Holiday Cottages for Active Breaks

Find self-catering cottages for breaks built around walking, cycling, fishing, watersports and time outdoors. Each stay is different: an active break may mean a nearby route or venue, a practical base for exploring, or a confirmed on-site facility.

Use the filters to choose a destination, group size and the features that matter to you. Before booking, check the individual property listing for the exact activity information, including whether facilities are on site, how far away a route or attraction is, and any arrangements you need to make.

  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Perched atop a hill in Mawgan Porth, Pepperpots enjoys ocean views. The sophisticated holiday cottage in North Cornwall welcomes pets and offers contemporary comforts close to sandy surfing beaches along the Cornish coastline. Beautiful gardens capture the views and provide space for sunbathing on hot summer days.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 5

The honeypot location of Grassington lies but a pleasant stroll from the grounds of 1 Bridge End, a delightfully restored large holiday cottage in the Yorkshire Dales boasting wooden floors, five bedrooms, riverside views from the pet-friendly garden and guaranteed comfort beside the open fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

7 Harlyn Cottages is a beautifully furnished, modern holiday home at Harlyn Bay near Padstow in North Cornwall. Within a short walk of a white sandy beach for surfing and rock-pooling, this family-friendly holiday cottage sleeps six and welcomes pets.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Pendeen lighthouse holiday cottages in a clifftop location
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 2

Argus Cottage is a unique coastal cottage set inside Pendeen Lighthouse atop the cliffs of Pendeen. The pet-friendly cottage boasts stunning ocean views and an abundance of wildlife, as well as a generously sized, furnished garden, contemporary design features, a sea breeze and access to the Cornwall coast and South West Coast Path.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Bayview is a large Cornish coastal cottage in Portwrinkle, a tiny fishing village in Whitesand Bay. Bayview is a pet-friendly holiday cottage with a hot tub. This large property sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms. It's perfect for golfing or family beach holidays.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A large contemporary holiday cottage overlooks fields dipping down to a beach and ocean views.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

Discover Owlscombe, an Exmoor coastal cottage offering panoramic sea views and luxurious accommodations. Located in picturesque Porlock Weir, this 6-bedroom seaside holiday home sleeps 12 and is pet-friendly. Enjoy spacious living areas, eco-friendly features, and a games room for entertainment. Step outside to explore nearly an acre of expansive gardens, complete with seating areas and BBQ facilities. With its stunning location and modern amenities, Owlscombe is the perfect choice for your Porlock Weir holiday.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Stone built exterior of a Victorian, terraced holiday cottage with a fenced-in paved courtyard garden and sea views.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Salty Sea Dog lies just a few steps from the beach in Trebarwith Strand and the ground-floor, pet-friendly beach apartment in North Cornwall lives up to its name combining joyful beach-themed décor with refinement and modern comfort plus views of the beautiful Cornish coastline. Sleeps 4.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Waves Apartment is a stunning second-floor seaside holiday apartment in St Ives with beautiful sea views and two balconies. Sleeping four guests and welcoming one dog, this Cornish holiday let is bright, welcoming and perfectly positioned, just a short walk from the harbour.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

4 Faraway Fields is a delightful romantic cottage boasting modern interiors and seclusion. The nicely-appointed hilltop cottage on the outskirts of Dobwalls in Cornwall features a hot tub and offers lovely rural views of the sunset, especially from the sky deck with a glass in hand.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays

Plan an active self-catering break

An active holiday can be as energetic or as relaxed as you choose. You may be planning long-distance walks, family bike rides, a fishing break, a coastal adventure or simply a stay with easy access to the outdoors. Start with the activity you most want to do, then use the property details to decide whether the location and facilities suit your plans.

Your breakUseful details to check
WalkingNamed routes, access point, terrain and distance from the cottage
CyclingRoad or trail access, secure bike storage, washing facilities and local hire
FishingWhether fishing is on site or nearby, access arrangements and permits
WatersportsDistance to the water, launch access, equipment provision and seasonal conditions
Family activitiesWhether the activity is on site, nearby, suitable for your group and needs advance booking

Check the practical details before booking

A cottage near an activity is not necessarily within walking distance, and an activity mentioned in a description may not be available throughout the year. Confirm the journey from the property, parking or public transport, equipment storage, booking requirements and any age, ability or safety restrictions.

If an activity provider, route manager or local authority has its own rules, check them before travelling. Weather, tides, water conditions and seasonal opening times can affect outdoor plans.

Explore a more specific holiday

For a cottage chosen chiefly for walking, browse our walking holidays. For cycling breaks, see holiday cottages for cyclists, and for angling stays, explore fishing holidays.

You can also combine your plans with waterside cottages, coastal holiday cottages, dog-friendly cottages or short breaks.

Frequently asked questions

Not always. A property may have an on-site facility, be close to a route or venue, or simply be a practical base for outdoor plans. Check the individual listing for the exact information.

It varies by property. Check the route name, distance and access details before booking, especially if you are travelling without a car.

Only where this is clearly stated on the property listing. Bring or hire equipment unless its availability is confirmed.

Many outdoor breaks suit dogs, but property rules and local access restrictions vary. Use the dog-friendly cottages collection and check the listing before booking.

Some activities, equipment hire, permits and guided sessions may need advance booking. Check directly with the relevant provider before travelling.