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.

A Somerset farmhouse overlooks a large lawn lined by shrubs.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Trinity Cottage is a gorgeous detached cottage surrounded by greenery in Roadwater, Somerset. The large, pet-friendly holiday cottage boasts beautiful views over the surrounding valley and offers a log fire and spacious rooms with subtle elegance. A sophisticated escape with access to Exmoor and the coastline.

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Gable end of a Somerset holiday bungalow with a terrace offering far-reaching views across fields and ocean at Porlock Bay
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Enjoy Somerset holidays at Gapperies in West Porlock, where you'll revel in the awe-inspiring vistas that grace nearly every room of this modern retreat. With sweeping views over fields and salt marsh to the picturesque coastline of Porlock Bay, Gapperies offers an ideal sanctuary for those searching for a peaceful escape in the unspoiled realm of Exmoor. The ever-changing panorama outside your window promises a continuous source of delight. This exquisite property accommodates up to 6 guests.

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A stone cottage overlooks a lawn bordered by flowering shrubs.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Aggies is a charming 3-bedroom rural cottage in North Devon, located within easy reach of Ilfracombe and Woolacombe beaches. It is beautifully furnished and can accommodate up to 6 guests.

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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

The River Crake lies at the end of the garden at Sawmill Cottage, a large and charming 18th-century rural holiday cottage near Low Nibthwaite in the South Lakes. The pet-friendly cottage spoils guests with beautiful views, a generous garden, an open fire, a games room and modern comforts blended with old-world charm.

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Ground floor, brick exterior of a barn conversion overlooking a shrub-filled garden
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Endless activities greet visitors to Oliver’s Mill, a large converted barn amid the rolling hills of Alkington. The 18th-century rural holiday cottage in Shropshire boasts style and traditional character and offers woodland, an indoor swimming pool, a multi-sports court & a children’s play area, plus a log fire.

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Exterior of a cross-timbered cottage overlooking a large shingle parking area.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Bearwood House is a delightful half-timbered rural holiday cottage in Pembridge. The pet-friendly cottage in Herefordshire sits on ample grounds that invite relaxation. The cottage boasts character, an open fire, access to a tennis court, a games room, a hot tub, garden games, and peaceful seclusion.

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A stone built anglesey holiday home in open countryside.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Comfortably appointed, this detached Anglesey holiday home in Rhosneigr consists of two bedrooms (one double and one twin, both en-suite) and can accommodate up to four people.

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A double fronted 3-storey coastal cottage in Inistow.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Cool Stone Cottage is sleek, modern and elegant. The pet-friendly cottage in Instow carries a distinct coastal vibe and lies just moments from the beach and the highlights of North Devon. Natural light floods the cottage, and the sea breeze can be enjoyed in the open-plan spaces or the lovely garden.

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The exterior of a double-fronted house with a patio containing dining furniture
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Combe Lane Cottage is a holiday cottage in Exford, a picturesque Somerset village with gorgeous rural views from its generous enclosed garden. The pet-friendly cottage boasts tranquillity, a wood-burning stove, and a light and airy design. Guests enjoy access to the picturesque hills, valleys, and wild moorland of Exmoor National Park and a hassle-free holiday.

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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.