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.

Exterior of a single storey barn conversion with a pair of floor-to-ceiling French doors  overlooking a shingled courtyard with flower troughs.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

The Old Stables is a luxurious country cottage located in Gastard, Wiltshire, and is situated on an acre of grounds. The cottage is detached and can accommodate eight people. It offers seclusion, fresh country air, and beautiful views of the surroundings from the fully furnished gardens. The interior of the cottage features a log fire and is designed with an open-plan layout and contemporary style.

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A stone built cottage overlooks a large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by wide terraces
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Waterfall Cottage is a charming stone cottage with two bedrooms and a terrace that leads to an outdoor heated swimming pool. It is situated in the beautiful South Devon near Ivybridge and surrounded by 26 acres of woodland and lakes. Waterfall Cottage is conveniently located for those wishing to spend days on the beaches of South Devon and those looking to explore Dartmoor National Park.

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Swanage Driftwood is a large, modern coastal cottage in Dorset boasting light and airy spaces and contemporary chic. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in Swanage lies just moments from the beach and offers a sun-filled interior and multiple outdoor entertaining spaces, plus access to bespoke Wellness packages.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Indulge in the serene allure of Cosy Cornish Cottage, the perfect Cornish coastal getaway for a family or small group of friends. This pet-friendly haven in Cornwall beckons with its charming ambience and spacious accommodation for up to 6 guests across 3 bedrooms, ensuring an intimate escape for couples or a cosy gathering for friends. Picture enchanting evenings by the crackling log burners and days brimming with exploration amidst Cornwall's breathtaking landscapes and attractions. Revel in the modern comforts, from Wi-Fi to underfloor heating, and savour the convenience of nearby shops and eateries. Whether you seek quiet moments with your partner or cherished memories with friends, Cosy Cornish Cottage offers a haven for relaxation and adventure. Secure your slice of romantic bliss today!

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Front exterior of a tone built barn conversion in Cumbria with a small, pave courtyard.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Hill Side Barn is a spacious Lake District barn conversion with a hot tub that sleeps six guests seeking a high-quality rural retreat in a quiet rural corner of Cumbria that’s not too far from the best bits of the Southern Lake District and the Cumbrian coast.

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A single-storey Dorset holiday cottage overlooks a large lawn surrounded by a wooden fence, trees and rose bushes.
Sleeps
11
Bedrooms
5

Situated amidst the splendour of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and boasting amenities suitable for all ages, Court House Farmhouse is a large holiday cottage on the edge of the Dorset village of Whitchurch Canonicorum. This a child-friendly cottage with five bedrooms, a private hot tub, and a shared games barn.

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Doiuble-fronted exterior of a stone holiday cottage in Cumbria surrounded by mature trees.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

A thoughtful barn conversion, one of four cottages located by the River Lune in a beautifully remote location near Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria. The Old Stables is a countryside cottage on the western edge of Yorkshire Dales National Park, featuring exposed beams, upside-down accommodation and under-floor heating.

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A stone-built barn conversion in North Devon overlooks a farm courtyard
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Seekings Cottage is a delightful farm cottage for two located on the edge of the beautiful Exmoor National Park near South Molton. Several good pubs are nearby, including one with a Michelin-star within easy distance.

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A single storey stone built cottage with a raised terrace overlooking a garden.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The delightful village of Lastingham houses this 18th-century stone-built cottage for couples with an authentic exterior and high-quality interior. The romantic cottage features delightful decor plus a patio area within easy reach of The North York Moors National Park or the coast at Whitby.

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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.