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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.

A barn conversion in Bicknoller overlooks a tree-fringed courtyard
  • Sleeps 9
  • Bedrooms 4

Experience idyllic cottage holidays in the Quantock Hills at The Barn in Bicknoller. This charming retreat, nestling near a 15th-century farmhouse, offers rustic elegance with exposed beams and stone walls. Enjoy the tranquillity of 30 acres of farmland, complete with meadows, woodlands, and friendly farm animals. The Barn is Dog-friendly and, just 5 miles from the Somerset coast, it provides a cosy escape with a genuine rural atmosphere. Explore our fuller description for an in-depth look at this perfect Quantock holiday let.

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A spacious wooden floored lounge with twin sofas, TV and a woodburner.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Welcome to this charming Coldingham holiday cottage, your ideal holiday home in Berwickshire 7 Bogan. Nestled on a quiet village street, it offers a delightful retreat that has recently undergone extensive renovations to ensure comfort and enjoyment. This three-bedroom cottage is perfect for families or friends seeking a tranquil yet well-connected escape.

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A large large stone barn conversion in Devon surrounded by open fields and mature trees
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 4

Swallows Reach is an exquisite large holiday cottage in Halwell, a dream South Devon holiday home with a swimming pool. This impressive farm cottage boasts five beautifully appointed bedrooms, four with en suite facilities, spanning three levels. Enjoy the inviting open-plan living space, including a lounge with a wood-burning stove, and relish the fully equipped kitchen. With the added allure of an indoor pool, shared play area, and the convenience of off-road parking, Swallows Reach promises a perfect pet-friendly getaway for families or groups.

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Exterior of a stone-built Dartmoor holiday cottage tucked into a fold in the surrounding Devon countryside
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Woodstone Barn: A Spacious Dartmoor Holiday Cottage for Eight in Devon

Resting on a gentle slope above the West Devon Way, Woodstone offers a serene rural retreat just one and a half miles from the majestic Dartmoor National Park. With the capacity to comfortably accommodate eight guests, Woodstone Barn is the ideal large holiday home in Devon for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

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  • Sleeps 15
  • Bedrooms 6

A warm welcome awaits guests at Ash Villa, a splendid Victorian villa perched atop an elevated position, offering breathtaking vistas of the picturesque West Yorkshire countryside and the nearby Peak District. This distinguished four-storey detached house, sleeping 15, is the epitome of an ideal Pennine holiday cottage, perfect for large families or groups seeking a memorable retreat.

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Close up of a farm cottage exterior in The Quantock Hills showing the front door and surrounding shrubbery.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Discover The Old Bakery, a charming 17th-century dwelling nestled within the picturesque village of Crowcombe at the heart of the Quantock Hills. This characterful retreat, at Town End Farm, is not just for families but caters to couples of all ages seeking seclusion and luxury in Somerset's stunning countryside, regardless of the season.

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  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Truly embodying the rural surroundings, Garden Cottage is a semi-detached barn conversion near Buxton, just on the edge of the hamlet of Sparrowpit within the Peak District. Set on a working dairy farm, the one-bedroom countryside cottage offers a secluded, romantic getaway for couples amidst verdant fields.

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Stone-built Dorset farm cottage with a patio, lawns and mature trees.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Uncover the unique charm of Droop Farm Cottage, an idyllic Doret holiday let in Hazelbury-Bryan. This 300-year-old stone barn, converted with care, is an elegant and inviting rural retreat in Dorset for families or friends. Characterized by small windows, a slate roof, and thoughtful décor, the cottage offers picturesque views and modern amenities. Set in the peaceful village of Hazelbury Bryan, Droop Farm Cottage is a perfect blend of comfort and countryside, creating an idyllic setting for a tranquil getaway. View our main page for more details and photos.

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S single-storey chapel conversion to a holiday cottage in West Lulworth
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Explore St Mary's Chapel, a luxurious West Lulworth holiday let in Dorset, offering an unforgettable escape in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This converted chapel sleeps up to six guests, featuring unique architectural elements, an open-plan living space with underfloor heating, and flexible sleeping arrangements. The enclosed garden with scenic views and proximity to local amenities, including Lulworth Cove's pebble beach, adds to the property's allure. Discover a perfect blend of comfort and coastal beauty at this Dorset holiday rental. View more information and photos for an enticing escape.

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