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.

Close up of a farm cottage exterior in The Quantock Hills showing the front door and surrounding shrubbery.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Discover The Old Bakery, a charming 17th-century dwelling nestled within the picturesque village of Crowcombe at the heart of the Quantock Hills. This characterful retreat, at Town End Farm, is not just for families but caters to couples of all ages seeking seclusion and luxury in Somerset's stunning countryside, regardless of the season.

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A wooden 2-storey Essex holiday cottage overlooks a lawned garden, shaded by tall trees with four sun lounger on the grass.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

The Limes, nestling on private Osea Island, offers a cosy and inviting escape for five guests on the enchanting Essex Coast. This charming seaside holiday cottage boasts a warm lounge with garden access, two spacious double rooms, and an additional single room. A well-equipped kitchen, two elegant bathrooms with roll-top baths, and a private garden complete the picture. Osea Island adds to the allure with its private beach, saltwater lido, outdoor pool, cinema room, games room, and more. The gym and 4.5 miles of coastline await, with bikes for exploration. Discover The Limes and start planning your tranquil getaway.

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A countryside bungalow at the head of a drive with mature trees in th background
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Make a pleasant and comfortable self-catering holiday in Colwyn Bay, Clwyd, by staying at Gwern Tyno on the North Wales coast. This rural holiday let is situated in the picturesque Nant-Y-Glyn Valley. It offers a sitting room and dining area with access to a patio and large garden, affording magnificent farmland views.

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A deck with a hot tub and sun beds overlooks a surfing beach.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

For many people, especially previous guests, Memory House is Woolacombe's most prestigious holiday cottage. It enjoys uninterrupted views of Woolacombe beach across to Putsburough. The large ground-to-ceiling windows across the entire ground floor mean you can watch the surfers over breakfast or magnificent sunsets over the sea in the evening.

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Three Gables is a 5 bedroomed house in a small rural village at the western end of the Isle of Wight, Come and stay with us and wake up to enjoy our stunning country views accompanied by birdsong, if you’re lucky, you might see a red squirrel too.

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Semi-detached country cottage backed by mature trees.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoying an elevated position above Bridgetown, This Exmoor holiday home enjoys wonderful views over the village and across this beautiful National Park. The pet-friendly cottage boasts a cosy wood-burning stove plus multiple outdoor areas for fun and relaxation. The cottage is close to Dulverton and the many attractions in West Somerset.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Enchanting 16th Century Pink Cottage in Coddenham, one of the prettiest Suffolk Villages. Fabulous walks. It is ideal for exploring the countryside and Suffolk Heritage Coast. Cyclists can keep their bikes in the enclosed courtyard garden. Perfect for a relaxing romantic break for one or two people.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The Mill is a well-equipped coastal holiday cottage with Wi-Fi available all year round. It sleeps 6 and is set in 7.5 acres of Dorset countryside. The Mill is only a short walk from the village pub and a short drive to the Market town of Bridport / West Bay, famous as the location for 'Broadchurch'.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Deery Me is a luxurious rural holiday cottage in Oxfordshire set amid Blenheim Palace Park in Woodstock. Within easy reach of Oxford and the Cotswolds, the gorgeous 3-bedroom, pet-friendly cottage rests on the banks of the River Glyme within beautiful grounds and offers wonderful outdoor areas, a fireplace and style.

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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.