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 large slate roofed Lake district holiday cottage its in front of a line of tall tres.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

A lovingly maintained large Snowdonia holiday cottage, Tyn Llwyn is a grand farmhouse beautifully renovated to create a rural holiday home near Harlech in North Wales. Standing on a 7-acre smallholding, pet-friendly Tyn Llwyn welcomes families and groups looking for a coast and countryside retreat.

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A long single-storey barn conversion with a line of windows along one side overlooks a shingled driveway and garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

A beautifully restored, refurbished barn less than ten minute's walk from Lanhdrock Estate. Original features add to the charm of this home which includes a wood-burning stove and spacious open plan living. The Barn is perfect for families or friends and welcomes two pets, so is ideal for dog owners.

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Single-storey, ivy-clad country cottage in front of woodland trees.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Are you looking for a luxurious getaway in the beautiful Exmoor National Park? Look no further than Birch Cleave Stables. Newly refurbished, this charming country cottage offers comfort and luxury for 2-4 adults, plus up to 2 dogs! If you've got horses, don't worry because the cottage also includes two stables. You can also take advantage of the convenient access to the footpaths and bridleways, perfect for exploring.

Experience the best of Exmoor with Birch Cleave Stables. With its luxurious amenities and convenient access to outdoor activities, you'll have an unforgettable stay. Book your stay at Birch Cleave Stables today and make the most of your getaway in the Exmoor National Park.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

A remote Scottish holiday cottage found on the Trotternish Peninsula in the far north of the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, Ridge End Cottage in the isolated township of Conista promises a memorable holiday for groups of up to six looking to relax in cosy and comfortable rural accommodation.

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A large chalet bungalow with a conservatory overlooks a very large garden.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
4

Redway Lodge is a large and sophisticated Exmoor coastal cottage just moments from beaches in Porlock Weir. The modern cottage boasts beautiful views across the Porlock vale to the sea and offers spacious and elegant rooms and bedrooms with en-suite. Stroll to the beach and explore the independent shops and galleries in the centre of Porlock.

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Exterior of a Scottish Manse overlooking s large tree-line lawn
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

This large, spacious, pet-friendly holiday home with a hot tub in Perthshire is set in beautiful countryside near Crieff. The Old Manse has a wealth of period features: an open fire, a large garden with a croquet lawn and a trampoline. Perfect for a get-together with friends and large families.

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A large slate-roofed house house backed by tall trees overlooks a large lawn.
Sleeps
18
Bedrooms
8

Nestled in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, Plas Gwynfryn is a large, luxury North Wales holiday home on the coast near Harlech. This grand, pet-friendly Edwardian house sleeps 18 in 8 bedrooms with six bathrooms and stands on an 8-acre estate.

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A large, 3-storey detached house built of stone with a 1st floor clad in slates.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

A newly renovated luxury Cornish holiday cottage full of character and charm is set amidst peaceful countryside. A short drive from Padstow, the Camel Trail, and many North Cornwall beaches, Glebe Cottage sleeps 8 in 4 ensuite bedrooms. It has a delightful garden with a private sunny patio and is dog-friendly.

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Large cottage with balcony and floor-to-ceiling French windows in Padstow.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Spectacular views of Treyarnon Bay greet guests at Trewalder, a stunning coastal cottage on the Cornish coast. The pet-friendly cottage sits above the beautiful beach and the gorgeous gardens catch the sea breeze, while the interior boasts ample windows, contemporary elegance and a wood burner.

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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.