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.

  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

This unique accommodation is part of a historic water mill and retains original features, including exposed beams and huge mill windows. The peaceful Warwickshire village of Tredington is ideally situated between the Cotswolds and Stratford-on-Avon. Fishing is available on-site.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A 3-storey, brick-built mill conversion alongside the mill race.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Puddle Cottage is part of an 18th-century water mill in the quiet Warwickshire village of Tredington, on the edge of the Cotswolds. It is in a charming riverside location with its own secluded garden and steps leading down to the mill stream. Pets are welcome. Fishing is available on-site.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Rakes Cottage at Endamoor Farm near Buxton and Bakewell is a luxury Peak District holiday cottage in a beautiful, secluded rural location on a working farm. This stylish, comfortable Derbyshire barn renovation sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms (both en-suite) and welcomes pets.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a stone-built barn conversion with floor-to-ceiling windows behind a low stone wall.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

One of three luxury barn conversions in a secluded rural location in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District, Red Hurst is a 3-bedroom family-friendly holiday cottage near the picturesque village of Chelmorton. The cottage stands on the Farditch Farm estate and welcomes pets.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
2-storey chalet bungalow surrounded by a garden.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

Beautiful barn conversion with brand New Hot Tub fitted in Feb 2022. This semi-rural cottage near Stratford-upon-Avon is surrounded by gorgeous countryside. It boasts an interior replete with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and a hot tub, ensuring a memorable and delightful holiday.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
Exterior of a 3-storey house with a large covered balcony.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

The River Crake lies at the end of the garden at Sawmill Cottage, a large and charming 18th-century rural holiday cottage near Low Nibthwaite in the South Lakes. The pet-friendly cottage spoils guests with beautiful views, a generous garden, an open fire, a games room and modern comforts blended with old-world charm.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Seaspray is the perfect Dorset coastal destination for walkers, families and beach lovers! Seaspray offers a taste of life by the beach in the pretty village of Eype. The beach at Eype welcomes dogs all year round, and the property is dog-friendly.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a long brick-built barn conversion with a patio with table seating for 14.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 7

If you are looking for a memorable and truly luxurious holiday experience, look no further than The Shakespeare Lodge. Nestled in an elevated position near Stratford-upon-Avon, this beautiful rural cottage offers breathtaking countryside views that will take your breath away. With its elegant interior featuring exposed beams, sophisticated dining room, spacious grounds, and multiple entertaining spaces, The Shakespeare Lodge is the perfect place to create happy holiday memories with family and friends. So why wait? Book your stay at The Shakespeare Lodge today and get ready to experience the best of Shakespeare country in style!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 19
  • Bedrooms 8

Luxuriously large barn conversion Yorkshire Pennine cottages, we have four properties here at Smallshaw Farm near Penistone, sleeping from 2 to 7 (19 people in all). They are surrounded by 700 acres of open farmland with a large garden area. Dogs are welcome.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
A  restored country cottage overlooks a shaded courtyard.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Squirrelled away in the North Devon countryside, less than half an hour from the coast. Somers Hiscott-6 is beautifully spacious and sits right in the middle of the private estate (40 acres). There will be more than enough room for you to spill out and make this home your own – inside and out!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Double-fronted exterior of a rural holiday cottage with a large paved terrace.
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

South View Country House, a spacious holiday home near Henley-in-Arden, will be available from April 2024. It can accommodate up to 12 guests and offers a brand-new hot tub, stunning rural views, and complete privacy.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A terraced row of well-maintained Victorian Houses with small low-walled front garden.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Escape to Exmouth in this beautifully presented penthouse holiday apartment overlooking the Exe estuary. With two bedrooms sleeping four, this home is just a short stroll from Exmouth’s long, sandy beach and is the perfect retreat for a seaside holiday in one of Britain’s oldest and prettiest coastal towns.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A spacious, oak-beamed lounge area with sofas, TV, wood burner and dining table.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Swift Cottage is a charming 3-bedroom ground-floor cottage that sleeps 5 and has an outdoor heated pool. The Cottage has an easy-access wet room with rails and a mobility chair, so it is accessible for guests with disabilities. Swift is in the North York Moors National Park. Pets are welcome.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Converted barns overlook a courtyard garden bordered by a low stone wall.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Visitors coming to discover the delights of the Derbyshire Peak District can do so in style at Tagg Cottage at Endmoor Farm, a family-friendly luxury holiday cottage on a working farm near Bakewell that sleeps 4 in a superb and secluded rural location. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
An outdoor swimming pool overlooked by a stone-built holiday cottage in North Devon
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 2

With two bedrooms accommodating up to 8 guests, The Annexe is the ideal choice for families or friends seeking a memorable North Devon holiday. However, this versatile coastal cottage also appeals to couples looking to escape for a romantic, relaxing break. This pet-friendly haven boasts a private hot tub, a heated swimming pool, a tennis court, and even table tennis for hours of family fun. From the cottage, you can soak in panoramic views of the coast and revel in breathtaking sunsets.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday 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.