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.

Gable end of a 2-storey pennine holiday cottage overlooking a country lane
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Underbank Hall Cottage is a romantic cottage for couples in a secluded rural location with breathtaking views of the valleys and hills between The Peak District and The Pennines in Stocksbridge, but still within easy reach of the fleshpots of Sheffield. Pets welcome.

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A double-fronted stone cottage overlooks a sunny lawn edged with flowers.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Mill Cottage is a delightful two-bedroom holiday property near Tintagel in North Cornwall, nestled in a designated National Landscape. It offers families an idyllic getaway in the village of St Nectan’s Glen. The coastal cottage boasts gorgeous gardens surrounded by trees with a babbling brook.

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Behind a table set for cocktails on a balcony is a view of Brixham Harbour.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Blue Horizon is a luxurious coastal cottage boasting superb views of Brixham Harbour, Devon. The sophisticated former fisherman’s cottage sleeps four and blends chic with tradition. It features exposed beams, stone walls & antique furnishing, and a furnished balcony for basking in the sunshine.

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A 3-storey holiday home is surrounded by lawns and a spacious block paved parking area.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Discover Ley Park, an enticing large holiday cottage in North Devon, offering a captivating blend of comfort and coastal charm. It is perched half a mile from Welcombe, a hamlet just a short stroll from Welcombe Mouth Beach. This smart retreat boasts sea-view bedrooms, a cosy wood-burning stove, and a spacious dining room. Ideal for family gatherings, the enclosed garden with a patio and grassy area provides a scenic backdrop. Explore this idyllic holiday let in North Devon for an unforgettable coastal escape.

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Facade of a rambling country house overlooking an open field.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Set in the private grounds of Combermere Abbey, Callander Cottage is a light and airy property with tasteful, contemporary furnishings and a fresh, calming colour palette. With its own small private garden, it's perfectly located next to the beautiful walled garden at the Abbey.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Burrow is a beautifully transformed Somerset chapel surrounded by well-maintained lawns and picturesque countryside. This romantic holiday cottage in Bruton welcomes pets. It features impressive vaulted beamed ceilings, charming arched windows, a cosy mezzanine bedroom, a wood burner, a wine cooler, and even a home cinema. It's an ideal place to unwind and enjoy peace and quiet.

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A large rural cottage with 3 terraces, gardens and a hot tub
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Watersend is a quiet and luxurious holiday home with a hot tub located in Watergate Bay on the stunning Cornish coast. With bi-fold doors that provide breathtaking views of the sea, a cinema room, and four en-suite bedrooms, this spacious vacation rental is perfect for family holidays and short getaways. Additionally, it offers ample, off-road parking space, making it convenient for multiple guests with vehicles. Book now for an unforgettable coastal retreat in Cornwall!

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A 2-storey, stone-built gwynedd holiday covvage oveerlooks a garden full of poptted plants and shrubs.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

The Railway Cottage is a stone-built seaside holiday cottage in Fairbourne that sleeps five people in three bedrooms. It is located close to Barmouth and Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales and within easy reach of the Snowdonia National Park.

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Stone built exterior of a Yorkshire Dales cottage with large zinc plant pots lining the front.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Middle Cottage lies in the sleepy Wensleydale village of Middleham. This 3-bedroom pet-friendly Dales holiday cottage is perfect for family holidays exploring the Dales or North York Moors. The Cottage is a short stroll to historic Middleham Castle, the childhood home of Richard III.

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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.