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 Thatched farmhouse with a garden surrounded by a picket fence.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
4

Bilshay Farmhouse is a pretty, thatched Dorset Farmhouse sleeping up to 10 over 4 bedrooms in a rural location with far-reaching views of rolling hills, a short distance from the market town of Bridport. This large holiday property also includes a hot tub, trampoline and games room. Dogs welcome.

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      Exterior of a large contemporary house with a raised terrace and surrounded by mature gardens.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Clamoak Cottage is a charming waterfront cottage in Clamoak boasting a thoroughly modern interior combined with exposed beams and touches of yesteryear and an open fire. The pet-friendly cottage offers outdoor spaces with sweeping views of the Tamar River and the South Devon countryside.

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An outdoor swimming pool oerlooked by a stone-buiolt holiday cottage in North Devon
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
2

With two bedrooms accommodating up to 8 guests, The Annexe is the ideal choice for families or friends seeking a memorable North Devon holiday. However, this versatile coastal cottage also appeals to couples looking to escape for a romantic, relaxing break. This pet-friendly haven boasts a private hot tub, a heated swimming pool, a tennis court, and even table tennis for hours of family fun. From the cottage, you can soak in panoramic views of the coast and revel in breathtaking sunsets.

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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!

Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Bakers Farm Oast is a stunningly authentic detached rural cottage in the High Weald AONB in Ticehurst. Set on the Sussex/Kent border, the rural cottage sleeps four and offers contemporary chic and country charm, a delightful private garden, local wildlife, lovely views, and a wood-burning stove.

 

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Stourton Manor is a masterfully restored, large rural holiday home in Stourton, blending its Cotswold stone exterior with traditional interior charm and sophistication. The pet-friendly Warwickshire cottage offers two log fires and sits on lovely grounds. Amenities include a yoga studio, gym, tennis court, and cricket net.

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Large holiday bungalow on Ocea Island with picnic tables. Sleeps 8. Pets welcome.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

One Manor Beach Cottage on Osea Island is a luxurious Essex holiday cottage by the shingle beach, just 90 minutes from London. This remarkable coastal retreat offers private beaches, an outdoor pool, a saltwater lido, a cinema room, a games room, and more. The spacious cottage features four stylish bedrooms, two bathrooms with rolltop baths, and a well-equipped kitchen. Enjoy sea views and a private garden. Ideal for special celebrations and family holidays, it's pet-friendly, offers short breaks, and welcomes two dogs.

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A single-storey Somerset holiday cottage in Blue Anchor overlooks a lawned garden.
Ash
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Ash is a modern Somerset coastal cottage in Blue Anchor with panoramic views of Blue Anchor Ba. It is ideal for a seaside holiday. The cottage offers disabled access, gorgeous gardens, a games room, contemporary comforts, beaches, the delights of the nearby Quantock Hills - a designated National Landscape, and the Exmoor National Park.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Dovedale Lodge offers comfortable accommodation for up to four guests in the quiet Peak District hamlet of Blore, Derbyshire, a charming countryside cottage on the grounds of the Old Rectory featuring French furnishings, modern well-equipped kitchen, two bedrooms, and fabulous views.

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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.