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
19
Bedrooms
8

Richmond Hall is a grand, luxurious rural cottage with a heated swimming pool set among gorgeous grounds in St Asaph, North Wales. Guest amenities include a gym, sauna, games room, all-weather tennis court, luxury décor, traditional charm, a glass summerhouse, and easy access to lovely St Asaph.

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Exterior of a contemporary house with  a built-iin garage, smal front garden and a palm treein Weymouth
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Sea Pebbles is a beautifully presented house only a few steps away from the front door to breathtaking sea views and the coastal path in Weymouth. Whatever you decide to do on your Dorset holiday, Sea Pebbles offers the perfect base from which to explore the Jurassic coast.

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A comfortably furnished,  carpeted lounge with French windows offering rural views.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

This remote rural Highland cottage near Strathpeffer, Inverness-shire, offers spectacular views of the Northern Highlands. Whether you want to hike, golf, or go to the spa, Larchfield Chalet 1 is the place to lay your head at the end of the day. Pets welcome.

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

A large luxury holiday cottage in Denbighshire, The Beeches is located near the centre of Llangollen. Its proximity to the River Dee suggests packing a picnic basket of crackers and wine to relax by the river bank on sunny days. This beautifully furnished 5-bedroom dog-friendly cottage sleeps 10.

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A large farmhouse and barns surrounded by greenfields.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Braunton Farmhouse is a 5-bedroom holiday cottage in Braunton, recently refurbished to a very high standard. The North Devon house is perfectly situated on the hill above Braunton and within a few miles of Georgeham, Croyde and amazing, award-winning beaches at Putsborough and Woolacombe Bay. Pets welcome.

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Exterior of a modern holiday home with French Windows overlooking a paved courtyard garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

3 Allington Square promises a relaxing holiday by the sea. The coastal cottage sits in a residential area near the heart of Bridport in Dorset. It offers families and pets contemporary comfort, a lawned garden with a furnished patio, abundant natural light and easy access to the Jurassic Coast.

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Exterior of a 3-storey Georgian Townhouse and Garden.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
6

The Normans is an imposing Georgian townhouse in the heart of Wells-next-the-Sea, promising groups elegance and sophistication. Perfect for marking special occasions, the luxury holiday cottage on the North Norfolk coast boasts a games room, a unique cinema room, gardens, ocean views and an open fire for out-of-season holidays.

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A stone-built Feock holiday cottage overlooks a flagstone patio with outdoor tables and chairs
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover the enchanting Blue Cottage in Feock, Cornwall. This traditional Cornish retreat oozes character with granite window seats, beamed ceilings, and an original Rayburn stove. Accommodating up to six guests, it's ideal for those seeking a cosy, historic escape. Relax by the open fire, explore the Roseland Peninsula, and enjoy watersports nearby. With three bedrooms, a charming garden, and proximity to St Mawes and Falmouth, Blue Cottage promises a quintessential Cornwall experience.

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A lawn slope down boat moored on the banks of the River Severn
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

If breathtaking views and the waterside scenery are a priority for you, Rosewaters Cottage near Stourport-on-Severn offers you plenty. Sitting on the banks of the River Severn, this Worcestershire dog-friendly holiday home offers luxury waterside self-catering for 2-7 guests.

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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.