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 double fronted modern chalet bungalow with a terraced garden behind a fence.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

Rural charm abounds at Measure Cottage, a delightful rural cottage in the quaint village of Wootton Wawen. The cottage has retained many of its traditional features, such as an inglenook fireplace and incorporates modern comforts, including a hot tub. Enjoy the tranquillity or celebrate a memorable occasion.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Milkens Cottage at Endamoor Farm is a luxury Peak District holiday cottage located in glorious rural surroundings near Bakewell. It in Derbyshire that sleeps 4 very comfortably in 2 bedroom. This pet friendly cottage is perfect for walking or cycling holidays on the Tissington and Manifold Trails.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A lounge with armchairs, oak-beamed ceiling and a staircase.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 2

Mill Cottage is a multi-award-winning property set on Keld Head Cottages near Pickering in North Yorkshire. The stone-built rural cottage has been carefully refurbished with traditional features and modern comforts and boasts gorgeous gardens, large indoor and outdoor play areas and lovely views.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
Exterior of stone-built, barn conversion in the Peak District.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Moor Cottage at Endmoor Farm is a luxury holiday cottage for couples of all ages seeking a romantic rural retreat within the Derbyshire Peak District. Endmoor is a working farm between Bakewell and Buxton, and Moor Cottage sleeps 2 in a high-quality barn conversion. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

New Inn House is a luxuriously appointed rural holiday cottage in Abbots Salford. It boasts gorgeous interiors, uninterrupted views of the Warwickshire countryside, a heated swimming pool, tennis court, games room, children’s play area, an open fire, and lavish grounds perfect for pets and entertaining.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of an eco-friendly, wooden caravan in a Dorset field.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

North End Cabin is a funky rural cabin offering couples seclusion and fresh air. It is located on North End Farm in Chideock, Dorset, and promises beautiful views and wonderful sunsets. The cabin features a wood-burning stove, cosy comfort, space for pets, a hammock, and furnished outdoor spaces.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Large thatched farmhouse overlooks a spacious lawn
  • Sleeps 14
  • Bedrooms 6

North End's large listed Farmhouse is available for Dorset holiday lets all year. It is situated in a spectacular countryside setting on the Jurassic Coast, between the lively market towns of Bridport and Lyme Regis. Beaches, culture, pubs, and walks are easily accessible. Pets are welcome.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a contemporary wood-clad barn conversion comprising 3 New Forest holiday cottages
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

For an unforgettable Hampshire getaway, view Oak Barn, a charming village holiday cottage in Dammerham, perfect for self-catering holidays in the New Forest. This spacious barn conversion offers an open-plan layout, two accessible bedrooms, and a hot tub with scenic views. Discover the historic village of Damerham, just three miles from Fordingbridge. Oak Barn provides a unique blend of modern comfort and rural tranquillity. View the full description for more information.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a stone-built thatched village cottage overlooking a large lawn with a flowerbed.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

The Old Post Office sleeps five over three bedrooms. It is conveniently located in the heart of Symondsbury Village with access to plenty of countryside walks and near the market town of Bridport and the Jurassic coast. Dogs welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Ground floor, brick exterior of a barn conversion overlooking a shrub-filled garden
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Endless activities greet visitors to Oliver’s Mill, a large converted barn amid the rolling hills of Alkington. The 18th-century rural holiday cottage in Shropshire boasts style and traditional character and offers woodland, an indoor swimming pool, a multi-sports court & a children’s play area, plus a log fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of an East Devon coastal cottage with a patio and a well-kept garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Orchid Cottage is a spacious 19th-century coastal cottage in picturesque Axmouth village, next to the River Axe. This family-friendly East Devon cottage is just one mile from the harbour and fascinating Jurassic coast, making it ideal for exploring the Devon and Dorset coasts.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Owl is a two-bedroom apartment on the ground floor beneath Granary. It has two bedrooms, a double and a twin, and an open-plan living area with a fitted kitchen, lounge, and dining area. The apartment also has a shared indoor heated pool, spa, and sauna. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Small Cottages
Exterior of a barn conversion overlooking a garden courtyard
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Pasture View Cottage is a large eco-friendly, single-storey country cottage on the edge of Pickering for holidays exploring the North York Moors and the North Yorkshire coast. Features include a large private garden and a very well-equipped kitchen. Children will love the play area and play shed.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior ofa barn conversion behind a shrub-filled garden.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

One of nine countryside cottages that make up Keld Head Farm Cottages and nestled near the foot of rolling moorlands, Pigeon Cote near the market town of Pickering, North Yorkshire, retains much of its original charm and features, with open beamed ceilings and traditional stone fireplace.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Family-friendly Pippenwell Cottage at Farditch Farm is a luxury Peak District holiday cottage amidst beautiful rural surroundings in Derbyshire. This dog-friendly cottage sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms (1 en-suite) in a high-quality barn conversion.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent 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.