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 double-fronted, stone-built terraced cottage on an empty street.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This charming holiday cottage in Derbyshire is a beautifully restored stone terraced cottage, just a few minutes from the centre of Bakewell in the heart of the Peak District, sleeping up to four guests. Pets welcome

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Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

The Old Farmhouse is a luxury, family-friendly cottage set on a working farm in Lowick south of Berwick-upon-Tweed for a family of up to seven to enjoy a lovely and relaxing holiday in the Northumberland countryside within easy reach of the coast and Hadrian’s Wall. Sleeps 7.

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

New Inn House is a luxuriously appointed rural holiday cottage in Abbots Salford. It boasts gorgeous interiors, uninterrupted views of the Warwickshire countryside, a heated swimming pool, tennis court, games room, children’s play area, an open fire, and lavish grounds perfect for pets and entertaining.

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A country cottage on the edge of a wood surrounded by well-kept lawns and flower beds.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

A pretty stone-built cosy coastal cottage near Kirkcudbright with sea views, Cutlar's Cottage is set in its own fully enclosed garden overlooking a wildflower meadow. It's a glorious walk to the seashore and a 2-3 minute amble to the landscaped loch and pavilion.

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Exterior of a weather-boarded East Sussex Cottage and lawned garden.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Cherry Cottage is a spacious, modern rural holiday cottage in East Sussex boasting seclusion and tradition. The pet-friendly cottage lies in Ripe, near Lewes and boasts stunning rural views, exposed beams and outdoor entertaining areas. Beautiful walks lead from its doorstep, and the wonders of Sussex await.

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Exterior of a contemporary wood-clad barn conversion comprising 3 New Forest holiday cottages
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

For an unforgettable Hampshire getaway, view Oak Barn, a charming village holiday cottage in Dammerham, perfect for self-catering holidays in the New Forest. This spacious barn conversion offers an open-plan layout, two accessible bedrooms, and a hot tub with scenic views. Discover the historic village of Damerham, just three miles from Fordingbridge. Oak Barn provides a unique blend of modern comfort and rural tranquillity. View the full description for more information.

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A rural holiday cottage with a terracotta roof sits behind a lawn with a shingled footpath.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Avonside Cottage is a unique riverside holiday cottage set beside the Avon River in the historic village of Pill in Somerset. The property sleeps four and boasts a sunny patio with river views, a lawned space, an interior with vaulted ceilings and wooden panelling, and open-plan design and true style.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Enjoy a lovely countryside holiday at Stable Cottage, situated on 3.5 acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens in the rural hamlet of West End, Norfolk, where guests find a two-storey holiday home from which to launch day trips to the beautiful North Norfolk coast.

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Ground floor, brick exterior of a barn conversion overlooking a shrub-filled garden
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Endless activities greet visitors to Oliver’s Mill, a large converted barn amid the rolling hills of Alkington. The 18th-century rural holiday cottage in Shropshire boasts style and traditional character and offers woodland, an indoor swimming pool, a multi-sports court & a children’s play area, plus a log fire.

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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.