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.

Exterior of an Exmoor Barn conversion on a bend in an empty country lane.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Situated on a working sheep farm and featuring comfortable upside-down self-catering accommodation on Exmoor, The Granary near the rural village of Luxborough, Somerset, makes a peaceful retreat amidst the Exmoor countryside. This child-friendly barn conversion has charming beams, exposed stone walls, and solid oak floors.

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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

A superb coastal holiday cottage in Beesands, South Devon. Beautifully designed to make the most of its excellent position on the coast, you'll find a luxurious interior and fantastic sea views. Three spacious bedrooms and loads of outdoor space mean plenty of room, and it even has a cinema!

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Exterior of a thatched Abbotsbury holiday cottage with farm buildings behind.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Enjoy the gentle allure of Dairy Cottage, a serene Dorset coast cottage in Abbotsbury. It offers rural views, a pet-friendly garden, and a cosy wood-burning stove. With three bedrooms, including two doubles and a twin, it comfortably accommodates six guests. The well-equipped farmhouse-style kitchen/diner is perfect for preparing and tucking into family meals. Explore nearby Abbotsbury, the Subtropical Gardens, and the Southwest Coast Path. Experience a wonderful Dorset holiday at this Abbotsbury holiday rental. Book now for an enriching escape amidst picturesque rural surroundings.

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

 

Birkdale House is a Victorian property near Lake Windermere in the Matson Ground Estate. It has been refurbished to a high standard and features a cinema room and games room.

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Exterior of a chalet bungalow overlooking an ornate garden with rockery
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
1

North End Farm's Old Dairy is a very comfortable, spacious rural holiday cottage for couples near Bridport in Broadchurch country on Dorset's Jurassic Coast with walks and beautiful beaches nearby. Well-equipped kitchen, central heating, wood burner and Strauss piano. Great pubs.

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A large 2-storey holiday cottage with an extensive deck overlooks a garden.
Sleeps
25
Bedrooms
13

Eden Lodge is a large holiday cottage in Bardsea with a hot tub overlooking Morecambe Bay, close to the Cumbrian coastal town of Ulverston in the Lake District. It has a well-equipped kitchen, a games room and a hot tub. This large, Edwardian rural holiday home sleeps 25, which is excellent for large group holidays and celebrations all year round.

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Front entrance and patio to  Praa-Sands holiday cottage fronted by a palm tree and shrubs.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Lighthouse is a true beachside getaway. The romantic holiday cottage on the shores of Praa Sands in Cornwall offers couples a cosy, light-filled escape with vibrant design features and impressive furnishings. The four-poster bed adds a touch of luxury, and the open-plan space enjoys ample windows.

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A balcony with table and chairs overlooks Sidmouth's seafront.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

York House is a beautifully restored Georgian beachfront holiday home in Sidmouth, offering luxurious comforts and stunning sea views. Relax by the fireplace in the living room or cook in the fully equipped kitchen. Cross the Esplanade to the beach the beach to enjoy leisurely seaside strolls. Gather for meals in the spacious dining area overlooking the sea or dine al fresco on one of two terraces. With its prime location and coastal charm, York House promises an unforgettable seaside holiday in Sidmouth.

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A detached and thatched village cottage overlooks a village green in Worcestershire.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

eld Cottage is a romantic holiday cottage in Worcestershire set on the slopes of Bredon Hill on the outskirts of the village of Elmley Castle. This cottage for couples boasts gorgeous views of unspoilt countryside, a stone thatched holiday home with an inglenook fireplace, wood burner, rolltop bath, and first-floor double bedroom.

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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.