A surfer traverses a large wave.

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.

1.slade-house,ashbourne,derbyshire-exterior
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Located near Ashbourne on the edge of the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire Slade House is one of three large, charming properties at Slade House Farm offering ideal large accommodation for family holidays, reunions and short breaks set in an idyllic, rural location. Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A single storey Northumberland barn conversion surrounded by a large, tree-fringed lawn
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Find peace at the gorgeous Drovers Rest stone cottage on the edge of the Northumberland National Park and close to Otterburn. This cosy and remote Northumberland holiday cottage offers tranquillity and access to outdoor pursuits, National Trust homes and Hadrian’s Wall.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
A single-storey clapperboard barn conversion with a patio and well-kept lawn.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Broomers Barn is a beautifully appointed single-storey, wooden-clad barn located in a very pretty and peaceful setting. Full-length bi-fold doors open up from the living space onto a private decked area and lawns with uninterrupted views over the surrounding countryside.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Sitting on the edge of the village of Carrog near Corwen in Denbighshire, The Mill House is a lovingly maintained Edwardian farmhouse overlooking the River Dee. This pet-friendly five-bedroom home is ideal for a large group or family trips to Snowdonia.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Wheelhouse Cottage is an authentic Yorkshire cottage near Pickering. It has a four-poster bed, beamed ceilings, and a traditional fireplace. The award-winning property at Keld Head Cottages boasts a stone façade, beautiful views, extensive gardens, and children's indoor and outdoor play areas.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Barn conversions overlook a courtyard with a central flower bed
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Granary is a charming, detached cottage located in the rural area of Keld Head Cottages, near Pickering in Yorkshire. This award-winning farm cottage features an open fire and beautiful exposed beams, creating a warm and cosy ambience. The cottage also offers large, stunning gardens with indoor and outdoor play areas, perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The beautiful views surrounding the cottage are sure to help you unwind and enjoy a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Small Cottages
Exterior of a farm cottage and patio with a firepit at sunset.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Formally a grain store, it is now a stunning 5-star Gold Award 3-bedroom barn conversion sleeping 6 in 3 bedrooms, large spacious living areas and a private courtyard garden. Close to Beverley in delightful East Yorkshire, convenient for the Yorkshire coast and York.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Peak District, stone-built farmhouse and garden.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Caxterway is a pet-friendly, luxury holiday cottage in the Derbyshire Peak District in secluded rural surroundings at Farditch Farm in Chelmorton. This large holiday cottage near Bakewell is a beautifully furnished barn conversion that sleeps 10 in 5 bedrooms - one on the ground floor.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Converted barns overlook a courtyard garden bordered by a low stone wall.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Visitors coming to discover the delights of the Derbyshire Peak District can do so in style at Tagg Cottage at Endmoor Farm, a family-friendly luxury holiday cottage on a working farm near Bakewell that sleeps 4 in a superb and secluded rural location. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays

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 directly to check that what you want to do on holiday is precisely the activity accessible at the cottage.