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.

Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Gun End Cottage, located on a quiet country lane near Ruston Spencer in Staffordshire, is a large and comfortable Peak District countryside cottage sleeping 8 in a secluded rural location amidst the splendour of the Staffordshire Moorlands.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A stone-built holiday barn conversion overlook a lengthy lawn
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Apple Store is a charming Herefordshire holiday cottage in Whitchurch boasting exposed beams, stone walls and features windows. The pet-friendly cottage in Herefordshire's beautiful countryside offers couples a romantic retreat in a one-bedroom cottage close to the Forest of Dean. It features multiple outdoor relaxation areas and contemporary comforts.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A drive leds to a tall stone house with a mullioned bay window. A wood grows behind the house.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Treverbyn Vean Lodge is a large Grade II listed detached holiday home in Dobwalls, a large village within easy reach of beaches on the South coast of Cornwall. 

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
 Exterior of Dunkery View, an Exmoor Holiday Cottage in Wootton Courtenay
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Dunkery View is a romantic holiday cottage for couples in Wootton Courtenay on the Somerset coast, The cottage sleeps two and offers beautiful Exmoor views from inside the cottage and its delightful garden. The spacious interior features an open-plan design, natural light and contemporary comforts.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

A large waterside holiday cottage in the Norfolk Broads steps from the popular Broadland village of Horning, Swan Dyke Cottage offers a peaceful retreat from which to explore this picturesque region, a two-storey pet-friendly cottage with brick panelling, open fire, and four spacious bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a double-fronted, stone-built cottage overlooking a quiet village street in East Devon.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

2 Smugglers Close is a delightful East Devon holiday cottage in Branscombe in East Devon. Stroll the seaside village and relax in a charming cottage with a country kitchen and picture window. The pet-friendly cottage sleeps six and enjoys beautiful countryside views plus access to beautiful beaches.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a modern bungalowsurrounded by a low stone wall and surrounded by open fields.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Berth is a modern coastal cottage in North Wales offering a perfect family escape in Afonwen. Set on the Llyn Peninsula, the spacious cottage features a games room, an open fire, and two garden areas and space to relax in the sun. Explore the wonders of this beautiful Peninsula and Snowdonia.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a 2-storey wooden barn converted to a New Forest holiday cottage
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Imagine a tranquil escape to the enchanting New Forest, where the embrace of nature and the comfort of a well-appointed barn conversion harmonize to create the ideal self-catering holiday. Welcome to Ash Barn, a captivating retreat nestled within the grounds of Goesmere Gardens, just a leisurely three miles west of Fordingbridge and on the outskirts of the charming village of Damerham. Here, you will discover the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation, where a high-ceilinged and spacious interior serves as a delightful canvas for family or friends seeking a memorable getaway.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
15
Bedrooms
6

Ty Newydd is a large rural holiday cottage near Cardigan Bay in Mid Wales, which spoils guests with extensive grounds and entertaining areas. It's a holiday home with a hot tub, a heated indoor swimming pool and a games room. The spacious, luxurious interior offers true relaxation with modern comforts and an open fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • 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.