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.

Barn conversion buildings overlooking a grass courtyard with a raised flower bed.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Lovely large 6-bedroom barn conversion in East Yorkshire with private gardens - set on our farmstead in 19 acres of grass and woodland two miles from the historic town of Beverley. Free wifi - arrive any day. AWARD-WINNING COTTAGES. Pets welcome. Sleeps 12+2 extra children.

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A drive leads to a brick-built Herefordshire country cottage.
Sleeps
22
Bedrooms
9

Durstone is a large holiday cottage deep in the Herefordshire countryside in the village of Pencombe near Bromyard. Sleeping 22 in 9 bedrooms (2 on the ground floor with shower rooms), this dog-friendly house has a games room, bike storage and a large lawned garden with a sandpit, outdoor furniture and BBQ.

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The ivy-clad exterior of a stone holiday cottage in Hawkshead, Cumbria, with a lawn to the front.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Bibby Lot is a quaint, dog-friendly, 3-bedroom traditional Lake District holiday cottage with Wi-Fi near Windermere on the Graythwaite Estate. Guests have access to a communal indoor heated swimming pool, games room, children's play area, fitness suite, and trout fishing lake.

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A single storey stone built cottage with a raised terrace overlooking a garden.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The delightful village of Lastingham houses this 18th-century stone-built cottage for couples with an authentic exterior and high-quality interior. The romantic cottage features delightful decor plus a patio area within easy reach of The North York Moors National Park or the coast at Whitby.

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Exterior and front garden of a stone-built Dorset holiday cottage with outdoor dining furniture on its terrace.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Chideock Cottage is a well-equipped holiday cottage which is available all-year-round. Situated in the village of Chideock with stunning views of the hills and just a 20 minute walk to the beach at Seatown. There is a lovely foodie pub just over the road, too!

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Bakers Farm Oast is a stunningly authentic detached rural cottage in the High Weald AONB in Ticehurst. Set on the Sussex/Kent border, the rural cottage sleeps four and offers contemporary chic and country charm, a delightful private garden, local wildlife, lovely views, and a wood-burning stove.

 

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A single storey, Gwynedd barn conversion in a courtyard with outdoor tables and chairs.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Savour the spectacular Menai Straits view from the Penrallt Cottage patio and delight in the peace and tranquillity of this stone-built conversion near Bangor in North Wales. Appreciate the combination of contemporary style and traditional charm of this coastal cottage.

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A contemporary 1st floor apartment with an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling glass windows and wrap around balcony.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Castle View is a striking, architecturally designed, large holiday home in Warwickshire opposite Warwick Castle. With a seamless blend of new and old, the cottage features exposed beams and stone walls, an orangery, a lovely garden, balconies and impressive views of the famous castle.

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Gable end of an Essex holiday apartment with large balcony and flanked by horse chestnut trees.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway? Look no further than The Penthouse, a stunning Essex holiday cottage located on the peaceful Osea Island. This centrally located retreat offers easy access to a private beach, a saltwater lido, and a heated outdoor swimming pool. With a spacious lounge, a well-equipped kitchen, and two comfortable bedrooms, you'll have everything you need to unwind and enjoy your stay. Plus, the master bedroom boasts an en suite with a roll-top bath for the ultimate indulgence. Communal amenities such as a cinema room, gym, and games room are also available for your enjoyment. Whether you're planning a special celebration or a family getaway, The Penthouse is the perfect choice. Don't miss out - discover more about this exquisite island escape today!

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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.