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 lighthouse holiday cottage and small tower on a grassy clifftop
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Panoramic ocean views stretch before The Link, a romantic cottage set in Cromer Lighthouse beside the golf course on the Norfolk coast. White walls and luxurious contemporary décor complement the setting, while the enclosed garden offers another space to enjoy the views and the clean sea air.

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Exterior of a holiday cottage created from a village shop conversion, retaining its large front window.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Blacksmith Cottage is a beautifully designed romantic retreat that can accommodate two guests. It is situated in the charming village of Grassington, in the heart of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. This pet-friendly cottage is tastefully furnished with a subtle elegance that runs throughout. It boasts a lovely courtyard, open-plan living areas, and absolute convenience for guests.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Stables is a lovely two-bedroom, two-bathroom holiday cottage in Beverley, rated 5-star. Set on our farmstead in 19 acres of grass and woodland two miles from historic Beverley. Free wifi - arrive any day - ground floor bedroom and wetroom. SEE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR ON OUR WEBSITE.

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The ivy-clad exterior of a stone holiday cottage in Hawkshead, Cumbria, with a lawn to the front.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Bibby Lot is a quaint, dog-friendly, 3-bedroom traditional Lake District holiday cottage with Wi-Fi near Windermere on the Graythwaite Estate. Guests have access to a communal indoor heated swimming pool, games room, children's play area, fitness suite, and trout fishing lake.

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Exterior  of a country house in the Lake District with a lake in the background.
Sleeps
18
Bedrooms
9

An elegant Georgian Manor House on the shores of Lake Windermere in the Lake District, Silverholme is a large, pet-friendly Cumbrian holiday cottage that sleeps 18 in 9 bedrooms (8 ensuite). It offers luxury accommodation with an indoor heated swimming pool and cinema room with surround sound!

Exterior of a stone-built, Pennine barn conversion with wood-panelled walls and
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Hayloft boasts beautiful views of the Pennine Hills & promises couples a romantic getaway. The rural cottage in Holmfirth, Yorkshire, features exposed beams, a luxurious design and a pleasant outdoor space for al fresco dining. Explore the many hiking and cycling trails.

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A gsrden path lesds past an ornamental fountain to sa stone. built Somerset holiday cottage
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Parish Stone is a picture-perfect cottage in the peaceful locale of Timsbury in Somerset. Just moments from Bath, the stone-built cottage enjoys an ideal location and a lovely furnished garden, pleasant views, serenity, and an interior with elegant furnishings and contemporary comforts.

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A stone drive leads to a barn conversion surrounded by well-mown lawns.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Orchard Cottage is a gorgeous stone-built romantic holiday cottage in the Wye Valley in a designated National Landscape in Penterry, Monmouthshire. The pet-friendly cottage offers contemporary comforts, a log fire, traditional charm, seclusion, an outdoor fire pit, and lovely rural views across Monmouthshire.

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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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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.