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 3-storey, wood and glass holiday home in a rural location.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Scarlet Pimpernel is a sophisticated rural cottage offered by Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa in Colchester, Suffolk. The contemporary retreat boasts beautiful views of the golf course and gardens and features open-plan spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light and large balconies.

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Ocean view from the glass-windowed deck of a clifftop holiday cottage in Downderry
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Lookout represents a contemporary split-level detached property, gracing an elevated position that offers captivating vistas of the enchanting southern Cornish coastline. This exceptional self-catering accommodation in Downderry accommodates up to 6 guests within its three generously proportioned bedrooms, each thoughtfully equipped with en-suite bathrooms. Every room within Lookout provides sweeping panoramic views of the sea, ensuring a serene and picturesque experience, even from the comfort of the bathtub!

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Gable end of a 2-storey pennine holiday cottage overlooking a country lane
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Underbank Hall Cottage is a romantic cottage for couples in a secluded rural location with breathtaking views of the valleys and hills between The Peak District and The Pennines in Stocksbridge, but still within easy reach of the fleshpots of Sheffield. Pets welcome.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Thatchers Cottage, sleeping up to six, is one of seven North Devon holiday cottages at Muddlebridge House, near Barnstaple. With an indoor swimming pool and two-acre garden, it is ideally situated for surfing, cycling, golf and fishing holidays - (in between days on the many nearby beaches). Pets welcome.

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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.

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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Set on the edge of Herefordshire's River Arrow, this large riverside holiday cottage in Eardisland stands in a scenic location in an attractive Herefordshire village. This dog-friendly holiday home is ideal for family or friends who want to walk in or explore this idyllic rural corner of Herefordshire.

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2-storey stone-built cottage overlooking a shrub-lined lawn.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

West House is an 18th-century, stone-built, semi-detached rural cottage set among beautiful grounds near Middleton-in-Teesdale, in the Yorkshire Dales. The traditional exterior houses a contemporary interior with touches of yesteryear, an open fire, and spectacular views from all vantage points.

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End of terrace holiday cottage with large windows and Juliet balcony.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Harbour View enjoys beautiful views of Porthmadog Harbour. It offers families a modern and spacious seaside holiday let in North Wales and Snowdonia. The pet-friendly apartment is in a quiet residential area close to beaches, which features light-filled spaces, modern comforts, and a refreshing sea breeze.

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A lounge with a feature fireplace between two armchairs.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
4

Set just minutes from the seafront is Calathea, a charming coastal townhouse in Ramsgate, Kent. The Georgian property boasts original features  stylish sophistication, light-filled spaces, standout art pieces and a sun-trap patio, plus access to many cafes and seaside attractions. Holiday in style.

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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.