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
8
Bedrooms
4

Set on the edge of Herefordshire's River Arrow, this large riverside holiday cottage in Eardisland stands in a scenic location in an attractive Herefordshire village. This dog-friendly holiday home is ideal for family or friends who want to walk in or explore this idyllic rural corner of Herefordshire.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

This romantic coastal cottage for couples sleeps 2 in the peaceful Norfolk village of Heacham. Built from local Carstone with a lovely private courtyard, Kath’s Cottage is within walking distance of the Blue Flag sandy beach at Hunstanton, and within easy reach of stunning nature reserves and the King’s Sandringham Estate.

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Exterior of a 3-storey cottage surrounded by beautiful flower-filled gardens.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Take a closer look at Hemphaye, a charming 17th-century house and now a luxury self-catering coastal cottage in East Devon with Wi-Fi. It sleeps up to 6 people in 3 bedrooms (2 bathrooms) and is an easy walk from the beach and the town centre of Sidmouth.

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A stone-built Exmoor barn conversion in open countryside.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

A stunning farming estate in the heart of rural North Devon, Barn Cottage lies in a scenic valley in the parish of Bishop's Nympton, near South Molton on the edge of Exmoor National Park. This farm cottage allows access to Devon's coastline, beaches, and other attractions.

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Exterior of a Cumbriain stone. barn conversion near surrounded by fields.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Gill Beck Barn enjoys wonderful views of the Pennines and the Lake District and promises guests character and comfort. The pet-friendly cottage sits on a large property near Melmerby in Cumbria & offers a spacious furnished garden, an Aga, a log fire in a traditional fireplace and absolute tranquillity.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Holiday in comfort and style with a stay at The Wain House, a brick-built barn conversion on the owner’s 250-acre working farm just outside the village of Westhope, Shropshire, a pet-friendly cottage that features a private patio with a hot tub, as well as access to a games room and gym.

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A large Cotswold barn conversion to form a holiday cottage in open countryside.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
4

ambler's Barn is a charming rural barn situated on 21 acres of fields in Gloucestershire. This beautiful pet-friendly holiday cottage is located in Moreton-in-the-Marsh and boasts a lovely Cotswold stone exterior, which complements its stunning garden. With 3 bedrooms, a sophisticated log fire, contemporary amenities, and a separate annexe, this tranquil cottage provides the perfect rural retreat.

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A holiday apartment overlooks a long sandy beach in South DEvon.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Discover a waterfront retreat for self-catering holidays for two in Torcross at Lower Reeds, a charming beach apartment. Situated on the seafront, it offers a romantic escape with panoramic ocean views. The well-equipped kitchen, comfortable living room, and a rear double bedroom with en suite provide a cosy haven for couples. Enjoy a front terrace overlooking the sea and off-road parking. Two well-behaved dogs are welcome. Explore Torcross and nearby coastal gems, making Lower Reeds ideal for a tranquil beach getaway.

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A double-fronted, stone-built Welsh farmhouse sits on a flower-filled raised bank above a lane.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

The Farmhouse in Aberaeron is the epitome of a serene rural retreat, blending character and modern comforts to create an inviting and spacious holiday haven on an organic farm. Whether you're planning an extended family getaway or a gathering of friends, this charming family and pet-friendly cottage is your perfect home away from home, nestled in the heart of enchanting Ceredigion, North Wales, and only a stone's throw from the coastal charm of Aberaeron.

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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.