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 wooden holiday lodge in Washford overlooks a patio with a hot tub. on a terrace/
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Elm Lodge is a wood-clad cottage located on a lovely property close to the coast in Washford, Somerset. The modern cottage boasts an open-plan design and contemporary style, a deck with gorgeous views and a hot tub and an inviting interior with an open fire, exposed beams and oak floors.

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A reed-fringed lake sits in front of a 2-storey Shropshire barn conversion.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
6

Buttercups Haybarn is a detached 5-star rural cottage set amidst woodland and green fields in Alkington, Shropshire. The luxurious Georgian cottage blends tradition with urban chic, with shared use of an indoor swimming pool, multi-sports court, an Under 5's play area, plus wonderful rural views.

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A large multi-windowed chalet bungalow in Charmouth with an extended plate-glass walled deck
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Charmouth holiday let, Pendower, just a short walk from Charmouth village, presents guests with stunning sea views. This seaside holiday home in Dorset boasts a flexible split-level design, perfect for families or couples. Enjoy the enclosed gardens, an ideal playground for kids and pets, while savouring coastal vistas. The open-plan living space, stylish kitchen, and three inviting bedrooms ensure a comfortable retreat. Book Pendower for a memorable stay near Charmouth's vibrant charm and explore the wonders of the Jurassic Coast. Discover more about this captivating property.

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Doiuble-fronted exterior of a stone holiday cottage in Cumbria surrounded by mature trees.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

A thoughtful barn conversion, one of four cottages located by the River Lune in a beautifully remote location near Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria. The Old Stables is a countryside cottage on the western edge of Yorkshire Dales National Park, featuring exposed beams, upside-down accommodation and under-floor heating.

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2-storey  exterior of a stone-built farmhouse overlooking a garden surrounded by a thick hedge.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Sayers House is a detached holiday cottage in Wisbech St Mary Cambridgeshire, sleeping 5. Sayers House is a family-friendly holiday cottage with Wi-Fi. Sayers has a large garden and wooded area with a footpath leading into a 3-acre field. There is ample secluded parking plus a garage. Pets welcome.

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Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
8

Once a hop brewery, this 15th-Century Grade-II listed barn has been converted to create a large and attractive Cotswold holiday cottage in an idyllic rural village near Cirencester. Greyhound Barn sleeps 16 guests in 8 bedrooms (all en-suite). Pets welcome.

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2 storey contemporary house with floor to ceiling windows, terrace nd garden
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Mor Awelon, in the charming village of Goodwick, has an upside-down design to capture the views of the Pembrokeshire countryside and the ocean beyond. Ultra-modern finishes define this rural holiday cottage near Fishguard, while its balcony and lawned garden invite relaxation and socialising.

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Exterior of a large, 3-storey, Wye Valley holiday home.
Sleeps
24
Bedrooms
12

River Wye Lodge is a spacious holiday cottage in the Forest of Dean overlooking the picturesque River Wye. The cottage can accommodate up to 26 guests, and it is easily accessible. You can spend your days exploring the Forest and theWye Valley or enjoy a variety of activities on the river. Alternatively, you can relax in the cottage's hot tub, games room, or children's playground. Pets are welcome to join you on your holiday.

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Large modern chalet bungalow approached by a spacious block paved drive.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
4

This large luxury holiday cottage in Ventnor lies in the south of the Isle of Wight, a short stroll from the beach at \Steephill Cove. The beach at Steephill Cove is a short stroll away, and Ventnor Botanical Gardens is just a two-minute walk away.

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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.