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

The Farmhouse is a dog-friendly 3-bedroom Yorkshire Farmhouse in Penistone, offering glorious rural views right across to the Peak District. Sleeps 6. Perfect for walking and cycling holidays in The Pennines.

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Quayside holiday apartment in Rye overlooks small craft moored to the waterfront at high tide
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Complete with a breakfast bar and Juliet balcony overlooking the quay of the River Rother, 16 The Boathouse is a romantic waterfront holiday apartment in Rye, affording couples on holiday along the East Sussex coastline the perfect home base to explore this historic port town.

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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

The Norfolk Beacon is a sophisticated North Norfolk coastal cottage within the lighthouse at Winterton-on-Sea. Sitting within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the pet-friendly cottage boasts a sea breeze, beautiful views, unique architecture, a library, a log fire, a patio and a sunroom.

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Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Beachcombers is a lovely coastal cottage in Newquay with a pool just moments from the sands of Porth Beach in Cornwall. Pastel hues and modern facilities feature in the cottage, including generous open-plan living space. Beachcombers are ideal for a coastal family holiday.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Set amongst mature waterside gardens in a gorgeous secluded location, Bratton Mill Cottage, near the medieval village of Bratton Fleming in Devon, is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage. It has been recently redecorated yet retains much of the character and charm of the original mill.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

This romantic coastal cottage for couples sleeps 2 in the peaceful Norfolk village of Heacham. Built from local Carstone with a lovely private courtyard, Kath’s Cottage is within walking distance of the Blue Flag sandy beach at Hunstanton, and within easy reach of stunning nature reserves and the King’s Sandringham Estate.

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
6

Once Mevagissey’s first bank, this large, luxury Grade II listed holiday cottage in Cornwall now accommodates up to 10 people within six bedrooms spread across three floors. The well-appointed interior of this large, pet-friendly coastal cottage spoils guests with inner-city chic in a delightful rural location.

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A bungalow with a large sunroom overlooks a drive with plenty of parking space
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Located in the picturesque coastal town of Rhyl, Beach Cottage stands as a shining example of an exceptional family seaside retreat. Perfectly situated just a brief 2-minute stroll from Kinmel Bay's inviting beach, and offering easy access to the bustling heart of Rhyl, this holiday haven exudes quality and comfort. Impeccably furnished to provide a capacious home away from home, Beach Cottage is the ideal choice for families seeking a beachside break.

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A 2-storey stone-built Cotswold mill conversion overlooking a well-kept garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Lower Mill Cottage is a charming country cottage that was once part of a larger traditional mill. It is situated in the beautiful Cotswold village of Broadway, which is considered one of the most attractive villages in the Cotswolds. The cottage features a lovely garden that is bordered by a peaceful stream, making it a perfect retreat for dog owners. Additionally, the cottage has private parking available.

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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.