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.

Attached stone barns form an L-shape around a shrub and flower-filled courtyard garden.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Derby is a luxury holiday cottage for couples at Endmoor Farm in the Derbyshire Peak District near Bakewell. This beautifully furnished, pet-friendly cottage in secluded rural surroundings is a beautifully appointed romantic retreat in the countryside for two (+cot) at any time of the year.

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Ward Court holiday cottage isa brick property next to the village shop.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Bright and cosy, Wards Court 1 is perfect for a romantic getaway in Gloucestershire. Updated throughout, this self-catering apartment in Frampton on Severn is a lovely idyllic village retreat for two. The River Severn and nearby countryside offer many delightful options for exploring or simply relaxing together.

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A rural holiday cottage with a terracotta roof sits behind a lawn with a shingled footpath.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Avonside Cottage is a unique riverside holiday cottage set beside the Avon River in the historic village of Pill in Somerset. The property sleeps four and boasts a sunny patio with river views, a lawned space, an interior with vaulted ceilings and wooden panelling, and open-plan design and true style.

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A large countryt house  overlooks spacious grounds scattered with mature oak trees.
Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
8

Relax in style at Oak Cliff Villa, a luxury Victorian house with a pool on the Isle of Wight that offers uninterrupted sea views over the Solent to Portsmouth. This large, light, spacious holiday cottage in Wootton is set on five acres of grounds and sleeps 16.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Barn Cottage, a truly romantic getaway, is a stone-built Cornish holiday cottage in Dobwalls near Liskeard. The cosy rural retreat features contemporary fittings paired with traditional features, a four-poster bed and beautiful rural views of the hills and valley beyond.

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Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Sitting on the edge of the village of Carrog near Corwen in Denbighshire, The Mill House is a lovingly maintained Edwardian farmhouse overlooking the River Dee. This pet-friendly five-bedroom home is ideal for a large group or family trips to Snowdonia.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Explore Little Haven, a captivating 2-bedroom seaside holiday let in Lymington. This Hampshire coastal cottage seamlessly blends modern comfort with charming aesthetics. Enjoy open-plan living, a stylish courtyard, within easy reach of Lymington's waterfront. With a fully equipped kitchen, Smart TVs, and outdoor dining, it's an ideal retreat. Walk to boutique shops, restaurants, and the Quay. Discover nearby attractions like the New Forest National Park. Little Haven promises a picturesque escape—view the full details for an unforgettable coastal getaway.

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Aerial view of a country house surrounded by wild Scottish moorland.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Corriedow is a beautiful country cottage in Dumfries and Galloway with 360-degree panoramic views. The cottage used to be a shepherd's house and can accommodate up to six people. It features a modern and elegant design, large windows that let in plenty of natural light, beautiful gardens, a furnished patio, an open-plan layout, and a cosy wood-burning stove.

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A two-storey holiday cottage seen through the branches of a tree.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Heyden Cottage is a delightful rural holiday cottage near Minehead, sleeping five in a quiet location. The pet-friendly cottage lies within the Exmoor National Park near the West Somerset coast. It offers seclusion plus fantastic countryside views. Enjoy adventures by day and relax by the wood-burning stove at night.

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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.