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.

Sea views from a beach-front villa window in Filey
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

With beautiful sea views, Beach Villa offers a wonderful ocean escape for families and pets in Filey, North Yorkshire. The coastal cottage offers multiple outdoor entertaining areas which capture the view, and the interior boasts contemporary coastal chic as well as a carefree and relaxing vibe.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Brambles is a single-bedroom holiday cottage in Dorset, ideal for couples or lone travellers. It is situated between the seaside town of Weymouth and Abbotsbury, famous for its swans. It is set in stunning farmland which overlooks the Dorset Coast and the Chesil Beach. Fantastic walks straight from the door of the cottage.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Farm Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
Exterior of a holiday cottage in Cark-in-Cartmell overlooking a small patio and lawn.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Lovely 18th-century holiday home near Cartmel village in the South Lakes. Off-road location, log fire, free Wi-Fi. Short breaks from £240.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Quirky Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 3

Bryndol is a charming holiday cottage in Aberdaron. It is family—and pet-friendly and is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It offers comfort and refinement with superb coast and country views. Located just moments from Aberdaron, this rural holiday cottage is a ten-minute walk to the beach.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A reed-fringed lake sits in front of a 2-storey Shropshire barn conversion.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 6

Buttercups Haybarn is a detached 5-star rural cottage set amidst woodland and green fields in Alkington, Shropshire. The luxurious Georgian cottage blends tradition with urban chic, with shared use of an indoor swimming pool, multi-sports court, an Under 5's play area, plus wonderful rural views.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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Peak District, stone-built farmhouse and garden.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Caxterway is a pet-friendly, luxury holiday cottage in the Derbyshire Peak District in secluded rural surroundings at Farditch Farm in Chelmorton. This large holiday cottage near Bakewell is a beautifully furnished barn conversion that sleeps 10 in 5 bedrooms - one on the ground floor.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a contemporary eco-lodge with large floor-to-ceiling plate glass windows and doors opening onto a wooden deck with a hot tub.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

A luxurious eco-lodge set within Strawberryfield Park in Cheddar. With a wraparound furnished deck and sumptuous hot tub, this beautifully designed and furnished home delivers style and comfort in equal measure. Perfectly suited to families or groups of friends, it makes for a superb stay in Somerset.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
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  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Cherry Tree Farmhouse is a Grade II listed rural cottage dating back to the 1600s. The large 5-star gold-rated holiday cottage near Halse in Somerset spoils guests with a log burner, hot tub, swimming pool, games room, vast outdoor play and entertaining areas, and lovely views, plus access to sandy beaches.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Cornflower Cottage is a beautifully-converted rural retreat in Somerset, which provides the ideal location for a family holiday. Sitting between the country and the coast, the pet-friendly cottage in Halse, with a hot tub and swimming pool,  features a log burner, delightful views and a gorgeous stone exterior.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Aerial photo of a large holiday home nestling between mature woodland and fields overlooking a wide river.
  • Sleeps 14
  • Bedrooms 6

Craig Alvah Lodge is a luxurious holiday home located near Banff in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. It is perfect for groups and can accommodate a large number of guests. The lodge is situated in a secluded rural location near the Moray Firth and offers many facilities such as a heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, games room, and a trout and salmon fishing beat on the Devoran River.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Aerial view of cottages overlooking a river and surrounded by trees.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Craig Lodge is a beautiful holiday home located near Banff that sits beside the River Deveron, providing a perfect fishing spot for salmon and trout. This secluded holiday home is surrounded by stunning wooded countryside and is an excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts and those who enjoy walks on the Moray Firth Coast in Aberdeenshire. The area offers amazing scenic walks for both two and four-footed guests right from the front door.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Side view of a long farmhouse and large lawn.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 4

Crepe Farm Cottage is a pet-friendly detached holiday cottage in Bridport, a short walk from Symondsbury Village. It sleeps 7 in 4 bedrooms and has 2 log burners, a hot tub, and a large private garden with outstanding rural views of Colmers Hill!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a wisteria-clad, double-fronted Georgian House and front garden.
  • Sleeps 17
  • Bedrooms 8

Crepe Farmhouse is a large luxury farmhouse in Symondsbury surrounded by stunning scenery. Guests have exclusive access to the swimming pool, sauna, games room, cinema room, and large garden. It is ideal for extended families, celebrations, and large groups. Dogs are welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A honey-stone, thatched country cottage with a walled front garden.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Escape to the idyllic Duck Street Cottage, a charming hideaway in Dorset's heart. Perfect for couples or friends, this cosy cottage boasts a traditional inglenook fireplace, providing the ideal setting to unwind after an exciting day of exploration. Nestled in Symondsbury Village, you'll be perfectly placed to explore the village's delightful artisan shops, café and pub, all within a short walk from your doorstep. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience Duck Street Cottage's quintessential British countryside charm of Duck Street Cottage.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A large thatched cottage overlooking a spacious lawn near Bridport.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Eagles Nest is a classic grade II-listed thatched cottage in Dorset. It sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property is rurally located near Symondsbury, close to the Jurassic Coast. Enjoy peace and quiet with a private garden, hot tub, and games room. Dogs are welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote 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.