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 1st floor deck with outdoor dining furniture overlooks a garden and South Devon countryside.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover Lamington, a charming Salcombe holiday let nestled in the South Devon coast. Boasting stunning countryside views, open-plan living, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms, Lamington offers comfort and convenience. Enjoy modern amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen, spacious decking area, and pet-friendly accommodation. With nearby access to shops, beaches, and recreational facilities, Lamington is the perfect base for exploring the beauty of Salcombe and its surrounds. View the full description for more details.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

This spacious holiday home in Torbay offers stunning views of Brixham Marina and the bay towards Torquay. The open-plan living space is bright and inviting, and the enclosed garden with seating makes it an excellent choice for families or friends looking to spend a memorable break in Brixham.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterpark Nearby
A double-fronted holiday cottage exterior with a small walled front garden
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Escape to Lilac Cottage, a charming Musbury holiday let within a designated National Landscape. Ideal for families or couples, it sleeps five and has a cosy woodburner and sunny garden. Explore nearby Lyme Regis and Axmouth's coastal delights. Fully equipped for self-catering holidays in East Devon, it's close to River Cottage Farm and offers easy access to walking trails. Enjoy comfort, convenience, and natural beauty—book your stay for an unforgettable rural retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  A footpath between a lawn and mature shrubs leads to a stone-built rural cottage.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Little Hanger is a delightful seaside holiday home located in Porlock. It can accommodate up to six guests with two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom. The property offers a private terrace, a well-equipped kitchen, and a cozy sitting room with a woodburner. Guests also have access to an all-weather tennis court and a private garden with a barbecue area. Pets are welcome at the home. It is conveniently situated within a short walk from the village and is an ideal base for exploring the entire Exmoor coast from Minehead to Lynmouth.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

A charming traditional seaside cottage located on the coast at Marazion has been refurbished to offer you a comfortable stay. The property boasts stylish decor and open-plan living area that offers magnificent views from the elevated private patio. Moreover, you will find an enclosed courtyard garden, where you can unwind and sip your morning coffee.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Front exterior of a 2-storey holiday home in Thurlestone with a wide drive for parking.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Explore Lower Goosewell Cottage, a charming South Devon Coastal Cottage. This Thurlestone holiday let is near the village pub and South West Coastal Path and offers easy beach access. Enjoy luxurious comforts, including an open-plan lounge with entertainment amenities, a well-equipped kitchen, and ensuite bedrooms. Outside, relax on the sea-facing patio or explore the spacious garden. Off-road parking and stunning sea views make it the perfect seaside cottage for your Thurlestone getaway. View now for more details!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A holiday apartment overlooks a long sandy beach in South Devon.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Discover a waterfront retreat for self-catering holidays for two in Torcross at Lower Reeds, a charming beach apartment. Situated on the seafront, it offers a romantic escape with panoramic ocean views. The well-equipped kitchen, comfortable living room, and a rear double bedroom with en suite provide a cosy haven for couples. Enjoy a front terrace overlooking the sea and off-road parking. Two well-behaved dogs are welcome. Explore Torcross and nearby coastal gems, making Lower Reeds ideal for a tranquil beach getaway.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A grand Victorian Manor House with two turreted wings overlooks a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 20
  • Bedrooms 10

Manor House, located on Osea Island, offers a remarkable escape. Accessible via a Roman tidal causeway, this exclusive Essex holiday cottage is an extraordinary retreat. Explore a range of activities, including an outdoor pool, saltwater lido, tennis court, cinema, and 4.5 miles of coastline. The grand Edwardian house boasts ten bedrooms, most with four-poster beds and en-suite bathrooms. It's an ideal celebration venue, with reception rooms, a country kitchen, and captivating water views. Book this extraordinary destination for a minimum of 2 nights, with flexible arrival days.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a large tone-built barn conversion overlooking a driveway and lawn in Ipstones
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 4

The delightful Meadow Place is a Grade II listed stone-built property outside Ipstones in the Peak District. The beautiful views of the Derbyshire countryside dictate the upside-down design of the pet-friendly property, which boasts cathedral ceilings, exposed stone and timber and an open fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby
A bungalow sits behind a large lawn with flower-filled borders.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

The Blue Anchor promenade lies just moments from Meadow View, a charming coastal cottage in Somerset with views across a meadow to the ocean and the West Somerset Heritage Railway. The modern family cottage offers comfort, relaxing outdoor spaces, and a prime position in this lovely seaside village.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A modern 2-storey Exmoor house with a glass-fronted balcony and a lawn dotted with small trees
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Situated near the heart of the lovely village of Dulverton, Merrijig is a modern, detached Dulverton holiday rental with a wood-burning stove; and a sun-drenched balcony. The family-friendly property promises a stress-free holiday close to many of Exmoor and Somerset's visitor attractions and offers a generous garden and contemporary creature comforts.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Large Exmoor holiday cottage overlooks a spacious lawn and a drive with a wooden 5-bar entry gate.
  • Sleeps 9
  • Bedrooms 5

Middle Stolford Cottage is a lovely farmhouse in the Brendon Hills of Somerset. This charming pet-friendly cottage offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful views of the countryside and fresh air. The cottage features many original details, including a wood-burning fireplace and a tennis court. Moreover, it is located just a stone's throw away from the coast and within easy reach of The Quantock Hills and Exmoor—perfect for day trips.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A  stone-built cottage overlooks a large lawn surrounded by flowering shrubs and bushes.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

A perfect rural retreat set amidst a working sheep farm within the Exmoor National Park, Mill Cottage in Luxborough offers comfortable upside-down accommodation for up to six guests, a child-friendly cottage in Somerset with a spacious living area, a wood-burning stove, and an enclosed garden.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A wooden deck with lounge furniture sits in front of a contemporary 3-storey waterside holiday home.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Mossgara is a captivating waterside cottage in South Devon. With a large layout, private quay, and direct water access, this large luxury property offers stunning views from all levels. Well-appointed interiors include a spacious kitchen, dining area with bay windows, and a comfortable lounge with a gas fireplace. Four bedrooms, each with waterside views, add to the charm. Enjoy nearby beaches, coastal paths, and excellent pubs. Mossgara ensures a delightful retreat for those seeking a unique waterside holiday in Noss Mayo. Discover more about this exceptional property!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • 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.