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.

3-storey contemporary holiday home with large balcony and patio overlooks a lawn.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Cormorant is a beautiful coastal cottage that makes for the perfect Dartmouth holiday retreat. It offers access to a communal pool, tennis court, and a golf course. This three-storey property is located in South Hams and provides modern comforts. The stylish interiors and open-plan design create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, log burner, and Smart TV. There are three bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, providing ultimate relaxation. The front patio, BBQ area, and balconies offer the perfect space for outdoor living. This cottage is ideal for golfers, families, or couples. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore this Dartmouth holiday cottage with its alluring amenities.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
The exterior of a small terrace of thatched cottages overlooks a quiet North Devon village street.
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 2

Cosy Nook is a gorgeous Grade II-listed holiday cottage in North Molton dating back 500 years. The thatched-roof cottage welcomes pets and sleeps three people. It features an inglenook fireplace, exposed beams, a raised, furnished garden, rural charm, and access to the coast and Exmoor National Park.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large country house at dusk.
  • Sleeps 15
  • Bedrooms 8

Coulscott House is a luxury North Devon holiday cottage situated in Combe Martin; it's a superb rural retreat for exploring the rugged North Devon coast and its award-winning beaches. With three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and a separate family bathroom, it comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests. Inside, you'll find a well-equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove. Outside, enjoy the beautiful garden and patio area, along with the indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub for ultimate relaxation. Explore the charming village of Combe Martin or venture into Exmoor National Park for outdoor adventures. Coulscott House offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for your North Devon holiday. Book now for a memorable stay

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A single-storey Dorset holiday cottage overlooks a large lawn surrounded by a wooden fence, trees and rose bushes.
  • Sleeps 11
  • Bedrooms 5

Situated amidst the splendour of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and boasting amenities suitable for all ages, Court House Farmhouse is a large holiday cottage on the edge of the Dorset village of Whitchurch Canonicorum. This a child-friendly cottage with five bedrooms, a private hot tub, and a shared games barn.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A thatched holiday cottage faces the village green in Exford.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Crown Cottage is a thatched roof end-terrace holiday cottage in Exford, a charming village in the Exmoor National Park. The pet-friendly cottage is made for walkers and those who enjoy country life and features traditional details such as a woodburning stove, a traditional fireplace, and period furniture.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A lounger with two matching sofas facing a widescreen TV and open fire with gas-flame effect.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 3

Cuain Cottage is a new holiday cottage in Somerset's lovely seaside town. Just 100 yards from Watchet Marina, Cuain Cottage, is a new holiday cottage in this lovely seaside town of Somerset. The coastal cottage features exposed beams, original features, and contemporary comforts and is just a hop and step away from the beaches and attractions of Watchet.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Stone-built, gable end of a cottage with flowering shrubs.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

Dairy Cottage is a delightful stone-built country cottage within the Exmoor National Park. The pet-friendly holiday cottage near Dulverton offers fresh air and a shared garden with beautiful pastoral views. It has a generous and comfortable interior, a sunlit patio and access to Somerset's many attractions, from castles to tearooms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A 2-storey, timber-walled lodge in a woodland glade.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Deerpark Lodge is a delightful wooden-clad holiday lodge in Leicestershire on a 28-acre estate near Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The pet-friendly rural property is surrounded by woodland for walks and lakes for fishing. It offers light-filled open-plan spaces, a contemporary design, a large deck with views, and a log fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A limestone-built Dorset holiday cottage with a porch and tiny front garden.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Explore Dovecot Cottage, a quality holiday home in the sleepy coastal village of Portesham in Dorset. This charming retreat boasts an open-plan living space, a delightful garden room, and a secure patio garden, ideal for relaxation and pets. Discover hidden gems like Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens and Chesil Beach on the stunning Jurassic Coastline. With allocated parking, proximity to Weymouth and Dorchester, and local amenities, it's the perfect choice for cottage holidays in Dorset. Immerse yourself in tranquillity—view our full description for an unforgettable Dorset holiday!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
The rooftops of a large holiday cottage surrounded by a sloping lawn and trees with a river estuary in the distance.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Dower House is a large 18th-century Devon holiday farmhouse that sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms. It is located in the village of Dittisham, between Dartmouth and Totnes, and offers panoramic views across the Dart Estuary. It is ideal for holidays with families or small groups of friends.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
2-storey exterior of a stone-built Peak District holiday cottage in a remote rural location.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

With breathtaking views of the Staffordshire Moorlands, this countryside holiday cottage in Buxton sleeps seven and features an open fire and a beautifully furnished living area. Downsdale Cottage is a cosy barn conversion on the edge of the pretty village of Flash in the Peak District National Park.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby
 Exterior of Dunkery View, an Exmoor Holiday Cottage in Wootton Courtenay
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Dunkery View is a romantic holiday cottage for couples in Wootton Courtenay on the Somerset coast. The cottage sleeps two and offers beautiful Exmoor views from inside the cottage and its delightful garden. The spacious interior features an open-plan design, natural light, and contemporary comforts.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Stone-built terraced farm cottage in Somerset overlooking a courtyard.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

East Harwood Farm Cottage is a pet-friendly, stone-built cottage located on a working farm in Timberscombe. It sleeps four and boasts stunning countryside views, stabling for horses, and a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
An L-shaped, wood-panelled Essex holiday bungalow with a wooden deck containing a table and sunlounger, all overlooking a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

East Village No.2 is a luxurious coastal retreat located on Osea Island in Essex. This ground-floor gem is perfect for families or groups, featuring an open-plan living area that is ideal for gatherings. With two stylish bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, it can accommodate up to 5 guests. The garden is a lovely spot to enjoy, complete with a fire pit and BBQ. Osea Island offers a private beach, outdoor pool, cinema, and more, making it a unique getaway. East Village No.2 is the perfect escape for celebrations or a family break.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

One Manor Beach Cottage is a picturesque, four-bedroom Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island. Nestled by the shingle beach, this spacious coastal retreat provides tranquil, family-friendly accommodations. Unwind in the cosy living spaces with an original wood-burning stove. The cottage is just steps from the water's edge, offering splendid sea views. Enjoy communal facilities, such as an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, cinema room, games room, and more—a remarkable place for special celebrations or family vacations.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic 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.