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.

The harbour and sea view from the deck of a Polperro holiday cottage.
  • Sleeps 9
  • Bedrooms 4

Discover Pilchard Rock, a large holiday cottage in Polperro offering stunning sea views. Enjoy 180-degree vistas from every window and balcony. Ideal for coastal walks and village exploration, this pet-friendly, luxury seaside cottage boasts a modern interior with spacious living areas and comfortable bedrooms. With its central location and charming design, Pilchard Rock promises a memorable getaway for couples, families, and groups. Explore now for an unforgettable seaside retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Enjoy a breathtaking sunset view over Blue Anchor from the private deck of Pines, a charming romantic cottage situated in Cleeve Park, Somerset. You can also take your time to explore the beautiful region of Exmoor and unwind at a coastal cottage that features an open-plan design, ample natural light, and a spacious enclosed garden.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A fitted kitchen with breakfast bar and a pine-wood dining table seating 6.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Pip’s Corner is a spacious Edwardian holiday cottage in Lynton, close to the sea in North Devon. It sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys an ideal village location and boasts tiled floors, a log fire, modern comforts, multiple outdoor spaces, and a sun-drenched conservatory. Enjoy Lynton, trips down the Lynton-Lynmouth cliff railway, and exploring the Exmoor National Park.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
An estuary view from a deck of a waterside holiday apartment in Salcombe.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Enjoy a taste of luxurious living at 'Quarterdeck,' a Salcombe holiday apartment with a pool. This 2-bedroom waterfront retreat boasts a large balcony with panoramic estuary views, perfect for al fresco dining. Enjoy exclusive amenities like a private mooring, communal gardens, and a heated outdoor pool. The open-plan living area, well-equipped kitchen, and stylish bedrooms make it an ideal getaway. Explore the charming surroundings, with pubs, restaurants, and sandy beaches just steps away. Discover the allure of South Devon living at 'Quarterdeck.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
A large rural bungalow with a conservatory overlooks a sloping grassy field.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 4

Redway Lodge is a large and sophisticated Exmoor coastal cottage just moments from beaches in Porlock Weir. The modern cottage boasts beautiful views across the Porlock vale to the sea and offers spacious and elegant rooms and bedrooms with en-suite. Stroll to the beach and explore the independent shops and galleries in the centre of Porlock.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Riding Through the Clouds is a stylish converted fishing warehouse in Newlyn on the Cornish coast. The chic coastal cottage boasts exposed stone walls, local art, geothermal heating, open-plan design, and a spacious terrace that captures the sun and leads to the nearby Coombe River.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a stone-built riverside cottage on Exmoor
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Riverside Cottage is a stone-built Exmoor holiday cottage in Brendon. It offers bags of character with contemporary styling & a wood-burning stove and access to the Noth Devon coast and countryside. The pet-friendly cottage sleeps four and features a delightful furnished garden that catches the sun.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Riverside Farm Cottage sits on 12 acres by the River Dove and offers guests a luxurious escape. The rural cottage in Kirby Mills sleeps eight. It boasts impressive views of the Yorkshire countryside, a furnished garden, an interior with ample windows, contemporary styling & a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 20
  • Bedrooms 8

Rosehill is a characterful and family-friendly Shropshire holiday cottage offering group accommodation for 20 guests in 8 comfortable bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms, in a rural hamlet a few miles from Market Drayton. This large holiday home has a swimming pool, games room and hot tub.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior and interior of Royal Oak Cottage, a luxuriously furnished Exmoor holiday cottage in the moorland village of Withypool.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 4

Royal Oak Cottage is an impressive Exmoor holiday cottage in Withypool. The pet-friendly cottage sleeps seven and boasts features of its past as an Ale House, including oak beams, two large fireplaces, stone walls and a bread oven. It also offers natural light and a sun-trap furnished patio.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
The exterior of a village holiday cottage with a sheltered porch and flower-filled planters on a village street.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Ruffles Cottage abounds in character. The pet-friendly cottage in the centre of Dunster promises a perfect family holiday with its carefully selected décor, wood-burning stove and endless contemporary comfort. Guests can explore footpaths on Exmoor, explore Dunster and its beach, ride steam trains on the West Somerset railway or relax in the cottage.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
The double-fronted exterior of a rustic, terraced holiday cottage in a Mid Devon village street with a flowery creeper overhanging the front door.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Sausage Cottage in Oakford is a large and charming Mid Devon holiday cottage that can accommodate up to eight guests. It offers four delightful bedrooms, an inviting sitting room with an art deco fireplace, and a separate Snug/TV room. The cottage is situated within walking distance of the village pub and is an ideal base for exploring the idyllic moorland surroundings. It promises a unique and memorable stay for its guests.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A thatched cott`ge lings to the foot of a steeply wooded hill right above a pebble beach.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 4

Seagulls Rest offers water frontage and fantastic sea views from multiple vantage points. The stone-built Victorian cottage sits a hop and skip from the sand in Minehead, Somerset and welcomes families and pets to a property with contemporary styling, a lovely private courtyard and a clean sea breeze.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
thatched Somerset country cottage overlooks a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Splatt Barn is a lovingly-restored rural holiday cottage in Somerset with a thatched roof amidst beautiful countryside with coastal views. Situated on the edge of Porlock, the pet-friendly cottage sleeps four guests. It boasts a delightful spacious garden, a conservatory, luxury furnishings, an open-plan design and a log fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Country Cottage with large garden overlooked by a steep, wooded hill
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Uninterrupted ocean views await guests at St Anthony’s Cottage, a luxurious Exmoor coastal cottage just a stroll from the beach in Porlock Weir, Somerset. The pet-friendly cottage boasts contemporary charm and pastel hues, generous grounds, a sun-drenched patio, a wood burner and refreshing sea breezes.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Small Cottages

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.