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
5

The honeypot location of Grassington lies but a pleasant stroll from the grounds of 1 Bridge End, a delightfully restored large holiday cottage in the Yorkshire Dales boasting wooden floors, five bedrooms, riverside views from the pet-friendly garden and guaranteed comfort beside the open fire.

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A Thatched farmhouse with a garden surrounded by a picket fence.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
4

Bilshay Farmhouse is a pretty, thatched Dorset Farmhouse sleeping up to 10 over 4 bedrooms in a rural location with far-reaching views of rolling hills, a short distance from the market town of Bridport. This large holiday property also includes a hot tub, trampoline and games room. Dogs welcome.

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A Welsh stone-built barn conversion surrounded by a low stone wall in a large courtyard.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Cefn-Yr-Efail is a coastal cottage outside Porthmadog, near sandy beaches, mountains and lakes, in Gwynedd, North Wales. This large Snowdonia holiday cottage near Porthmadog sleeps 8, with amazing views of the surrounding countryside, slate floors, a jacuzzi bath and a private garden

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Aerial view of a Cornish Lighthouse complex overlooking the sea.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Brook Cottage is a sophisticated coastal cottage set above the cliffs within Trevose Head Lighthouse near Padstow. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys spectacular ocean views and a sea breeze. It offers enclosed lawned gardens with furnished spaces, coastal chic and proximity to the many delights and attractions on the North Cornwall coast.

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A North Devon riverside cottage with a large lawn.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

A romantic riverside holiday cottage in Bratton Fleming perfect for celebrating any of life’s special occasions, The Folly lies on the fringes of Exmoor in North Devon, tucked away on a private lane, with large glazed double doors opening onto a beautifully furnished pet-friendly studio cottage.

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Exterior of a stone-built Dorset chalet bungalow overlooking a front lawn and drive.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Lanes End, a charming Chetnole holiday rental, offers a delightful escape with three bedrooms: one ground-floor king-size, one double, and one twin. Enjoy modern amenities like a bathroom with a walk-in shower, a kitchen/diner, and a living/dining room with a wood-burning stove. The property features a private driveway, front lawn, and rear garden with furniture. Immerse yourself in comfort with WiFi, TV, and essential supplies included. Experience tranquillity in this pet-friendly retreat, where no smoking is allowed — book now for a memorable Dorset getaway in all seasons.

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Exterior of a stone-built house overlooking a lawn surrounded by a stone wall and small trees.
Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
4

A Grade II listed semi-detached farmhouse in Parwich, Orchard View, is full of charm and character and situated in peaceful rural surroundings. This large and spacious dog-friendly holiday home in the Peak District sleeps up to nine people.

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Exterior of a stone-built holiday home in Dunster surrounded by a stone wall..
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Withycombe Cottage is a charming rural holiday cottage in the Exmoor National Park near Dunster. The pet-friendly property sleeps six with an indoor pool, a swimming pool, a tennis court and children’s playground, a games room, and an interior combining tradition and style.

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A single-storey holiday cottage on Osea Island overlooks a large lawn.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

scape to the beautiful Osea Island in Essex and stay at East Village No.3, a charming private holiday cottage. This island offers a unique experience that is accessible via a tidal causeway. You can enjoy a private beach, a saltwater lido, a heated pool, a tennis court, a cinema, a games room, and a gym. No.3 is located in The Village, which provides easy access to the pool. Inside the cottage, you can expect stylish bedrooms and open-plan living areas. Immerse yourself in island life, which is perfect for special occasions or family holidays. Please note that the minimum booking is for two nights.

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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.