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.

Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Nuide Farmhouse is a charming, large, pet-friendly 5-bedroom farmhouse in rural surroundings that sleeps 10. Set in rambling grounds, the house is ideal for self-catering holidays in the Cairngorms and has access to fishing on The Spey. Horse riding can be arranged locally in Newtonmore.

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A spacious, wood-panelled lounge with leather sofas, hardwood coffee table and flooring.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Situated in the centre of Bath, Rose & Slate is perfectly positioned for a wonderful holiday in Somerset. The luxurious urban cottage boasts refined elegance and multiple fireplaces plus wooden floors, open-plan spaces, immaculate presentation and access to one of the most attractive and historic cities in Britain.

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A large, 3-storey detached house built of stone with a 1st floor clad in slates.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

A newly renovated luxury Cornish holiday cottage full of character and charm is set amidst peaceful countryside. A short drive from Padstow, the Camel Trail, and many North Cornwall beaches, Glebe Cottage sleeps 8 in 4 ensuite bedrooms. It has a delightful garden with a private sunny patio and is dog-friendly.

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Rxterior of a contemporary eco-loodge with large floor-to-ceiling plate glass windows and doors opening onto a wooden deck with a hot tub.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

A luxurious eco-lodge set within Strawberryfield Park in Cheddar. With a wraparound furnished deck and sumptuous hot tub, this beautifully designed and furnished home delivers style and comfort in equal measure. Perfectly suited to families or groups of friends, it makes for a superb stay in Somerset.

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Entry arch and adjoining granite-built cottage overlook a castle courtyard.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The National Trust for Scotland offers Courtyard Cottage, a romantic apartment inside Drum Castle in Drumoak. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in Aberdeenshire dates back 700 years and boasts antique furnishings in keeping with its history, as well as an open fire, contemporary comforts and beautiful grounds.

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Exterior of a large, L-shaped brick East Yorkshire farmhouse overlooking a spacious courtyard and lawn.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
7

Hall Garth is a large and impressive rural holiday cottage in Beverley sitting on beautiful grounds near Beverley in the Vale of York and Yorkshire Wolds. The grand house sleeps 14 and boasts outdoor entertaining areas with stunning views, a luxurious interior with a log fire, exposed beams, rural elegance and an open-plan design.

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A 2-storey barn conversion with  terracotta tiles nestles against a cluster of small trees overlooking a large garden and fields in East Sussex.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Set amidst an East Sussex valley north of the South Downs, Cherrystone Barn is a rural retreat near Lewes; a perfect holiday getaway for couples, this romantic countryside cottage with a hot tub has an enclosed garden offering expansive views, an open-plan living area and a separate bedroom with en-suite rolltop bath.

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A ground-floor rural barn conversion in Cornwall overlooks a shingle-covered courtyard.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
1

Wheal Rose is a romantic cottage tucked away in the hills near St. Newlyn East in Cornwall. The rural cottage boasts exposed beams and a delightful garden, modern comforts and proximity to the Cornish coast. Relax, connect, unwind and sample the delights of this beautiful county.

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A two-storey converted bakery cottage behind wrought-iron railings in an elevated position above a village street.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Bakery is a modern and welcoming romantic cottage spread over two floors in Watchet. The Somerset coastal cottage rests in a quiet corner of the seaside town. It boasts a cosy wood burner, an open-plan design, a lovely garden and patio and the promise of a memorable holiday among sandy beaches.

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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.