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
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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A large, brightly lit house overlooks a swimming pool at dusk.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4
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Exterior of a large, 3-storey, brick-built Wye Valley cottage with a large lawn.
Sleeps
24
Bedrooms
11

Forest House is a spacious holiday cottage located in Coleford, situated in the heart of the picturesque Forest of Dean. This property was formerly a 4-star hotel but is now converted into a self-catering accommodation that is perfect for large groups of holidaymakers who wish to explore the surrounding area. With 11 bedrooms, it can comfortably accommodate up to 24 guests.

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Exterrior of an eco lodge with a  covered deck and hot-tub.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

A luxury lodge in the peaceful Devon countryside outside Exeter. With a huge wooden deck and sunken hot tub, this home has two en-suite bedrooms and a log burner in the spacious living room. Within just a short drive of Exeter, you can enjoy the city's vibrancy and the quiet of a lakeside setting.

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Exterior of a North Yorkshire holiday cottage overlooking a lawn lined by trees.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Heather Cottage is a lovely and modern mid-terrace cottage located in the picturesque village of Gillamoor in Yorkshire. This charming cottage features beautiful exposed beams, a cosy wood-burning stove, a colourful and well-furnished garden, spacious open-plan areas, all the modern amenities needed for a comfortable stay, and easy access to breathtaking vistas.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Kamba Cottage near Kirriemuir in the rural hamlet of East Murthill offers guests the use of a hot tub. This 3-bedroom, dog-friendly country cottage is an ideal base for exploring the Angus Glens, golf courses, ski fields and the Highlands. Sleeps 6.

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A semi-detached with a large 1st floor balcony overooks a front garden with off-road parking.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

7 The Retreat is a sophisticated coastal cottage in Torbay, just a short walk from the beach in Paignton. Sleeping six, the pet-friendly Devon cottage is beautifully furnished. It boasts a lovely enclosed garden with a summer house, plus a light-filled interior with wooden floors, pastels & Juliet balconies.

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Exterior of a large stone-built Dales farmhouse with 2 wings, a large lawn and fields all around it.
Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
8

Explore Farm View Hall, a large holiday home in Pateley Bridge, ideal for self-catering holidays in the Yorkshire Dales. With eight bedrooms, stunning views, a hot tub, and pet-friendly accommodation, it's perfect for families or groups. Enjoy the well-equipped kitchen, cosy sitting room with woodburning stove, and convenient amenities. Discover nearby attractions like Brimham Rocks and Harrogate. Book your unforgettable North Yorkshire holiday today!

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A thatched cottage with thatched porch and large conservatory overlooks a wide lawn.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Under Acre Cottage is a charming chocolate box cottage nestled among the Cranborne AONB in Winterborne Whitechurch. The Grade II listed 16th-century rural cottage boasts a thatched roof & more original features, plus a lovely garden with countryside views, open fire and access to the Dorset coast.

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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.