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.

Exterior of a stone-built, 3-storey detached house  in front of a wood and overlooking a terraced garden
Sleeps
18
Bedrooms
9

Robertswood Country House is a large Victorian House offering child-friendly luxury Self-Catering Accommodation in Matlock, Derbyshire, within the Peak District. It is quiet, comfortable, and very affordable.

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A holiday cottage lounge with sofa, coffee table and wide-screen tv.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Mallard Cottage is a lovely holiday property in the charming village of Newton-on-Rawcliffe in the North York Moors. The property is pet-friendly and offers four different accommodation options. It features three bedrooms spread over two floors. The cottage's first floor, which includes a sitting room, kitchen/dining room, twin bedroom, and wet room, is perfect for wheelchair users. It is designed to comfortably accommodate full-time wheelchair users.

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A 2-storey Cornish Barn conversion overlooks well-kept lawns and gardens.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Tregadjack Barn is a small and private, secluded cottage with two beautiful gardens near the town of Helston, Cornwall, offering beautiful long views along the rolling tree-covered countryside to the sea at Mounts Bay; the two-bedroom, pet-friendly oasis welcomes guests with a homemade fish pie!

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A long, 2-storey farm cottage overlooking a spacious lawn.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Set on the vast grounds of Melmerby Hall, Stag Cottage is an award-winning, self-contained, 17th-century, Grade II-listed sandstone cottage in Melmerby, Cumbria. The pet-friendly, 5-star Gold cottage promises 20 acres of grounds, a private garden, an open fire, mullion windows, and beams.

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A lounge with a feature fireplace between two armchairs.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
4

Set just minutes from the seafront is Calathea, a charming coastal townhouse in Ramsgate, Kent. The Georgian property boasts original features  stylish sophistication, light-filled spaces, standout art pieces and a sun-trap patio, plus access to many cafes and seaside attractions. Holiday in style.

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A double-fronted cottage with large lawn is surrounded by mature trees.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Ball Cottage is a charming holiday home located in Winsford, Somerset. Nestled within a lush garden, it boasts a beautiful stream that adds to the picturesque scenery. The cottage is perfect for those looking to go on walking holidays in Exmoor, as it is ideally located. Inside, you'll find many original features, including a lovely open fire that creates a cosy ambience. Additionally, you can explore the charming village and Exmoor National Park, or head to the coast for a day trip.

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Exterior of a lighthouse holiday cottage and small tower on a grassy clifftop
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Panoramic ocean views stretch before The Link, a romantic cottage set in Cromer Lighthouse beside the golf course on the Norfolk coast. White walls and luxurious contemporary décor complement the setting, while the enclosed garden offers another space to enjoy the views and the clean sea air.

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Sleeps
20
Bedrooms
8

Rosehill is a characterful and family-friendly Shropshire holiday cottage offering group accommodation for 20 guests in 8 comfortable bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms, in a rural hamlet a few miles from Market Drayton. This large holiday home has a swimming pool, games room and hot tub.

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Exterior of a 2-storey cottage with courtyard and large tarmac parking space.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Overstream Annexe is a delightful romantic cottage in the beautiful seaside village of Porlock in Somerset. The two-storey house is ideally situated for exploration of the Exmoor region. It offers an open-plan design, a sun-trap patio, contemporary comforts, peace and a cosy log fire.

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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.