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
12
Bedrooms
4

The Cider House and The Old Dairy combine to form one cottage on North End Farm in Chideock, Dorset. The pet-friendly 4-bedroom cottage sleeps 12 (including two sofa beds) and boasts a thatched roof, oak beams, wooden floors, and a log fire, as well as outdoor furnished spaces that capture the rural views.

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Exterior of a brick-built barn conversion surrounded by open countryside
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Little Owl’s Barn is gorgeous. The romantic Herefordshire barn conversion is nestled among apple orchards near Preston Wynne. It offers luxurious fittings, exposed beams, and wonderful views of the surrounding 100 acres of farmland and orchards. Generous grounds and seclusion complete the picture.

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Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
8

Deerclose is a large Yorkshire Dales Farmhouse offering self-catering accommodation for large families and groups of friends in the tiny village of Horsehouse near Leyburn in Coverdale. High up on the fells, this characterful farmhouse offers stunning rural views of the Dales countryside.

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Exterior of a large mock Tudor house with 1st floor balcony.
Sleeps
24
Bedrooms
9

Fairlea Grange is a superb, large, and comfortable Victorian townhouse in Abergavenny, sleeping up to 24 guests. It is in a perfect location for exploring the Brecon Beacons and the Welsh Marches. Facilities in this dog-friendly holiday home include a huge Home TV Lounge, Games Room, Hot Tub and Mini-gym.

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A single storey stone cottage overlooks a flower-filled garden
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Quiet Corner Cottage is a charming single-storey East Somerset holiday home with rural views situated in the peaceful village of Henstridge. It sleeps three people in two bedrooms.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Discover pure romance at The Stables amidst the serene Somerset countryside at our enchanting holiday cottage. Nestled in nature's rural embrace in The Quantock Hills near Stogumber, this cosy haven is tailor-made for couples seeking a romantic escape with their beloved pets. Immerse yourselves in the tranquil surroundings while indulging in modern luxuries that include a private hot tub, creating cherished memories in this single-storey holiday cottage in The Quantocks.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This secluded, 2-bedroom Aberdovey holiday cottage is perfect for a family of four who want to get away but not so far away as to not have access to the shops, pubs and beaches in nearby Aberdovey. Just minutes away from the sea, enjoy the beautiful rural views from Braich-Y-Celyn Lodge.

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2 Whicker lounge chairs in front of 2 floor-to-ceiling sash windows opening onto a balcony.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

"The Well" is a charming, eco-friendly terraced townhouse located in the creative area of Margate, Kent. This coastal cottage is decorated with items sourced from around the world, giving it a unique and delightful feel. The house boasts a roll-top bath, mini bar, urban decor, plenty of natural light, and ample space for pets. Additionally, it is conveniently located close to beautiful beaches, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation.

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A long, 2-storey stone house overlooks a sloping lawn with a picnic table.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

Based in the small North Cornwall coastal village of Bossiney, The Round House is a semi-detached dog-friendly holiday cottage overlooking the beautiful land of North Cornwall. Close to Tintagel, The Round House is in a prime location for enjoying the sandy Cornish beaches for a fun family getaway.

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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.