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.

Brick-built Victorian vicarage surrounded by a tree-lined garden.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Enjoy getting away with family and friends with a stay at The Old Vicarage, a large countryside holiday cottage in Peterhurch. This six-bedroom Herefordshire property has been fully refurbished to combine classic Victorian features with modern amenities such as a private hot tub and wooden sauna.

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A large old Northamptonshire rectory looks out over flowerbeds and a spacious lawn.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Old Rectory is a large cottage in Maidford in Northamptonshire. The pet-friendly luxury cottage is a gift for groups and families, boasting a swimming pool and games room. Spacious grounds invite entertaining, and the interior promises pleasant interior design surprises and a log fire.

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A restored windmill stands in the middle of a field of ripe wheat.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

This luxuriously furnished windmill in the countryside near Usk in Monmouthshire was built in 1813 and lovingly restored to create a large, quirky holiday cottage sleeping 12 close to the Brecon Beacons National Park. Pets welcome.

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2-Storey cottage exterior with hanging flower baskets.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This is one of five luxurious holiday cottages located in East Devon. The cottage has two bedrooms and can comfortably accommodate four people. It is conveniently situated in Sidmouth, just a short walk from the seafront. The property is a part of a historic Regency house built in 1802 for the Duke and Duchess of St. Albans. This house is Grade II listed, making it a remarkable piece of architecture.

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A contemporary 2-storey brick house surrounded by open fields.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

The Mayfair in the Cambridgeshire hamlet of Six Mile Bottom makes the perfect place for a large family or group holiday, a contemporary child-friendly cottage featuring six spacious bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and a wraparound garden with stunning countryside views.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Coach House offers sophisticated coast and country accommodation for four in the North Yorkshire village of Levisham. It boasts subtle elegance with a stone exterior, a contemporary interior, and a delightful garden and open-plan design, all in the heart of the North York Moors and Coast.

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Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Rural charm abounds at Measure Cottage, a delightful rural cottage in the quaint village of Wootton Wawen. The cottage has retained many of its traditional features, such as an inglenook fireplace and incorporates modern comforts, including a hot tub. Enjoy the tranquillity or celebrate a memorable occasion.

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Behind a table set for cocktails on a balcony is a view of Brixham Harbour.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Blue Horizon is a luxurious coastal cottage boasting superb views of Brixham Harbour, Devon. The sophisticated former fisherman’s cottage sleeps four and blends chic with tradition. It features exposed beams, stone walls & antique furnishing, and a furnished balcony for basking in the sunshine.

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A single storey Tintagel Garden Apartment overlooks a large rockery.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Garden Apartment is a small, romantic cottage for couples with sea views on the spectacular North Cornwall coast between Tintagel and Bossiney Cove. Features a wood burner, TV, double bedroom, and fitted kitchen—close to great beaches and stunning seaside scenery. Pets welcome.

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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.