A surfer traverses a large wave. Find holiday cottages for active holidays in the open air.

Book Self-Catering Holiday Cottages For Active Holidays

Scroll down to find a choice of self-catering cottages suitable for those seeking an active holiday involving sporting or outdoor pursuits. Whether walking in England, climbing mountains in Scotland, riding rapids or zip wires in Wales, the holiday cottages listed here will be near an attractive choice of activities to enjoy in the great outdoors. Many activity cottages will offer on-site facilities such as fishing, swimming pools and tennis courts or will be surrounded by long, bracing walks in the country or along the miles of scenic coastal footpaths. 

Click on the preview description of any cottage to view its main page.

A double-fronted stone cottage  with a hedged-in lawn to the front and a gated driveway for cars.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Pen-Y-Parc is a delightful 18th-century stone-built rural cottage offering the delights of the countryside and the coast. Situated in peaceful Gwaenysgor in North Wales and Snowdonia, the homely cottage provides seclusion, rural charm, delightful gardens, and views of the surrounding hills.

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A large bArn conversion in Pateley Bridge with a central 2-storey arched window.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Discover Moscarr Barn, a luxurious Pateley Bridge holiday let in Nidderdale, perfect for cottage holidays in the Yorkshire Dales. This stone-fronted barn conversion offers stunning countryside views, modern amenities, and charming original features. Relax by the woodburning stove or explore nearby walking trails. With four bedrooms, including en-suite bathrooms and TVs, it's ideal for families or groups of eight. Book now for an unforgettable Yorkshire Dales holiday!

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Seafront houses and apartments overlook a beach in Falmouth.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Sand-n-Sea is a superb ground-floor apartment in the 5-Star Endcliffe development overlooking Gyllyngvase Beach. Located on Falmouth promenade, this luxury beach apartment features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a beachfront terrace and reserved parking. This is beachside Cornwall at its best!

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Sleeps
17
Bedrooms
8

A charming Grade-II listed stone holiday cottage in Snainton near Scarborough on the North Yorkshire coast, this pet-friendly holiday cottage sleeps 17 in 8 bedrooms and oozes warmth and charm. Relax in the hot tub, walk in the North York Moors or enjoy a day trip to the seaside.

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A Northamptonshire barn conversion with a paved courtyard surrounded by open fields.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
1

Rectory Cottage is a gorgeous romantic cottage surrounded by lush green fields near Clipston in Northamptonshire. The eco-friendly holiday cottage sits on 14 acres of farmland. It boasts beautiful grounds, outdoor dining areas, incredible views, and a chic open-plan interior with natural light and high-end décor.

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A semi-detached Cornish cottage overlooks a block-paved courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Curlew's Cwtch offers country charm within reach of the ocean. The pet-friendly holiday cottage lies moments from the beaches of Polzeath. It boasts views of the Cornish countryside from its ample garden, a pastel palette with local art, open-plan design, picture windows and a wood-burning stove.

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Exterior of a two-storey Devon holiday cottage with rendered walls and a slate roof overlooking a lawn.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

Overlooking a peaceful country lane with a handful of other pretty cottages and the neighbouring parish church, this beautifully updated chocolate box detached Dartmoor holiday cottage in Mary Tavy is a 4-bedroom home from home for families, friends and family pets looking for a base in the Devon countryside to explore and unwind.

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Two rows of cottages converted from stables line two-sides of a courtyard.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

This charming holiday cottage in Enniskillen is decorated to a high standard, with period furnishings and a wood-burning stove. It features a sitting area, kitchen area, twin bedroom and bathroom. It has a small outside patio.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This beautiful two-bedroom barn conversion with a hot tub in North Devon is set in an idyllic rural location and is only a short drive away from the stunning North Devon coast and its outstanding beaches. Guests can relax and admire stunning coastal views from the large enclosed garden.

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Activity holidays don't need to involve knuckle experiences. For families with young children or those preferring a 'healthy holiday' without the risk of injury, consider hiring bicycles to explore a Sustrans Cycle route or a cycle path such as the Tarka Trail in North Devon or The Bonsal Trail in Derbyshire. To ensure that a holiday cottage has precisely what you are looking for, e.g. an outdoor shower for washing the salt of wetsuits and surfboards, use the Visit Website button to go to a cottage's website for further information. Alternatively, e-mail or phone the owners direct to check that what you want to do on holiday is precisely the activity accessible at the cottage.