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 glimpse of a cottage wall and window peeping through a gap between bushes.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Situated on the owner’s organic farm near the historic market town of Tavistock, Devon, Rose Cocoon offers a beautiful rural holiday experience, a child-friendly cottage with access to a gym, spa, and swimming pool. It boasts a traditional English vibe with wood panelling and antique furnishings.

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Carpeted lounge area with large windows in a Kingsbridge holiday cottage with sofa, large cupboard and coffee table
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Discover serenity in South Devon at Printers Grange, a stylish Kingsbridge holiday home. This newly built retreat features elegant furnishings, an open-plan living space, and an enclosed terrace for relaxation. Enjoy the comfort of Hypnos beds in two bedrooms and modern amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen and Smart TV. The property's central location allows easy exploration of the picturesque Kingsbridge/Salcombe Estuary and nearby beaches. Perfect for couples and small families seeking coastal charm and privacy by the sea. View the full description for an enchanting getaway.

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Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Sitting on the edge of the village of Carrog near Corwen in Denbighshire, The Mill House is a lovingly maintained Edwardian farmhouse overlooking the River Dee. This pet-friendly five-bedroom home is ideal for a large group or family trips to Snowdonia.

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A siungle storey wing of a stone-bult property overlooks a terrace and gardens.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Summer Palace: A Tranquil Retreat for Couples in Middleham

Nestled in the heart of the charming village of Middleham in North Yorkshire, The Summer Palace stands as an exceptional stone-built, detached cottage, offering an idyllic escape for couples seeking respite amid picturesque rural surroundings.

 

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Exterior of a country house with sun room surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
4

‘Lorna Doone County’ plays host to Oare Manor Cottage, a beautiful property in a stunning valley. The pet-friendly Exmoor holiday cottage in Oare boasts superb views and manicured gardens, a generous sunroom, rustic elegance, a wood burner, exquisite furnishings and the promise of memories.

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Large Windermere holiday cottage on a terrace overlooking a spacious lawn.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Cleabarrow Cottage is an impressive rural holiday cottage offering large groups seclusion, luxury and a hot tub. Generous lawned grounds surround the property in Windermere, Cumbria, and offer beautiful countryside views, while the interior and exterior promise elegant spaces in which to relax and entertain.

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A double fronted 3-storey coastal cottage in Inistow.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Cool Stone Cottage is sleek, modern and elegant. The pet-friendly cottage in Instow carries a distinct coastal vibe and lies just moments from the beach and the highlights of North Devon. Natural light floods the cottage, and the sea breeze can be enjoyed in the open-plan spaces or the lovely garden.

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Double-fronted stone exterior of a Cornish cottage with bay windows and a terrace for outdoor dining.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Rosevean House is a magnificent coastal cottage in the UNESCO World Heritage village of St Agnes. This pet-friendly cottage is only a short distance away from the beautiful Cornish coast and boasts a luxurious and stylish interior. In addition to this, it features spacious grounds complete with multiple areas for entertaining, as well as a games room, cinema room, and a cosy log fire.

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A 3-storey, brick-built mill conversion alongside the mill race.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Puddle Cottage is part of an 18th-century water mill in the quiet Warwickshire village of Tredington, on the edge of the Cotswolds. It is in a charming riverside location with its own secluded garden and steps leading down to the mill stream. Pets are welcome. Fishing is available on-site.

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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.