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 terraced row of well-maintained Victorian Houses with small low-walled front garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Escape to Exmouth in this beautifully presented penthouse holiday apartment overlooking the Exe estuary. With two bedrooms sleeping four, this home is just a short stroll from Exmouth’s long, sandy beach and is the perfect retreat for a seaside holiday in one of Britain’s oldest and prettiest coastal towns.

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Contemporary 3-storey holiday cottage in Cornwall with an integral garage.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Cutting-edge design and enviable views distinguish this luxury Cornish coastal cottage in Millbrook. Balconies with lake views, a furnished garden, big corner sofas and a cinema room invite relaxation. At the same time, the Cornwall coast waits to be explored just moments from this ultra-stylish 3-bedroom holiday cottage.

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A farmhouse and attached barns in open countryside overlook a bend in a river
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Riverside Farm Cottage sits on 12 acres by the River Dove and offers guests a luxurious escape. The rural cottage in Kirby Mills sleeps eight. It boasts impressive views of the Yorkshire countryside, a furnished garden, an interior with ample windows, contemporary styling & a wood-burning stove.

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Exterior of a single storey barn conversion with a pair of floor-to-ceiling French doors  overlooking a shingled courtyard with flower troughs.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

The Old Stables is a luxurious country cottage located in Gastard, Wiltshire, and is situated on an acre of grounds. The cottage is detached and can accommodate eight people. It offers seclusion, fresh country air, and beautiful views of the surroundings from the fully furnished gardens. The interior of the cottage features a log fire and is designed with an open-plan layout and contemporary style.

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Exterior of a contemporary wood-clad barn conversion comprising 3 New Forest holiday cottages
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

For an unforgettable Hampshire getaway, view Oak Barn, a charming village holiday cottage in Dammerham, perfect for self-catering holidays in the New Forest. This spacious barn conversion offers an open-plan layout, two accessible bedrooms, and a hot tub with scenic views. Discover the historic village of Damerham, just three miles from Fordingbridge. Oak Barn provides a unique blend of modern comfort and rural tranquillity. View the full description for more information.

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Exterior of a brick-built, 3-storey seaside town house with a small front garden.
Sleeps
18
Bedrooms
9

Elwin House is a large Victorian townhouse just 200m from the beach in Cromer. This pet-friendly holiday cottage in North Norfolk makes an ideal base for memorable group holidays and celebrations with its ocean views, sea breeze and an interior that boasts comfort and period features.

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A modern cottage with floor-to-ceiling windows and a Juliet balcony.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Explore the picturesque Isle of Wight and The Solent from the perfect holiday home base of Sail Loft, a family-sized seaside 2-bedroom apartment just west of the historic harbour town of Yarmouth.

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A lighthouse with a sweeping clifftop lawn and sea views.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Book an Isle of Wight holiday cottage with superb sea views at Landward, a beautifully renovated ex-Lighthouse keeper's cottage at St Margaret's Lighthouse. Near Ventnor, a few minutes walk from the beach, this attractive cliff-top rural holiday cottage sleeps 4. Pets welcome.

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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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  • Walking Holidays

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.