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 large rural cottage with 3 terraces, gardens and a hot tub
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Watersend is a quiet and luxurious holiday home with a hot tub located in Watergate Bay on the stunning Cornish coast. With bi-fold doors that provide breathtaking views of the sea, a cinema room, and four en-suite bedrooms, this spacious vacation rental is perfect for family holidays and short getaways. Additionally, it offers ample, off-road parking space, making it convenient for multiple guests with vehicles. Book now for an unforgettable coastal retreat in Cornwall!

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Aerial view of Marine Cottage in Falmouth looking across rooftops towards the sea.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Marine Cottage is a stunning 18th-century house located in the heart of Falmouth, a charming Cornish town. This Grade II-listed seaside cottage boasts luxurious detailing, an open fire, and a sun-drenched courtyard that offers breathtaking views of the nearby seaside, which is just a short stroll away.

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A 2-storey exterior of a Looe holiday let with bay windows and large garden.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

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A thatched Hampshire holiday cottage sits behind a flowering hedgerow in the countryside.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

3-Bedroom, Pet-Friendly New Forest Holiday Home Near Lymington

Forest Cottage, ideal for self-catering holidays in the New Forest, invites you to a charming retreat. Nestled in a fabulous location, this detached thatched cottage exudes character with exposed beams and a peaceful garden. Sleeps five in three bedrooms, providing a quaint escape for families and couples. Direct forest access is perfect for New Forest walking holidays. Explore nearby attractions like Beaulieu Village, Lymington, and Bucklers Hard. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the New Forest—book your stay for a delightful holiday experience.

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A 2-storey house with a ground-floor extension overlooks a courtyard and mature garden.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Coachman’s Cottage is a gorgeous romantic bolthole with ocean views in West Porlock, Somerset. The former stable block sleeps two, welcomes pets, and features contemporary style and traditional charm, ample grounds, wooden floors, furnished outdoor spaces, a sea breeze and a log fire. 

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Exterior of a 3-storey Georgian Townhouse and Garden.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
6

The Normans is an imposing Georgian townhouse in the heart of Wells-next-the-Sea, promising groups elegance and sophistication. Perfect for marking special occasions, the luxury holiday cottage on the North Norfolk coast boasts a games room, a unique cinema room, gardens, ocean views and an open fire for out-of-season holidays.

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A classic country house with a row of five windows overlooks a shrub0filled garden lined by wrought iron railings.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Flanders Hall is a large and impressive Grade II listed Georgian country house in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales in West Burton. This pet-friendly holiday home in secluded rural surroundings is perfect for large family holidays or a get-together with friends in the great outdoors.

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A large, 3-storey detached house built of stone with a 1st floor clad in slates.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

A newly renovated luxury Cornish holiday cottage full of character and charm is set amidst peaceful countryside. A short drive from Padstow, the Camel Trail, and many North Cornwall beaches, Glebe Cottage sleeps 8 in 4 ensuite bedrooms. It has a delightful garden with a private sunny patio and is dog-friendly.

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Winndows of a little cottage overlook a terrace filled with flowers and shrubs.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Cherry Tree is an attractive cottage for couples. It is a one-bedroom Grade II-listed self-catering holiday cottage in Sidmouth. The town's beaches on the East Devon coast are only a short distance away.

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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.