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.

Chapel conversion exterior with tall arched windows near Polruan
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy self-catering holidays in Polruan at The Old Sunday School. Nestled in South Cornwall, this converted Sunday school offers a cosy coastal retreat between Fowey and Polperro. Enjoy a peaceful escape with a charming living space, a wood burner, and countryside views. Modern amenities, a courtyard garden, and easy beach access make it an ideal choice. Bring your well-behaved dog to share coastal walks. Discover the perfect balance of comfort and tranquillity—view the property’s full description now.

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A stone-barn conversion surrounded by mature shrubs and trees.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Discover Spring Barn, a large coastal cottage offering pet-friendly self-catering holidays in Hope Cove. It sleeps ten with five ground-floor bedrooms, including a master with an en-suite. Enjoy a bright, open-plan kitchen/dining area, a spacious lounge with a wood-burning stove, and outdoor spaces for all ages. Family-friendly amenities include a travel cot and a highchair. Conveniently located a mile from Malborough, it's an ideal retreat with ample parking for four cars/boats. Explore the full description for an in-depth look at this delightful South Devon cottage.

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Exterior of a modern Suffolk with large windows on both floors overlooking a flower-filled garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
2

Welcome to Hillcrest, a stunning Suffolk barn-style holiday home that offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. With accommodation for up to six guests, this property is surrounded by lush fields and verdant gardens, offering a peaceful retreat near Saxmundham. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Hillcrest is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday exploring the picturesque Suffolk coast and countryside. Plus, Hillcrest is pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it an ideal choice for everyone. Book now and experience the ultimate in Suffolk holiday luxury!

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Sliding doors reveal the luxuriously furnished open-plan exterior of a modern holiday cottage.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Kersey Cottage is a beautiful, newly refurbished, family-friendly holiday home in the heart of Flushing village with an open plan living to sleep up to 8 guests in comfort. Dogs are welcome, and the spacious sun-trap garden is a real bonus!

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An outdoor dining table underneath a parasol inside a fenced in terrace with rural views beyond.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Gerreg Wen is a charming and secluded Conwy holiday cottage in Eglwys Bach. This rural cottage offers breathtaking views of Snowdonia National Park and is just a few minutes away from the coast. The pet-friendly cottage is perfect for those seeking a mix of rustic charm and modern comfort and features a cosy log fire. Additionally, the cottage boasts a generous garden where you can relax and breathe in the fresh air.

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Stone-built terraaced holiday cottage on a quiet village treet.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Beachside Cottage sits just moments from the beach. The pet-friendly, 3-bedroom holiday cottage in Minehead offers guests a contemporary style. Its outdoor space is ideal for al fresco dining, while its interior promises true comfort with a light and airy design.

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Ward Court holiday cottage isa brick property next to the village shop.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Bright and cosy, Wards Court 1 is perfect for a romantic getaway in Gloucestershire. Updated throughout, this self-catering apartment in Frampton on Severn is a lovely idyllic village retreat for two. The River Severn and nearby countryside offer many delightful options for exploring or simply relaxing together.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Set amidst the splendour of Exmoor National Park in the beautiful Avill Valley, Bossington Cottage near the medieval village of Dunster, Somerset, is part of a nine-acre complex of countryside cottages, a pet-friendly family holiday retreat with two first-floor bedrooms and shared indoor pool.

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The harbour and sea view from the deck of a Polperro holiday cottage.
Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
4

Discover Pilchard Rock, a large holiday cottage in Polperro offering stunning sea views. Enjoy 180-degree vistas from every window and balcony. Ideal for coastal walks and village exploration, this pet-friendly, luxury seaside cottage boasts a modern interior with spacious living areas and comfortable bedrooms. With its central location and charming design, Pilchard Rock promises a memorable getaway for couples, families, and groups. Explore now for an unforgettable seaside retreat.

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  • Walking Holidays

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.