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 timber house on stilts beneath lime trees overlooks a large fenced garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

The Apple Tree House is a 5-star gold-rated rural cottage near Halse in Somerset. It is pet-friendly and sits below two mature lime trees, giving it the appearance of a mystical tree house. The Somerset holiday cottage combines country charm and modern amenities such as a swimming pool and a log burner. Guests can enjoy seclusion and a holiday amidst the idyllic foothills of The Quantocks.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Barn conversions in a courtyard overlook a raised flower bed in its centre
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

Tucked in near the Great Fryup Dale in the heart of North York Moors National Park, The Byre in the civil parish of Danby, North Yorkshire, sits on a working organic farm, a two-storey countryside cottage featuring exposed beams, vaulted ceiling, and ground floor underfloor heating.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
The Chapel
  • Sleeps 13
  • Bedrooms 3

The Chapel is a spacious and comfortable self-catering holiday property located in Ramsgate, which is close to numerous award-winning sandy beaches and charming coastal villages in Kent. It features three bedrooms and can accommodate up to 13 guests, making it perfect for families, friends and those looking for entertainment. The property has been designed with these travellers in mind, and has been awarded a Gold 4-Star rating from Quality in Tourism. We look forward to welcoming you to The Chapel!

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

The Farmhouse is a dog-friendly 3-bedroom Yorkshire Farmhouse in Penistone, offering glorious rural views right across to the Peak District. Sleeps 6. Perfect for walking and cycling holidays in The Pennines.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
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  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
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Decked entrance, outdoor dining area and meadow setting.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

A private lodge for couples only. Just a 5-minute drive from North Devon surf beaches and SW coast path. This immaculate, one-bedroom luxury lodge has a king-size bed and a gorgeous bathroom. Well-appointed kitchenette. South-facing outdoor decking, set in a pretty meadow. A calm and relaxing retreat.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cycling Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Barn conversions overlook a courtyard with a central flower bed
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The Granary is a charming, detached cottage located in the rural area of Keld Head Cottages, near Pickering in Yorkshire. This award-winning farm cottage features an open fire and beautiful exposed beams, creating a warm and cosy ambience. The cottage also offers large, stunning gardens with indoor and outdoor play areas, perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The beautiful views surrounding the cottage are sure to help you unwind and enjoy a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

  • Accessible By Train
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Exterior and patio of a single-storey, wooden eco-lodge surrounded by trees.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 1

Once a barn in a beautiful rural location, The Kingfisher’s Nest has been lovingly converted to create an idyllic one-bedroom waterside holiday cottage on the banks of Cowesby Beck in North Yorkshire. It is nicely located for exploring the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. This luxury cottage sleeps 4 in one double bedroom plus a sofa bed.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Tiny Islands on the calm Moray Firth are silhouetted against a golden sunset.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 4

The Old Customs House in Banff is a beautiful seafront holiday cottage that boasts a hot tub adjoining the Banff Marina. With its four spacious bedrooms, this luxurious cottage on the Moray Firth provides an unforgettable holiday experience for families and groups of friends.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
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Exterior of a Scottish Manse overlooking s large tree-line lawn
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 5

This large, spacious, pet-friendly holiday home with a hot tub in Perthshire is set in beautiful countryside near Crieff. The Old Manse has a wealth of period features: an open fire, a large garden with a croquet lawn and a trampoline. Perfect for a get-together with friends and large families.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Single storey of a barn conversion overlooking a lawn on a North Yorkshire farm.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Smithy at Keld Head Cottages is a quaint romantic cottage on a gorgeous property outside Pickering in North Yorkshire. The rural holiday cottage boasts exposed beams, a traditional fireplace, award-winning gardens, beautiful views, and extensive indoor and outdoor play areas.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A large, single storey barn conversion overlooks a lawn.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 3

Find warm accommodation for your Yorkshire holiday at The Stables at Keld Head Cottages, one of nine traditional cottages on the edge of the market town of Pickering, North Yorkshire, retaining much of the converted stone-built barn’s original features, with open beamed ceilings and stone fireplace.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Situated on a beautiful farm overlooking the Jurassic Coast in West Dorset, The Swallows is one of seven-holiday cottages at Character Farm Cottages near Weymouth. 4-star rated by Visit England, it comfortably sleeps four. It is exceptionally well-appointed and open throughout the year. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a stone-built terraced cottage with a picket fence around the front garden.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

The Sycamores is a two-bedroom Dorset holiday cottage situated on our stunning farm overlooking the West Dorset Coast and Chesil Beach. Five miles West of Weymouth, it offers the perfect countryside holiday accommodation for families or friends throughout the year. Your Pets are welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 2

Sleep among the canopy is The Treehouse, a luxurious rural cottage in Halse, Somerset, which boasts beautiful views, a swimming pool and a hot tub. The wooden-clad cottage includes a fireplace and promises 5-star eco-friendly comfort, access to the countryside, and miles of sandy beaches.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Stone-built, single storey barn conversion overlooking open countryside.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Willows is a one-bedroom Weymouth holiday cottage ideal for couples or solo travellers. It is set on our working farm in Dorset overlooking the Fleet Lagoon and the mighty Jurassic Coastline. It is also ideal for walkers, cyclists, and people who just want to escape to the peace and tranquillity of the Dorset countryside.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • 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.