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.

holiday lodge deck with a hot-tub, table and chairs
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Escape to the Somerset countryside near Cheddar at the beautiful Combe Hay eco-lodge, complete with luxury furnishings and a private Jacuzzi hot tub, perfect for a romantic getaway for two.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Derby Cottage, a stone-built, ivy-clad Peak District holiday cottage.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Derby is a luxury holiday cottage for couples at Endmoor Farm in the Derbyshire Peak District near Bakewell. This beautifully furnished, pet-friendly cottage in secluded rural surroundings is a beautifully appointed romantic retreat in the countryside for two (+cot) at any time of the year.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
Doves Barn Suffolk
  • Sleeps 20
  • Bedrooms 8

This spacious Suffolk Barn conversion, Bradley, sits on 2 acres of land and provides well-furnished accommodation with stunning views of the countryside. Guests can also enjoy a hot tub.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A thatched Hampshire holiday cottage sits behind a flowering hedgerow in the countryside.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

3-Bedroom, Pet-Friendly New Forest Holiday Home Near Lymington

Forest Cottage, ideal for self-catering holidays in the New Forest, invites you to a charming retreat. Nestled in a fabulous location, this detached thatched cottage exudes character with exposed beams and a peaceful garden. Sleeps five in three bedrooms, providing a quaint escape for families and couples. Direct forest access is perfect for New Forest walking holidays. Explore nearby attractions like Beaulieu Village, Lymington, and Bucklers Hard. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the New Forest—book your stay for a delightful holiday experience.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a contemporary house with a balcony surrounded by lawns and trees.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Enjoy the tranquil setting of this home in a fabulous woodland resort just a few miles from Truro. Features include a furnished patio, a private balcony, and on-site facilities such as a spa pool, fitness suite, bar, and restaurant, which means plenty to do while enjoying your Cornish country holiday.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
A modern New Forest holiday home overlooks a large shingle drive and a garage.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover Homelands, an exquisite Hampshire holiday let in Brockenhurst, adorned with the prestigious Visit England Gold Award and a 2018 ROSE Award. This luxurious semi-detached cottage, tastefully furnished with a forest theme, offers impeccable comfort and style. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a modern kitchen cater to every need. Enjoy a wood-burning stove, a south-facing garden, and private parking for two cars. Perfectly located for self-catering holidays in the New Forest, with Brockenhurst rail station minutes away for holidays by rail. Immerse yourself in this award-winning property—your gateway to a delightful Hampshire escape.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 19
  • Bedrooms 10

Mel House Cottages are a group of four pet-friendly properties that sleep from 3 to 19 Guests in the centre of attractive Newton-on-Rawcliffe in the North York Moors. Three of the four properties are rated at various levels of accessibility for disabled use. Facilities include an indoor Pool, Hot Tub, and Sauna.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Tiny islands, silhouetted against a setting sun on a calm sea on the Moray Firth in Scotland.
  • Sleeps 30
  • Bedrooms 13

Take a look at three luxury waterside cottages sleeping from 6-18 guests on or near Banff on the Moray Firth. The Old Customs House sits on the shores of the Moray Firth, while Craig Lodge and Craig Alvah overlook the Devoran River in an idyllic and remote rural location a few miles inland. All are exquisitely furnished. Montcoffer Cottages are perfect for walking or fly-fishing holidays in the Scottish Highlands and feature a choice of amenities, including hot tubs and an indoor pool.

  • 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
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

If a picturesque setting and luxury living are what you're looking for, you'll love this contemporary Georgeham holiday lodge with a hot tub. Set in a charming North Dvon village near Braunton, this pet-friendly holiday home is just a short drive from sandy beaches at Saunton and Croyde and offers a stylish interior.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A stem engines rushes through Somerset countryside past two old carriages converted to holiday homes
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Experience a unique holiday in the Somerset countryside by staying in your very own railway carriage beside the vintage West Somerset Railway tracks near Williton. The Railway Carriage is an authentic replica fitted out to provide you with style and luxury. This pet-friendly holiday cottage has a 4-star rating and features an eco-friendly design, a log burner, and modern amenities.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A steam-train passes by a line-side holiday cottage on a sunny summer's day.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Located near Woolston in Somerset, Railway Cottage is a picturesque destination for steam railway enthusiasts. This pet-friendly cottage on the West Somerset Railway boasts stunning countryside views, charming interiors, a cosy log burner, bright and airy rooms, oak flooring, and modern amenities. It has also earned a 4-star gold rating.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A twin-gabled holiday cottage nestles between two tall trees.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

In the heart of the North Devon countryside lies Somers Hiscott, a luxury six-bedroom holiday home which can comfortably accommodate up to 12. Located in Hiscott near Barnstaple, Somers Hiscott offers its guests peace and tranquillity on a large 41-acre private estate.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A long single-storey barn conversion with a line of windows along one side overlooks a shingled driveway and garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

A beautifully restored, refurbished barn less than ten minute's walk from Lanhdrock Estate. Original features add to the charm of this home which includes a wood-burning stove and spacious open plan living. The Barn is perfect for families or friends and welcomes two pets, so is ideal for dog owners.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 3

The Brewery is a unique conversion providing a very comfortable 3 bedroomed detached house with a large garden and access to an organic farm littered with swimming ponds. The kitchen dining area works very well and the views from the bedrooms and living rooms are incredible with views through the adjacent swimming lake south to the Jurassic coast and west towards Golden Cap, Hardown Hill and Morcombelake. The fold down downstairs bed and adjacent shower room allow for less mobile guests to be comfortable as do the ramp to the patio. The coast at Seatown is 2 miles and the vibrant towns of Bridport and Lyme Regis are 15 mins.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

This serene countryside eco-lodge is a perfect spot for a romantic getaway. It is pet-friendly and has a private hot tub, making it all the more delightful. Thistledown is located in the coastal village of Georgeham, near Braunton, and is just a short drive away from some of the most stunning beaches. The rural retreat offers beautiful views and is situated in North Devon.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • 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.