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.

A 3-storey, restored barn in Exmoor countryside.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Tower is a unique Exmoor holiday let in Simonsbath, perfect for couples. This converted barn sleeps two and features a modern kitchen with a breakfast bar. The comfortable sitting room is on the first floor, and the king-sized bedroom is on the top floor. Guests can enjoy a private garden with outdoor furniture. The local pub and restaurant are within easy walking distance. WiFi, heating, and electricity are included. Bed linen and towels are provided. The property is non-smoking and pet-free. View the full property description for more details.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

A historic Georgian property offering self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 12, Derwent House provides six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a panelled dining room and a large, superbly equipped kitchen. It is an excellent holiday cottage in Derbyshire for special occasions and meeting with friends and families, ideally for exploring the Peak District.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
The Stables cottage in Snainton Nr Pickering, North Yorkshire
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The Stables Cottage is a detached holiday cottage near Snainton in North Yorkshire, offering easy access to the North York Moors National Park, Dalby Forest and the Yorkshire coast. Sleeping up to four guests, it's well suited to couples, families and friends looking for a self-catering base close to Pickering, Scarborough, Whitby and many of the region's walking, cycling and sightseeing attractions.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Enclosed Garden
  • Ensuite bathroom
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Granary Cottage sleeps 4 Snainton Nr Pickering North Yorkshire
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Granary Cottage is located near the village of Snainton in North Yorkshire, within easy reach of the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire coast. From here, guests can explore walking and cycling trails, visit market towns including Pickering and Malton, or spend a day by the sea in Scarborough, Filey or Whitby. Its central location makes it a good base for discovering many of North Yorkshire's best-loved countryside and coastal attractions.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Ground Floor Property
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A restored barn with fenced garden and blue skies
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 4

Mutton Barn is a beautifully restored self-catering holiday home set high on the Alne Hills in Warwickshire, overlooking rolling open countryside within the Heart of England Forest. Sleeping up to ten guests across four bedrooms, the barn combines traditional rural character with stylish, modern living spaces designed for comfort and relaxation.

Outside, a private enclosed garden makes an ideal, pet-friendly retreat, while sweeping rural views, resident owls, visiting deer, and sightings of birds of prey create a truly magical and restorative escape. Surrounded by footpaths and bridleways, Mutton Barn is perfectly suited to walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers alike.

The property offers on-site parking, a wood-fired hot tub, and welcomes dogs, all while remaining just a short drive from local amenities and charming market towns nearby.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
3-storey house with a 2-storey wing and a large parking space in front
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

The North East Coast of Scotland is adored for its scenic coastal walks all year round. 1 Seafield Street is a large holiday cottage in Cullen, a historic coastal town on the Murray Firth, sleeping up to ten adults and two children in spacious, well-equipped accommodation. One well-behaved pet is welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of modern a 2-storey brick house facing  a garden with off-road parking for 2-3 cars.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

A large luxury holiday cottage in Denbighshire, The Beeches is located near the centre of Llangollen. Its proximity to the River Dee suggests packing a picnic basket of crackers and wine to relax by the river bank on sunny days. This beautifully furnished 5-bedroom dog-friendly cottage sleeps 10.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of an L-shaped apartment building with iron-railings protecting walkwabys and spaced for parking beneath.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

3 Dolphin Court epitomises coastal convenience. The seaside apartment lies just minutes from the harbour and Brixham's attractions. Its location allows families to explore South Devon with ease. This Brixham holiday cottage's sophisticated, light-filled interior carries a nautical aesthetic and catches the sea breeze and the sun.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterpark Nearby
  • Waterside Cottages
aerial view or a beach with a small seaside village overlooking the sands
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Just metres from the beach at Slapton, this chic, beachside apartment is perfect for dog owners looking to enjoy a slice of coastal life. We can't think of a better way to experience this special part of south Devon with a lovely, open-plan layout, two spacious bedrooms, and allocated parking.

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

With fabulous waterside views across the beautiful River Dart and the Marina beyond, the 2-bedroom apartment at 40 Dart Marina is in a fabulous South Devon location within walking distance of central Dartmouth within a designated National Landscape.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
A semi-detached with a large 1st floor balcony overooks a front garden with off-road parking.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

7 The Retreat is a sophisticated coastal cottage in Torbay, just a short walk from the beach in Paignton. Sleeping six, the pet-friendly Devon cottage is beautifully furnished. It boasts a lovely enclosed garden with a summer house, plus a light-filled interior with wooden floors, pastels & Juliet balconies.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Waterpark Nearby
Exterior of a 2-bedroom, semi-detached holiday home with parking spaces.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

For self-catering holidays in Lyme Regis, explore Anchor, a ground-floor haven just a 10-minute walk to the bustling seafront. This pet-friendly cottage offers comfort within easy reach of the town. Modern amenities, two bedrooms, and a private patio make it ideal for mobility-challenged guests. Off-road parking, stunning beaches, and local attractions create a perfect coastal retreat. Discover the charm of Lyme Regis and plan your Dorset self-catering escape at Anchor.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A lighthouse and cottages stands on a cliff edge.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Ariel is a stylish coastal cottage offering a unique getaway in Nash Point Lighthouse near Marcross on the South Wales Coast. The pet-friendly cottage sleeps 5. It provides uninterrupted ocean views and a sea breeze, lovely grounds with furnished spaces and an interior boasting contemporary chic, natural light and comfort.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Double-fronted cottage with large lawn surrounded by mature trees.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Ball Cottage is a charming holiday home located in Winsford, Somerset. Nestled within a lush garden, it boasts a beautiful stream that adds to the picturesque scenery. The cottage is perfect for those looking to go on walking holidays in Exmoor, as it is ideally located. Inside, you'll find many original features, including a lovely open fire that creates a cosy ambience. Additionally, you can explore the charming village and Exmoor National Park or head to the coast for a day trip.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A contemporary Staffordshire Holiday cottage with floor-to-ceiling French windows overlooks a terrace and flower garden.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

Within the quiet hamlet of Moneystone, Barks Cottage is nestled within the boundless greenery of the Peak District. This single-story countryside cottage is a lovingly maintained spacious holiday home amidst peaceful Staffordshire scenery - an idyllic rural getaway. Pets welcome.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby

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.