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.

An Exmoor farmhouse overlooks a large lawn surrounded by trees.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The Victorian Wing of Stockham Farm is a self-contained rural holiday cottage within a traditional farmhouse. It offers ample grounds, a wood-burning stove, a bespoke kitchen, subtle elegance and wonderful countryside views. The pet-friendly cottage lies in an easily accessible remote rural location above Dulverton in the heart of the Exmoor National Park.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A countryside bungalow with a view of the sea in the background.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

A sandy beach sits on the doorstep of Swn y Mor, a large seaside holiday cottage with a hot tub in Pembrokeshire which welcomes families. Outdoor entertaining areas and generous windows capture the ocean views and complement the luxurious décor of the pet-friendly holiday home. Sleeps 8.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Syms Cottage is a characterful rural holiday cottage in Cutcombe. It boasts wide-reaching views of the Somerset countryside and an inglenook fireplace with a wood-burning stove and bread oven. The pet-friendly Exmoor holiday cottage blends contemporary style with country charm and offers walks directly from its front door.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A country cottage with a backdrop of mature trees and a large front garden.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Beautiful countryside surrounds The Ball Room, a traditional rural cottage set on Cutthorne Farm, Somerset, deep in Exmoor National Park. The 14th-century cottage sleeps four, welcomes pets, and promises seclusion, beautiful views, solid oak floors, country charm, an upside-down design, and a log fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
 single-storey South Devon barn conversion overlooks a courtyard and a hot tub
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Escape to The Cattle Shed for unforgettable cottage holidays in South Devon. This coastal cottage offers a five-star retreat with a private hot tub, scenic walks, and stunning coastal views. Nestled above Chillington village, it perfectly blends luxury and tranquillity. Enjoy the warmth of a log burner in winter and a spacious decked terrace in summer. With two bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and outdoor amenities like paddle boards, it promises a relaxing getaway. Explore the detailed description for a closer look at this idyllic retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Large, 3-storey coastal holiday cottage surrounded by gardens in Porlock Weir
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Coach House near the seaside village of Porlock Weir, Somerset, is the perfect romantic getaway for two along the Exmoor coast; a small dog-friendly cottage offering gorgeous views of Porlock Bay from the private terrace, stone flagged flooring and an upstairs double bedroom with comfy king-size bed.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
A 3-storey Somerset longhouse overlooks a steep-banked country lane.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

The Crows Nest is a spacious holiday cottage located in Porlock Weir along the Exmoor coast. It boasts stone floors, exposed beams, a large inglenook fireplace with a woodburner, and three roomy bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
Single storey holiday cottage in Glamorgan with a terrace bordered by a low stone wall.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Cwtch is a 5-star rated romantic cottage offering seclusion and style in Lllanilid, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. Set beside a 16th-century rectory and near the coast, the cottage provides acres of grounds, a private furnished garden, authentic urban chic, an open-plan design, and a wood burner.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

On the edge of the old part of East Looe and a short stroll from the seafront and sandy beach nestles The Den, a roomy and contemporary ground-floor apartment in a 100-year-old building. It has its own parking and a rock-face enclosed courtyard, ideal for enjoying barbecues on sunny days.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A stone-built house with loft conversion overlooks a low-walled front courtyard.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

The Dog House is a large and impressive coastal holiday home in Porlock. The pet-friendly cottage on the Exmoor coast sleeps eight and boasts a stone exterior, a sunny furnished courtyard, a spacious interior with natural light, an open-plan design and a wood burner.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Large Exmoor farmhouse with cottage windows and a covered porch sits behind a walled front garden.
  • Sleeps 19
  • Bedrooms 9

The Farmhouse is perfect for a group celebration. The large, pet-friendly Exmoor holiday cottage with a hot tub near Dulverton promises luxury and rural charm. Its generous grounds include a lake, tennis court, and outdoor entertaining areas. Indoors, a sauna, log fire, farmhouse kitchen, and rustic features await.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A North Devon riverside cottage with a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

A romantic riverside holiday cottage in Bratton Fleming perfect for celebrating any of life’s special occasions, The Folly lies on the fringes of Exmoor in North Devon, tucked away on a private lane, with large glazed double doors opening onto a beautifully furnished pet-friendly studio cottage.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
The exterior of a single-storey holiday apartment with a vine-covered pergola and floral garden.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Garden Studio is an impressive Minehead holiday apartment for couples set in a wildlife garden in Minehead, Somerset. The pet-friendly cottage offers views to the coast, a lovely furnished patio with garden views, a garden pavilion, a conservatory, seclusion and home-cooked breakfasts.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A wooden 2-storey Essex holiday cottage overlooks a lawned garden, shaded by tall trees with four sun loungers on the grass.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

"The Limes" is a charming Island holiday cottage located on private Osea Island on the enchanting Essex Coast. It is perfect for a cosy and inviting escape for up to five guests. The cottage features a warm lounge with garden access, two spacious double rooms, and an additional single room. It also boasts a well-equipped kitchen, two elegant bathrooms with roll-top baths, and a private garden. Osea Island is a private island that offers a lot of attractions, including a private beach, saltwater lido, outdoor pool, cinema room, games room, gym, and 4.5 miles of coastline to explore with bikes. If you're looking for a tranquil getaway, "The Limes" is the perfect place to discover and plan your next seaside escapade.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside 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.