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.

Hafton Castle from drone
Sleeps
42
Bedrooms
19

Hafton Castle is a beautiful historic building nestling next to the loch in Hunter's Quay, just outside Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula.

The Castle is a large holiday home, totally self-catering and can accommodate up to 42 guests in 19 en-suite bedrooms.  The living accommodation comprises sitting rooms, a dining room, a library and a large conservatory, providing plenty of communal space for the 42 guests.

There is a large indoor swimming pool, a games room with snooker and a children's playground.

There are lovely grounds in which to walk, play and picnic and plenty of parking.

  • Active Holidays
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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

They say that the view can make a holiday truly special, and families can certainly experience this at Glintings, a holiday cottage located in Polperro. This spacious and pet-friendly cottage in Cornwall can accommodate up to six people and boasts stunning views of the village and harbour from its sunny hillside location.

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Exterior of a 2-storey, stone-built barn conversion overlooking a low-walled garden
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

This is a fabulous stone barn conversion in the Derbyshire Dales village of Edale. Situated on a working sheep farm, it sleeps up to six people in comfort and luxury.

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Carpeted lounge area with large windows in a Kingsbridge holiday cottage with sofa, large cupboard and coffee table
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Discover serenity in South Devon at Printers Grange, a stylish Kingsbridge holiday home. This newly built retreat features elegant furnishings, an open-plan living space, and an enclosed terrace for relaxation. Enjoy the comfort of Hypnos beds in two bedrooms and modern amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen and Smart TV. The property's central location allows easy exploration of the picturesque Kingsbridge/Salcombe Estuary and nearby beaches. Perfect for couples and small families seeking coastal charm and privacy by the sea. View the full description for an enchanting getaway.

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A  restored country cottage overlooks a shaded courtyard.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Squirrelled away in the North Devon countryside, less than half an hour from the coast. Somers Hiscott-6 is beautifully spacious and sits right in the middle of the private estate (40 acres). There will be more than enough room for you to spill out and make this home your own – inside and out!

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holiday lodge deck with a hot-tub, table and chairs
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Escape to the Somerset countryside near Cheddar at the beautiful Combe Hay eco-lodge, complete with luxury furnishings and a private Jacuzzi hot tub, perfect for a romantic getaway for two.

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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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A single storey, stone barn conversion overlooks a lawned garden with outdoor table and chair.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Cosy Cottage offers compact yet comfortable accommodation for couples on holiday in the West Country. It is a delightful romantic country cottage situated on the edge of Dobwalls in Cornwall. It features a lovely double bedroom, a modern kitchen, and a small garden with rural views.

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A hot tub with views across open countryside.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This beautiful two-bedroom barn conversion with a hot tub in North Devon is set in an idyllic rural location. It is only a short drive from the stunning North Devon coast and its outstanding beaches. Guests can relax and admire stunning coastal views from the large enclosed garden.

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  • Walking Holidays

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.