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
6
Bedrooms
3

A remote Scottish holiday cottage found on the Trotternish Peninsula in the far north of the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, Ridge End Cottage in the isolated township of Conista promises a memorable holiday for groups of up to six looking to relax in cosy and comfortable rural accommodation.

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Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

An attractive modern build based in the historic port of Whitby, Herons Reach is a welcoming terraced cottage, perfect for a family holiday on the Yorkshire coast and moors. Boasting all the mod cons of contemporary living, the pet-friendly property provides everyday essentials for a memorable holiday.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Fun in the sun is assured at 16 Woolacombe, a luxurious coastal apartment in Woolacombe Bay, Devon, which bathes in natural light and carries an effortless coastal chic throughout. The apartment also offers a swimming pool, sauna, treatment room, and modern comfort just minutes from the beach.

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Aerial view of the flat Lincolnshire countryside with a groups of stable conversions surrounding a large courtyard
Sleeps
20
Bedrooms
10

The Dairy at Burghley is a gorgeous, large country cottage on a grand estate near Stamford In Cambridgeshire. The pet-friendly property rewards guests with rural elegance and modern luxury, open fires, outdoor entertaining areas, and access to Burghley House and its many events.

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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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Ground floor exterior of a stone-built Victorian house and front garden.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Ascension is a superbly ornate romantic suite inside a Victorian villa in Cardiff's heart. The décor includes antiques, elegant décor and international souvenirs, and the grand four-poster bed hints at royalty. A bay window captures the view and plush leather sofas invite relaxation.

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A Cotswold holidy cottage with a vine-covered exterior.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The 99 Yew Trees is a gorgeous 3-bedroom holiday cottage in Painswick overlooking the church in the heart of The Cotswolds. The 16th-century townhouse boasts a lavish garden full of mature plants and a neutral palette accentuated by traditional features such as the fireplace, wood burner, exposed beams and stone walls.

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A patio table laid for tea in a Fowey holiday cottage with views to the waterside.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Place View is a beautiful, luxuriously furnished seaside holiday cottage in Fowey. It boasts modern amenities, an open fire, and a stunning terrace offering panoramic views of the estuary. The charming cottage sits atop a hill in the heart of this quaint Cornish village with its narrow, winding streets and abundance of restaurants, cafes and fascinating independent shops.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Visitors to Northumberland can holiday in comfort and style at Bridge Cottage, a pet-friendly country cottage on the outskirts of Haltwhistle, a short walk from Hadrian’s Wall. The cottage features a cosy sitting room, a king-size double and twin bedrooms, and a walled patio area.

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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.