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, stone-built, Cheshire holiday cottage.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Set among the gorgeous countryside of Cheshire, Orchard Cottage is a modern barn conversion near Rainow that offers luxury, seclusion, and relaxation. The pet-friendly cottage boasts a delightful garden with beautiful views, a games room, an open fire, original features and sun-filled spaces.

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Exterior of a Devon village cottage with a patio and a well-kept garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Orchid Cottage is a spacious 19th-century coastal cottage in picturesque Axmouth village, next to the River Axe. This family-friendly East Devon cottage is just one mile from the harbour and fascinating Jurassic coast, making it ideal for exploring the Devon and Dorset coasts.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Devon Beach Court is a light, airy modern seaside holiday apartment in Woolacombe. This two-bedroom, family-friendly holiday let Offers comfort and style throughout; it sleeps four people in two bedrooms.

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Exterior of a holiday lodge with floor to ceiling windows and a hot tub.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Set amidst stunning Cornish countryside and an easy drive to local beaches, 10 Horizon is a stylishly furnished and fully equipped homely holiday lodge with a hot tub. Located near Dobwalls in East Cornwall, it sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms and accepts pets.

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Sleeps
24
Bedrooms
11

The Manor on the Monnow is an impressive baroque manor house located on the east bank of the River Monnow, just a short walk from the centre of Monmouth. The property comfortably accommodates 24 guests in 11 bedrooms/9 bathrooms, with spacious communal areas, great outdoor space, and a hot tub too!

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A 2-storey barn conversion with a courtyard and far-reaching rural views
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

The Loft is a gorgeous Grade-II listed detached Peak District holiday cottage set in the open countryside near Millthorpe. Oozing tradition and charm, the pet-friendly cottage boasts stonework and original beams, a billiard table and hot tub, and style and serenity.

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Buttercups Hay Barn
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
6

Buttercups Haybarn is a detached 5-star rural cottage set amidst woodland and green fields in Alkington, Shropshire. The luxurious Georgian cottage blends tradition with urban chic, with shared use of an indoor swimming pool, multi-sports court, an Under 5's play area, plus wonderful rural views.

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A 2-storey barn conversion with  terracotta tiles nestles against a cluster of small trees overlooking a large garden and fields in East Sussex.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Set amidst an East Sussex valley north of the South Downs, Cherrystone Barn is a rural retreat near Lewes; a perfect holiday getaway for couples, this romantic countryside cottage with a hot tub has an enclosed garden offering expansive views, an open-plan living area and a separate bedroom with en-suite rolltop bath.

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A stone-built Feock holiday cottage overlooks a flagstone patio with outdoor tables and chairs
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover the enchanting Blue Cottage in Feock, Cornwall. This traditional Cornish retreat oozes character with granite window seats, beamed ceilings, and an original Rayburn stove. Accommodating up to six guests, it's ideal for those seeking a cosy, historic escape. Relax by the open fire, explore the surrounding Roseland Peninsula, and enjoy watersports nearby. With three bedrooms, a charming garden, and proximity to St Mawes and Falmouth, Blue Cottage promises a quintessential Cornwall experience.

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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.