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 table  with parasol and chairs tands on a sunny patio behind a stone built holiday cottage in Devon.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Escape to tranquillity at Buzzards View, a captivating holiday home in Cornworthy. Renovated in 2022, this South Devon country cottage nestles in the scenic Dart Valley. Revel in the open-plan kitchen/diner, unwind in the spacious sitting room, and relax on the tranquil patio. Three chic bedrooms, including a master with ensuite, guarantee comfort. Benefit from off-street parking and explore the fuller description for an in-depth look at this charming South Devon getaway.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
An Exmoor holiday cottage nestles below a lawn that slopes down to it.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Byre Cottage is a beautiful romantic Exmoor cottage situated in Dulverton. The pet-friendly cottage is a beautifully converted barn that retains original features while offering a lovely garden with a summerhouse, seclusion and views of Exmoor's inviting hills.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

C S Lewis Balcony is a stylish, two-storey Lynton holiday apartment overlooking the sea. The impressive property sleeps four and enjoys beautiful views from its furnished balcony. It offers an interior with dual-aspect windows, sophisticated décor, sunlit spaces, and luxurious details.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A terrace of thatched cottages overlooks a road and beachfront at low tide.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Captain’s Cottage in Minehead, Somerset, offers beachfront charm with sea views. This thatched seaside cottage sleeps four in two bedrooms. Period features include an inglenook fireplace, a modern kitchen, and a rear terrace for sea gazing. The dog-friendly cottage has no garden. It is close to the harbour and the South West Coastal Path. Limited mobility is cautioned. It is an Ideal Exmoor coast retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
The exterior of a stone-built country cottage overlooks a pretty garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Cascade Cottage is a gorgeous holiday home in the heart of the Exmoor National Park near the moorland village of Exford. It is an ideal child-friendly holiday retreat and can be accessed by a footbridge. The cottage features a spacious kitchen, exposed beams, and a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Interior and exterior photos of Chapel Cottage, a double-fronted Exmoor holiday cottage in Exford.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 2

With views over the village green, Chapel Cottage is an ideal family cottage. The pet-friendly cottage in Exford provides comfort and style and is set inside Exmoor National Park and its endless natural wonders. Set over three levels, the cottage boasts a wood burner plus generous outdoor areas for relaxation.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover the secluded luxury of Chapel House One, an Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island, surrounded by the Blackwater Estuary. Revel in the exclusive tidal island, a 90-minute escape from London, with private beaches, an outdoor pool, tennis court, cinema room, games room, and more. This dog-friendly waterside cottage offers flexible accommodation, ideal for family get-togethers—Book Chapel House One for a unique, beautiful getaway with stylish living areas and mezzanine space. Explore the island, visit The Puffin Pub, and enjoy EV charging facilities.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A House with large conservatory is surrounded by a garden with lawns and mature shrubs.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 3

Chapel Knap is a luxurious Exmoor holiday cottage on the Somerset coast dating back to the 12th century. The pet-friendly cottage in Porlock Weir, Somerset, boasts an impressive sunroom and a subtropical garden with stunning ocean views. It also features period furnishings, a log fire, seclusion, and access to the delights of Exmoor.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a weather-boarded East Sussex Cottage and lawned garden.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Cherry Cottage is a spacious, modern rural holiday cottage in East Sussex boasting seclusion and tradition. The pet-friendly cottage lies in Ripe, near Lewes and boasts stunning rural views, exposed beams and outdoor entertaining areas. Beautiful walks lead from its doorstep, and the wonders of Sussex await.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

In an East Sussex valley north of the South Downs, Cherrystone Barn is a rural retreat near Lewes. A perfect holiday getaway for couples, this romantic countryside cottage with a hot tub has an enclosed garden offering expansive views, an open-plan living area, and a separate bedroom with an en-suite rolltop bath.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A large, brightly lit house overlooks a swimming pool at dusk.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

This 1930's renovated holiday home is a comfortable retreat with plenty of space to accommodate up to 8 people.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Aerial view of a large holiday cottage on the Somerset coast surrounded by gardens.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 3

Relax in style on the West Somerset coast at Coach House View, a large country house in Porlock Weir. This detached holiday home was completely renovated and reopened as a holiday cottage in 2022. It’s a dream: spacious, light and airy with all modern conveniences from ensuite bathrooms to Wi-Fi and gorgeous gardens; it welcomes up to 8 guests.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A Exmoor coastal cottage lounge with leather sofas, French windows to a garden.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Coachman’s Cottage is a gorgeous romantic bolthole with ocean views in West Porlock, Somerset. The former stable block sleeps two, welcomes pets, and features contemporary style and traditional charm, ample grounds, wooden floors, furnished outdoor spaces, a sea breeze and a log fire. 

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a modern detached house with covered balcony.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

Discover the charm of Cobblestones, a two-bedroom holiday cottage in Lyme Regis. Centrally located, it offers easy access to the seafront, shops, and attractions. Enjoy comfort in the well-equipped kitchen, lounge with a flat-screen TV, and a conservatory with patio access. The property features a spacious garden with coastal views. Parking is available. It is ideal for self-catering holidays in Lyme Regis, providing a perfect base to explore the UNESCO Jurassic Coast and the town’s vibrant festivals. For further information or booking, use the ‘Visit Website’ or ‘View Availability’ buttons when viewing our main page.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A double fronted 3-storey coastal cottage in Inistow.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Cool Stone Cottage is sleek, modern and elegant. The pet-friendly cottage in Instow carries a distinct coastal vibe and lies just moments from the beach and the highlights of North Devon. Natural light floods the cottage, and the sea breeze can be enjoyed in the open-plan spaces or the lovely garden.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • 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.