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.

Whitewashed exterior of a Cornish cottage overlooking a courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Willow Cottage sleeps four and has an open fire and private patio. This beautifully furnished Cornwall holiday cottage is located in the pretty medieval town of Lostwithiel, in the Fowey River Valley, near glorious South Cornwall sandy beaches, Lanhydrock House and Gardens, and the local farmers’ market.

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Exterior of a slate-roofed, single-storey barn conversion in Leominster.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
2

The Owl Barn is a luxurious stone-built barn conversion in Herefordshire amid beautiful countryside. The pet-friendly, single-storey holiday cottage in Kimbolton enjoys sumptuous countryside views and retains original features, such as beams and stone walls, combined with contemporary sophistication.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
2

9 Porth Meor Villas offers seaside self-catering accommodation in an award-winning Newquay Holiday Apartment overlooking Porth Beach and the outdoor heated swimming pool. No.9 sleeps 6 guests in 2 (double and twin) bedrooms (both en suite) 3 minutes walk from the beach. Available all year round.

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Exterior of a modern bungalow with a conservatory overlooking a grassy field.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

A delightful stone-built countryside cottage in the Northern Yorkshire Dales, Hury Lodge in the peaceful hamlet of Hury, County Durham, offers pet-friendly holiday accommodation for small families and couples with a fully fitted kitchen and charming master bedroom.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Lime Kiln Farmhouse is a beautiful stone-built rural cottage within Castel Howard Estate in Coneysthorpe, Yorkshire. The pet-friendly cottage promises seclusion and access to the Centenary Way, generous grounds, a lovely furnished patio, tasteful antique furnishings and a cosy log fire.

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2-Storey cottage exterior with hanging flower baskets.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This is one of five luxurious holiday cottages located in East Devon. The cottage has two bedrooms and can comfortably accommodate four people. It is conveniently situated in Sidmouth, just a short walk from the seafront. The property is a part of a historic Regency house built in 1802 for the Duke and Duchess of St. Albans. This house is Grade II listed, making it a remarkable piece of architecture.

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Sleeps
11
Bedrooms
4

Beesoni Lodge is a delightfully-converted barn which exudes charm and treats groups to a four-bedroom property with contemporary fittings. The large rural holiday cottage lies at the foot of the Malvern Hills in Hill End and is ideal for pets, wildlife enthusiasts and those wishing to explore Worcestershire.

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A wooden holiday cottage overlooks a large lawn with outdoor dining furniture.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2
  • Nestled in the picturesque Quantock Hills, you'll find the fantastic Flora's Barn, your perfect getaway for all-season family adventures in the West Somerset countryside. This family-friendly two-bedroom / two-bathroom holiday cottage in Crowcombe sits on a small farm and welcomes pets.
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Exterior of asemi-detached restored fisherman's cottage with a paved courtyard in Appledore.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Retreat is a charming North Devon holiday cottage in Appledore. The pet-friendly cottage offers an enviable waterside location, a spacious garden, exposed beams and sash windows, and a fantastic base for memorable seaside holidays.

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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.