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 country Manor house with a timbered Tudor wing.
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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Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Miller’s House is a stone-built miller’s residence restored with modern comforts, providing a restful haven for families and pets near Tintagel in St Nectan’s Glen. Gorgeous gardens and a babbling stream in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty surround this rural holiday home in North Cornwall.

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L-shaped exterior of a barn conversion with a gable end of wood-framed glass windows overlooking a large lawn.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

Westbrook Barn is a Somerset holiday home situated on the outskirts of the charming village of Evercreech. It is a charming countryside cottage with four well-presented bedrooms spread on either side, a mezzanine area, exposed ceiling beams, a cosy sitting room with a feature fireplace, and an outdoor gazebo.

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Exterior of a coach house conversion surrounded by a large garden with shrubs.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Coach House near the small market town of Tenbury Hills, Worcestershire, is a beautiful studio conversion nestled in the northwest corner of the Malvern Hills, a romantic cottage boasting an open plan living area, flower garden with bothy, and a private deck offering stunning views.

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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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Exterior of a semi-detached, 2-storey Croyde cottage with covered porch
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
4

Introducing Sole Bay, an exquisite holiday home in the North Devon region. This charming seaside cottage in Croyde can accommodate up to eight guests, offering ample space to unwind and relax. You can enjoy generously sized living areas and a sun-drenched garden with BBQ facilities close to the famous Croyde Beach. With family-friendly amenities such as a bunk bedroom and games, you can look forward to making unforgettable memories. The property is conveniently located near several pubs and eateries and provides parking facilities. Start exploring to plan your perfect seaside getaway today!

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A large, rendered Hereford holiday home overlooks a spacious paved courtyard
Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
8

Cedars House is a large Herefordshire holiday cottage in Whitchurch amidst a designated National Landscape. It is beautifully restored and combines modern amenities with original features, including wood floors and fireplaces. This adorable and pet-friendly Georgian property can accommodate up to 16 guests in 8 bedrooms (4 en-suite).

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A 2-storey stone-built house overlooks a courtyard
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

One Grooms Cottage is a luxurious stone-built holiday cottage in Dunster. Its interior promises guests tradition and sophistication. Original features are scattered throughout the pet-friendly property, which boasts contemporary furnishings and technology and places guests within the beautiful Exmoor National Park.

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Whitewashed exterior of a Cornish cottage overlooking a courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Willow Cottage sleeps four and has an open fire and private patio. This beautifully furnished Cornwall holiday cottage is located in the pretty medieval town of Lostwithiel, in the Fowey River Valley, near glorious South Cornwall sandy beaches, Lanhydrock House and Gardens, and the local farmers’ market.

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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.