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.

Aerial photo of a Loch in the Scottish Highlands with a holiday cottage in the foreground.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Enjoy a unique holiday with a stay at Port na Mine, a large and child-friendly cottage near the Scottish village of Taynuilt, Argyll and Bute. The luxury cottage affords picturesque views of Loch Etive and Glencoe, featuring six bedrooms, a wood effect electric fire, and a fully enclosed garden. Enjoy a unique holiday with a stay at Port na Mine, a large and child-friendly cottage near the Scottish village of Taynuilt, Argyll and Bute. The luxury cottage affords picturesque views of Loch Etive and Glencoe, featuring six bedrooms, a wood effect electric fire, and a fully enclosed garden.

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2-storey Victorian town house with bay windows and small front garden
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
3

A charming and cosy family- and pet-friendly getaway in Marske-by-the-Sea, Victoria Cottage is a delightful balance of historic touches and modern convenience with room for four. This cottage makes the most of its excellent seaside location, offering a family holiday in a warm, comfortable environment.

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View of a cottage deck with outdoor seating through folded back French windows.
Sleeps
13
Bedrooms
7

 

Discover Anzac House, a large and spacious holiday home in Brixham with opulent interiors and numerous terraces for relaxation and entertainment. With seven spacious bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and entertainment facilities, it's ideal for families or groups. Take in the panoramic views from the wraparound balcony on the top floor or unwind in the sun lounge with its roof terrace. Book now for an unforgettable seaside retreat with stunning views of the harbour and across Torbay!

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A terrace with dining facilities lies in front of a long, 2-storey, contemporary house.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Welcome to Yarrow, your large Jurassic Coast holiday cottage in charming Charmouth. This Dorset coastal retreat is perfect for families or friends seeking a break in all seasons. Yarrow is more than just a holiday let; it's a stylishly presented home away from home. Our property has undergone extensive renovations and extensions, ensuring your stay is nothing short of exceptional.

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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Sunset Beach is a large, modern four-bedroom holiday home in Croyde, North Devon's most desirable seaside village. The coastal cottage accommodates up to eight, within easy walking distance of the beach and village centre. The house has an enclosed garden and gorgeous countryside and ocean views.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

31A Station Road is the ideal home away from home. The welcoming Coltishall holiday cottage boasts modern comforts and spacious rooms as well as a private courtyard and grants families access to the many attractions of Norfolk. Explore the nearby coastline or visit charming rural villages.

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Sleeps
22
Bedrooms
8

Once a village pub, The Anchor has been tastefully converted to create a large Forest of Dean Holiday Cottage, complete with a hot tub and games room. This family-friendly holiday home in Gloucestershire lies in a magical rural location in the Wye Valley. Pets welcome.

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A gable-windowed holiday cottage overlooks a large lawn bordered by bushy shrubs.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Garden View is an impressive holiday apartment in Porlock Weir with a gorgeous garden and views over the countryside to the coast of Somerset. Situated within a former Edwardian hunting lodge, the pet-friendly cottage sleeps four. It has a lovely lawned garden with a furnished area for outdoor dining, plus a light and airy interior with an open-plan design.

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Doublle-fronted exteerior of a Victorian brick-built terraced cottage.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
2

A delightful and updated 18th-century self-catering Gloucestershire apartment. Located on the Frampton on Severn village green, Wards Court 2 is a family-friendly holiday cottage with accommodations for six. The rear of the building opens to a shared, walled-in garden area with outdoor furniture.

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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.