park from a dog-friendly welcoming home base.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Thatchers Cottage, sleeping up to six, is one of seven North Devon holiday cottages at Muddlebridge House, near Barnstaple. With an indoor swimming pool and two-acre garden, it is ideally situated for surfing, cycling, golf and fishing holidays - (in between days on the many nearby beaches). Pets welcome.

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Exterior of a white-rendered holiday bungalow with a large forecourt for parking
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Perched atop West Pentire headland, Cormorant enjoys uninterrupted ocean views and a short walk to the beach. The pet-friendly Crantock holiday cottage in Cornwall boasts beautiful gardens, a sun-trap conservatory, an open fire, and an open-plan design with contemporary elegance and a sea breeze.

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Comfortable cotton sofas in an open-plan living area
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Part of the brand-new Byron Apartments complex on the ground floor of a block of apartment homes, 2 Putsborough in the heart of Woolacombe, Devon, offers a luxurious coastal holiday for up to four guests, a pet-friendly apartment with an en-suite master double and access to indoor pool and gym.

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L-Shaped bungalow with large potted palms and mature shrubs on its terrace.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

St. Corantyn Cottage lies on the gorgeous Bonython Estate and enjoys the seclusion of 20 acres of beautiful grounds near Helston in Cornwall. The light-filled, elegant country cottage near Helston offers an open fire and multiple outdoor relaxation spaces, as well as gorgeous rural views.

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A double-fronted Hope Cove holiday cottage overlooks a large lawn.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Explore this spacious South Devon retreat at 4 Coastguards Cottage, a large holiday home in Hope Cove. Nestled in the village of Inner Hope, this family-friendly holiday let has four bedrooms, a welcoming sitting room, and outdoor spaces. Just 1/3 mile from Hope Cove, it offers easy access to two nearby beaches, making it an ideal base for seaside adventures. Discover the charm of this converted coastguard cottage, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay for the whole family.

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A lighthouse complex in a clifftop location with the sea in the background.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Perched on the clifftop at Start Bay, Beacon Cottage boasts unparalleled ocean views and a wonderful sitting-out area. The coastal cottage adjoins the lighthouse near Kingsbridge in Devon and offers a unique holiday escape with contemporary elegance, modern comforts and access to sandy beaches.

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A stone built, slate roofed Lake District holiday cottage surrounded by shrubs and small trees with hilly fields in the distance.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

In a secluded, peaceful rural location a mile outside Hawkshead, Hatter's Cottage is an 18th-century 2-bedroom holiday cottage in the Lake District. It is available all year round for stays of one week or more. It is a good base for those who like the outdoors. Children over 10 are welcome.

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A village cottage on the corner of a quiet lane
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Located high in the heart of Exmoor, The Old Inn is a charming 3-bedroom holiday cottage in Luckwell, a tiny hamlet just outside Wheddon Cross, a Moorland village with a superb pub. It is perfect for walking, cycling and touring holidays on Exmoor. This pet-friendly cottage sleeps five and is within easy reach of the North Devon and West Somerset beaches.

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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.