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.

Exterior of a thatched cottage facing a paved, flower-filled courtyard in Brixham.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Hearthstone East Cottage is a large, thatched holiday cottage in Brixham, a popular seaside resort in Torbay. Set in idyllic surroundings, the pet-friendly cottage boasts stone walls, exposed beams, tiled floors and antique furnishings, plus a log fire, a lovely sunny garden and proximity to sandy beaches.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby
Exterior of an Exmoor country cottage with large chimney in front of tall trees and overlooking a large courtyard.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Set on a working farm near Wheddon Cross, the highest village on Exmoor, Hedgehog Cottage promises serenity and wonderful countryside views. The pet-friendly cottage offers fresh air, spacious grounds, a log fire, country charm, and contemporary luxury.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A remote hillside lodge on the side of a hill surrounded by fields, hedgerows and trees.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Looking for a peaceful and scenic holiday escape? Discover Hillway Lodge, a beautiful three-bedroom, pet-friendly holiday cottage in the heart of Exmoor National Park. You can enjoy stunning views from almost every room, with sweeping vistas across the garden and down to the meandering River Barle. It is perfect for those seeking a tranquil and rustic retreat or a base for walking holidays on Exmoor.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
An exterior of s Victorian holiday villa in Torquay with ample car parking space in front.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

Holcombe House is a large and luxuriously presented Torbay holiday cottage in Torquay. This detached period property can sleep twelve people in six bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby
Double-fronted cottage exterior with traditional quarter-light windows.
  • Sleeps 13
  • Bedrooms 5

Holmdale is a large, character-laden coastal cottage in Porlock, a sought-after location in Somerset. The pet-friendly holiday cottage within the Exmoor National Park boasts sea views, exposed beams, a farmhouse-style kitchen, a cosy log fire, and a spacious garden with outdoor seating and dining furniture. Explore the coast and countryside of Exmoor in true style.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large house with a portico overlooks a lawn bordered by mature shrubs.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 5

Explore Holset House, a large coastal property in South Devon offering the perfect setting for self-catering holidays in East Portlemouth. With breathtaking views of Dartmoor, this luxurious and well-equipped retreat features five bedrooms, a formal dining room, and expansive lawns for relaxation. Just over half a mile from sandy beaches and a short ferry ride to Salcombe, it's an ideal escape for families and friends. Discover comfort, grandeur, and convenience in this exceptional holiday home. View now for an unforgettable experience.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A stone-built, 2-storey Staffordshire barn conversion overlooking a shingled parking area and a fenced-in lawn.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 3

Large groups can find plenty to see and do from Honeystone, a charming 3-bedroom Peak District countryside cottage sleeping seven on a former working 17th-century farm in Meerbrook, Staffordshire, with spectacular views of The Roaches and Tittesworth Reservoir.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Waterpark Nearby
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Explore the enchantment of Ingle Tor, a luxurious holiday cottage situated on the Bovey Castle Hotel estate in Devon. This cottage is surrounded by tranquil woodlands and is an ideal base for walking holidays on Dartmoor. Experience a sophisticated and well-equipped retreat with an open-plan living space, three en-suite bedrooms, and private terraces.

Relax in the hotel's 5-star lounges, enjoy dining in the on-site restaurants, and indulge in leisure facilities such as an indoor pool and tennis courts. With EV charging facilities, pet-friendly accommodation options, and a wide range of activities, Ingle Tor promises an unforgettable getaway for families or friends looking for self-catering holidays near Bovey Tracey.

  • 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
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A brick house overlooks a large lawn with flower-filled borders
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 4

Jacob’s Pond is a sophisticated rural cottage on the edge of Exmoor National Park near Monksilver in Somerset. The semi-detached cottage sleeps 7 in spacious rooms. It boasts a beautiful mature garden with multiple furnished areas, fantastic views, a conservatory, elegance, and a log fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Between shrubs and a mature tree, stands a Cornish 2-storey stone-barn conversion
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Jam First is a gorgeous stone-built romantic cottage in the lovely locale of Trethawle, Cornwall. The pet-friendly holiday home for two possesses a subtle luxurious style, exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, a wood burner and a pleasant suntrap courtyard. Explore the Cornish coast and countryside in style.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a wisteria-clad stone-built holiday cottage in Porlock on a sunny day.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Jasmine Cottage is a charming stone-built end terrace located on the edge of Porlock. This coastal holiday cottage in Somerset boasts breathtaking sea views and can comfortably accommodate up to six guests. The pet-friendly cottage offers guests a sun-trap enclosed garden, a breezy open-plan design, coastal chic decor, abundant natural light, charming furnishings, and a cosy wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A lounge with twin sofas, inglenook fireplace and French windows.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Folded into the idyllic landscapes of North Devon, Keepers Lodge is a stylish two-bedroom (both ensuite) rural retreat with a hot tub. Located in the quaint village of Knowstone, it offers a blend of rural charm and modern convenience. The cottage on the edge of Exmoor features spacious interiors adorned with rustic elegance and modern amenities. Set amidst expansive gardens, it provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Discover the allure of countryside living at Keepers Lodge. Explore further details about this enchanting rural holiday cottage today.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
2-storey, stone-built holiday lodge in a rural location.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Keepers Lodge, a holiday cottage in Knowstone, offers a tranquil and secluded rural getaway. Located in North Devon, close to Exmoor, this 16th-century thatched longhouse extension provides 5-star self-catering accommodation for up to 4 guests.

With two spacious ensuite bedrooms, modern amenities seamlessly blend with the historical charm of the property. The open-plan living space boasts an inglenook fireplace and other original features. Guests can unwind in the private courtyard with a hot tub, or explore the 20-acre farm grounds and nearby Exmoor National Park. The area offers stunning landscapes, from moorlands to coastal vistas, which are perfect for nature lovers to explore. After a day of exploring, guests can relax at the nearby Michelin-starred Masons Arms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a stone-built Exmoor Holiday Cottage surrounded by spacious lawns.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Located in a peaceful corner amidst the unspoiled beauty of Exmoor, Kiri Cottage offers an ideal getaway that is just a stone's throw away from the renowned Tarr Steps. The cottage is situated within the pristine grounds of West Hollowcombe Farm and offers a spacious 3-bedroom rural retreat in Hawkridge. It boasts breathtaking south-facing moorland views that will leave you spellbound. Here, you can experience nature at its very best and embark on your own Exmoor adventure.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A semi-detached, 4-storey holiday home with a full-width shaded balcony overlooks the waterside.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover La Follie, a premier Cornish coastal cottage offering luxurious self-catering holidays in Fowey. With stunning estuary views, three elegant bedrooms, and stylish interiors, it's the perfect retreat. Enjoy spacious living areas, a well-equipped kitchen, and outdoor spaces, including a courtyard and roof terrace. Book now for an unforgettable escape on the south coast of Cornwall.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday 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.