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.

Barn conversions overlook a courtyard with a central flower bed
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Granary is a charming, detached cottage located in the rural area of Keld Head Cottages, near Pickering in Yorkshire. This award-winning farm cottage features an open fire and beautiful exposed beams, creating a warm and cosy ambience. The cottage also offers large, stunning gardens with indoor and outdoor play areas, perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The beautiful views surrounding the cottage are sure to help you unwind and enjoy a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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A two-storey Essex holiday cottage overlooking a lawn with a parasol on Osea Island
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Garden House is a warm and inviting Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island located near the waterfront, boasting a charming and cosy atmosphere. The interior is tastefully decorated, radiating comfort and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for a luxurious holiday retreat. This holiday home is situated in the central village area of the island, providing convenient access to all the island's attractions while also offering a private and secluded refuge.

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A slate-roofed, stone holiday cottage in Powys nestles beneath a step hill toppped with a wood.
Sleeps
11
Bedrooms
5

The character and location of Y Sgubor are delightful. The large rural holiday home in Mid Wales is situated near Llangynog with superb views of Pennant Valley, charming décor, modern fittings, an outdoor hot tub, a sun-trap patio, an open fire and five thoughtfully decorated bedrooms. Pets welcome.

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A wooden-clad Shropshire holiday home overlooks a lawn backed by trees.
Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
5

Dingle Cottage, a large holiday home in the charming Shropshire village of Stiperstones, sits amidst the magnificent scenery of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This pet-friendly countryside cottage with a garden hot tub has table football, a country kitchen with a range cooker, and five bedrooms for up to nine guests.

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Large Victorian Manor House with two turreted wings overlooks a large lawn.
Sleeps
20
Bedrooms
10

Manor House, located on Osea Island, offers a remarkable escape. Accessible via a Roman tidal causeway, this exclusive Essex holiday cottage is an extraordinary retreat. Explore a range of activities, including an outdoor pool, saltwater lido, tennis court, cinema, and 4.5 miles of coastline. The grand Edwardian house boasts ten bedrooms, most with four-poster beds and en-suite bathrooms. It's an ideal celebration venue, with reception rooms, a country kitchen, and captivating water views. Book this extraordinary destination for a minimum of 2 nights, with flexible arrival days.

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Exterior of a long wooden barn conversion near Shrewsbury
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Black Lion Barn Retreat is a secluded rural cottage on a working farm in Church Pulverbatch in Shropshire. The sophisticated cottage promises tranquillity and views of the surrounding hills, a beautiful garden, an open fire, floor-to-ceiling windows, a games room and Yoga classes.

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Tiny Islands on the calm Moray Firth are silhouetted against a golden sunset.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
4

The Old Customs House in Banff is a beautiful seafront holiday cottage that boasts a hot tub adjoining the Banff Marina. With its four spacious bedrooms, this luxurious cottage on the Moray Firth provides an unforgettable holiday experience for families and groups of friends.

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A large multi-windowed chalet bungalow in Charmouth with an extended plate-glass walled deck
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Charmouth holiday let, Pendower, just a short walk from Charmouth village, presents guests with stunning sea views. This seaside holiday home in Dorset boasts a flexible split-level design, perfect for families or couples. Enjoy the enclosed gardens, an ideal playground for kids and pets, while savouring coastal vistas. The open-plan living space, stylish kitchen, and three inviting bedrooms ensure a comfortable retreat. Book Pendower for a memorable stay near Charmouth's vibrant charm and explore the wonders of the Jurassic Coast. Discover more about this captivating property.

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Exterior of a Devon village cottage with a patio and a well-kept garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Orchid Cottage is a spacious 19th-century coastal cottage in picturesque Axmouth village, next to the River Axe. This family-friendly East Devon cottage is just one mile from the harbour and fascinating Jurassic coast, making it ideal for exploring the Devon and Dorset coasts.

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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.