A surfer traverses a large wave.

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 Minehead holiday cottage in a rural location
  • Sleeps 18
  • Bedrooms 8

The Stables Cottages, one of 12 4-star Exmoor Holiday Cottages at Duddings, is a large Somerset holiday cottage sleeping 16-18 in 8 bedrooms. It is in a beautiful rural valley near Dunster in The Exmoor National Park. Amenities include an Indoor pool, spa bath, games room, tennis court, trampoline, etc. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A single-storey barn conversion with folding French windows opening onto a dining terrace.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Enjoy the country and the coast at Bromholm Barn, a luxurious 200-year-old cottage in Ridlington, Norfolk. The pet-friendly cottage offers a single-level open-plan design, exposed stone walls and beams, abundant natural light, a southwest-facing courtyard, ample grounds, and even a tent.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
1.	A contemporary barn conversion surrounded by open countryside.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Exposed beams and stone walls add character to Big Sky Barn, a luxurious brick and flint cottage set between the Norfolk countryside and the coast. The pet-friendly cottage in Ridlington is surrounded by farmland, just moments from the beach, and offers open-plan design and generous furnished gardens.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Outdoor swimming pool with table of drinks and snacks in front.
  • Sleeps 13
  • Bedrooms 6

Live in luxury at Gitcombe House, a large holiday rental in Cornworthy, your ideal South Devon holiday home with a pool. This Georgian manor farmhouse boasts six bedrooms, classic furnishings, and an AGA-equipped kitchen. Enjoy grand dining, relax by the open fire, and explore the extensive grounds with shared pools. Experience elegance and comfort – book your unforgettable holiday in South Devon now.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a modern holiday home with French Windows overlooking a paved courtyard garden.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

3 Allington Square promises a relaxing holiday by the sea. The coastal cottage sits in a residential area near the heart of Bridport in Dorset. It offers families and pets contemporary comfort, a lawned garden with a furnished patio, abundant natural light and easy access to the Jurassic Coast.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A Swiss-style wooden holiday lodge with a 1st floor deck looks out across lush Somerset countryside.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Panoramic Views is a chalet-inspired countryside cottage in the Trull area on the outskirts of the county town of Taunton, Somerset, offering stunning views of the Blackdown and Quantock hills, with a well-equipped kitchen, king master with en-suite with walk-in shower, and two flat-screen TVs.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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  • Walking Holidays
A Devon barn conversion with a deck at sunset.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Tumbledown Barn is a luxurious barn conversion and a North Devon holiday let in Knowstone. This property offers three spacious ensuite bedrooms and an open-plan living area with a wood-burning stove. The private courtyard features a hot tub and outdoor kitchen. The barn is pet-friendly, set on 20 acres of scenic farmland. Nearby, explore Exmoor and North Devon’s spectacular, award-winning beaches. Enjoy a night dining at the Michelin Star restaurant, the Masons Arms. View the complete description to learn more about this exceptional rural retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A lounge with twin sofas, inglenook fireplace and French windows.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Folded into the idyllic landscapes of North Devon, Keepers Lodge is a stylish two-bedroom (both ensuite) rural retreat with a hot tub. Located in the quaint village of Knowstone, it offers a blend of rural charm and modern convenience. The cottage on the edge of Exmoor features spacious interiors adorned with rustic elegance and modern amenities. Set amidst expansive gardens, it provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Discover the allure of countryside living at Keepers Lodge. Explore further details about this enchanting rural holiday cottage today.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a country house with sun room surrounded by beautiful gardens.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 4

‘Lorna Doone County’ plays host to Oare Manor Cottage, a beautiful property in a stunning valley. The pet-friendly Exmoor holiday cottage in Oare boasts superb views and manicured gardens, a generous sunroom, rustic elegance, a wood burner, exquisite furnishings and the promise of memories.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays

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 directly to check that what you want to do on holiday is precisely the activity accessible at the cottage.