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 classic country house with a row of five windows overlooks a shrub0filled garden lined by wrought iron railings.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Flanders Hall is a large and impressive Grade II listed Georgian country house in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales in West Burton. This pet-friendly holiday home in secluded rural surroundings is perfect for large family holidays or a get-together with friends in the great outdoors.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Milkens Cottage at Endamoor Farm is a luxury Peak District holiday cottage located in glorious rural surroundings near Bakewell. It in Derbyshire that sleeps 4 very comfortably in 2 bedroom. This pet friendly cottage is perfect for walking or cycling holidays on the Tissington and Manifold Trails.

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A mock Shropshire castle on a small hillock surrounded by a stone wall and open fields.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
3

Sham Castle is a beautiful waterside cottage located near the village of Acton Burnell in Shropshire. With three bedrooms, it offers stunning views of the lake and is surrounded by lovely gardens. The cottage sits atop a rocky knoll and boasts original quarry tile floors. The drawing room features oak floors and arched windows, providing a perfect view of the serene surroundings

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A sweeping drive approaches a twin-baled Exmoor cottage half-surrounded by mature trees.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Little Folly is a secluded and private dog-friendly Exmoor cottage with great views near Winsford, a pretty village with an excellent pub, a village shop and tea rooms. Direct access to the moor makes this ideal for walkers or cyclists who love the freedom of the open countryside.

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Two-lawns and a path ead to a stone-built terraced cotage with a foor-to-ceiling wide front window.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The Red Barn, a superb 18th-century rural cottage in unspoilt open countryside near the rural hamlet of Longframlington near Alnwick in Northumberland, offers cosy accommodation for families and groups of up to six on holiday in North East England.

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Exterior of a single storey holiday apartment with a vine covered pergola and floral garden.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Garden Studio is an impressive Minehead holiday apartment for couples set in a wildlife garden in Minehead, Somerset. The pet-friendly cottage offers views to the coast, a lovely furnished patio with garden views, a garden pavilion, a conservatory, seclusion and home-cooked breakfasts.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Escape to the idyllic Duck Street Cottage, a charming hideaway nestled in the heart of Dorset. Perfect for couples or friends, this cosy cottage boasts a traditional inglenook fireplace, providing the perfect setting to unwind after an exciting day of exploration. Nestled in Symondsbury Village, you'll be perfectly placed to explore the village's delightful artisan shops, café and pub, all within a short walk from your doorstep. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the quintessential British countryside charm of Duck Street Cottage.

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An extended holiday bungalow backed by mature trees with a spacious patio equipped for outdoor dining.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Spring Water Barn is a luxurious romantic cottage set on 20 acres of beautiful grounds on the Bonython Estate. Set near Helston in Cornwall, the sophisticated cottage offers stunning gardens and private outdoor spaces, as well as contemporary style, a wood-burning stove, exposed beams and serenity.

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A chalet bungalow with a large fenced-in deck is surrounded by open countryside.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Creag-na-Sanais is a detached rural cottage on the owner’s working farm outside the village of Laggan near Newtonmore in the Northern Highlands. It is close to cycling trails and ski fields and offers guests modern accommodation in a cottage boasting sun-drenched living areas and an open fire.

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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.