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.

A 2-storey, stone-built gwynedd holiday covvage oveerlooks a garden full of poptted plants and shrubs.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

The Railway Cottage is a stone-built seaside holiday cottage in Fairbourne that sleeps five people in three bedrooms. It is located close to Barmouth and Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales and within easy reach of the Snowdonia National Park.

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A semi-detached Cornish cottage overlooks a block-paved courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Curlew's Cwtch offers country charm within reach of the ocean. The pet-friendly holiday cottage lies moments from the beaches of Polzeath. It boasts views of the Cornish countryside from its ample garden, a pastel palette with local art, open-plan design, picture windows and a wood-burning stove.

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A holiday bungalow with off-road parking in a remote rural location.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Ghyll Bank Bungalow is a gorgeous traditional cottage nestled among farmland near Staveley in Cumbria and The Lake District. The cosy, pet-friendly property enjoys breathtaking views of the fells and features charming details, furnished outdoor spaces, contemporary comforts and an open fire.

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The Gable end of a single-storey barn conversion overlooks a country garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Fellside Barn is a gorgeous rural barn conversion offering panoramic views of the hills of Cumbria. The light and airy pet-friendly property in Broughton Beck boasts generous gardens with a large furnished deck and an interior blending reminders of yesteryear with open-plan, contemporary comforts.

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Exterior of a long brick-built barn conversion with a patio with table seating for 14.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
7

If you are looking for a memorable and truly luxurious holiday experience, look no further than The Shakespeare Lodge. Nestled in an elevated position near Stratford-upon-Avon, this beautiful rural cottage offers breathtaking countryside views that will take your breath away. With its elegant interior featuring exposed beams, sophisticated dining room, spacious grounds, and multiple entertaining spaces, The Shakespeare Lodge is the perfect place to create happy holiday memories with family and friends. So why wait? Book your stay at The Shakespeare Lodge today and get ready to experience the best of Shakespeare country in style!

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L-Shaped farm cottage overlooks a lawn with mature shrubs.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

Church Farm is a beautifully preserved Exmoor holiday cottage in Stoke Pero belonging to the National Trust. It offers self-catering accommodation for seven guests in three bedrooms in a beautiful part of the National Park in an idyllic rural location near Dunkery Beacon, where wild red deer and Exmoor ponies roam freely. Pets are welcome.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Escape to the tranquillity of a pretty rural Somerset setting and enjoy a memorable family getaway at the recently refurbished Stable Cottage. This charming and characterful converted holiday property boasts modern comforts and amenities, providing ample space for all the family to relax and unwind. Don't miss out on this idyllic retreat and book your holiday today!

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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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Gable end of a wooden eco-lodge in an orchard setting.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Orchard Cottage is a beautiful timber-clad holiday cottage in Ledbury, Herefordshire surrounded by lush green countryside. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys wonderful views and offers a sun-drenched deck, generous grounds, light and airy open-plan spaces, an outdoor games area and the chance to truly relax.

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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.