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.

Winndows of a little cottage overlook a terrace filled with flowers and shrubs.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Cherry Tree is an attractive cottage for couples. It is a one-bedroom Grade II-listed self-catering holiday cottage in Sidmouth. The town's beaches on the East Devon coast are only a short distance away.

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A stone drive leads to a barn conversion surrounded by well-mown lawns.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Orchard Cottage is a gorgeous stone-built romantic holiday cottage in the Wye Valley in a designated National Landscape in Penterry, Monmouthshire. The pet-friendly cottage offers contemporary comforts, a log fire, traditional charm, seclusion, an outdoor fire pit, and lovely rural views across Monmouthshire.

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Large, 2-storey, Victorian house with a tree-lined garden
Sleeps
17
Bedrooms
9

Stoneleigh is a gorgeous 19th-century North Devon holiday let designed by prominent Victorian architect William Bryden and situated on the coast in Northam. This large, child-friendly holiday home boasts ornate brickwork, original sash windows, a traditional games room, and space for up to 17 guests.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Beach Retreat is an elegant North Devon coastal cottage situated a short stroll from Instow's beautiful beaches. The pet-friendly cottage benefits from a neutral palette and sophisticated design features that capture the sea breeze in its light and airy rooms and boasts a log fire.

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Frontage of a large 3-storey, Devon country house overlooking an outdoor pool and tree-lined lawns.
Sleeps
38
Bedrooms
18

Discover the ultimate South Devon holiday rental at Alston Hall, a luxurious country retreat with a pool designed for large gatherings. With 18 bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, and extensive facilities, including indoor/outdoor pools, a tennis court, and more, it promises an idyllic stay for up to 38 guests. Immerse yourself in comfort, grandeur, and fun; perfect for family reunions or group getaways. Explore the stunning surroundings and enjoy easy access to Mothecombe Beach and Plymouth. View this luxury holiday home with a pool now.

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Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Abbotts Wood is a large, pet-friendly holiday home in Hampshire, sleeping 12 in 5 bedrooms (3 ensuites). Facilities in this luxury house include an indoor heated swimming pool, a (free) fishing lake complete with ducks for feeding and 3 acres of grounds to explore.

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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Jamaal Lodge is a large wooden  Northumberland holiday lodge in the peaceful hamlet of South Broomhill. The pet-friendly lodge boasts a lovely garden and entertaining areas, a sun-drenched balcony, light and airy spaces and within easy reach of the best attractions of the Northumberland region.

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Aerial view of a contemporary farm house surrounded by open fields.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Set in its own gated grounds, Willersey Farm House is a large holiday cottage in the Cotswolds. It is a unique blend of old and new, with a traditional Cotswold house housing the bedrooms attached to an all-new, contemporary living area. Traditional beams and honey-stone walls mix with stunning contemporary design to create an exceptional Warwickshire country cottage near Broadway.

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A large country Manor house with a timbered Tudor wing.
Sleeps
24
Bedrooms
11

The Manor on the Monnow is an impressive baroque manor house located on the east bank of the River Monnow, just a short walk from the centre of Monmouth. The property comfortably accommodates 24 guests in 11 bedrooms/9 bathrooms, with spacious communal areas, great outdoor space, and a hot tub too!

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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.