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.

Exterior or a stone-built barn conversion surrounded by a flower-filled garden
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
3

Escape to the picturesque village of Brayford, located on the western edge of Exmoor National Park, for a rejuvenating self-catering holiday. Experience the charm of Barn Cottage, a beautiful three-bedroom cottage with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, covered in wildflowers. This pet-friendly cottage is located in a small rural North Devon village, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

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A chapel conversion with a large rose window sits behind a low stone wall.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

The Old Methodist Chapel is a sophisticated conversion of the old chapel in Rosedale Abbey. Set amid the North York Moors and Coast, the cottage features tall arched windows, exposed timbers, stripped pine doors, a cast iron and marble fireplace, a furnished sunny patio, and an open fire.

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Exterior view of St Anne's Lighthouse complex on the Isle of Wight.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Fancy a lighthouse holiday? Book Gunard, a Ventnor holiday cottage, part of St Catherine's Lighthouse on the Isle of Wight. With superb sea views, this pet-friendly waterside cottage sleeps 5 in a secluded rural location right above the waves.

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Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will love the proximity to Snowdonia of this six-bedroom rural holiday cottage near the Conwy village of Pentrefoelas, which boasts views of the stunning countryside as well as wheelchair access, endless entertainment options, cosy open fires and a games room.

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Gable end of a wooden eco-lodge in an orchard setting.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Orchard Cottage is a beautiful timber-clad holiday cottage in Ledbury, Herefordshire surrounded by lush green countryside. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys wonderful views and offers a sun-drenched deck, generous grounds, light and airy open-plan spaces, an outdoor games area and the chance to truly relax.

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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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An Exmoor stone barn conversion overlooks a bend in a country lane.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This pet-friendly farm cottage in Somerset nestles in an idyllic valley between the Brendon Hills and  Exmoor. Harthanger View Cottage near the rural village of Luxborough was recently converted from a barn into a charming retreat with a spiral staircase, cosy sitting room, and en-suite master.

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A stone-built LAke District Cottage sits in a woodland clearing surrounded by mature trees.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Carrholme is a large Grade II listed Yorkshire Dales Holiday Cottage, brimming with rural charm and modern conveniences as well as generous gardens and views over Settle and the Yorkshire Dales. The charming cottage that once housed Prince Charles promises regal comfort for groups and welcomes pets.

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A stone built holiday cottage in Ampleforth with a deck and courtyard containing outdoor seating option.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Ford End Cottage is a delightful rural cottage in the lovely village of Ampleforth in the North York Moors and Coast. Ideally situated for an enjoyable holiday, the pet-friendly cottage offers an open fire, a pleasant garden, light-filled spaces & reminders of its 18th-century origins.

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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.