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.

Exterior of a single-storey norfolk holiday cottage with outdoor seating and block-paved off-road parking.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Styled on a traditional Norfolk barn, 5d Hideways boasts vaulted beamed ceilings, wooden décor, and contemporary comforts. The Hunstanton holiday cottage on the North Norfolk coast is ideal for a seaside escape as it offers a delightful courtyard, open-plan spaces and proximity to sandy beaches.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

In a rural location outside the pretty seaside village of Abersoch, Bwythyn-y-Saer is a two-bedroom holiday cottage in the beautiful Llyn Peninsula countryside. The coastal single-storey cottage lies within easy reach of superb North Wales beaches and mountain walks in Snowdonia.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Escape to the idyllic Duck Street Cottage, a charming hideaway nestled in the heart of Dorset. Perfect for couples or friends, this cosy cottage boasts a traditional inglenook fireplace, providing the perfect setting to unwind after an exciting day of exploration. Nestled in Symondsbury Village, you'll be perfectly placed to explore the village's delightful artisan shops, café and pub, all within a short walk from your doorstep. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the quintessential British countryside charm of Duck Street Cottage.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Escape to the tranquillity of a pretty rural Somerset setting and enjoy a memorable family getaway at the recently refurbished Stable Cottage. This charming and characterful converted holiday property boasts modern comforts and amenities, providing ample space for all the family to relax and unwind. Don't miss out on this idyllic retreat and book your holiday today!

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An end-of-terrace, brick holiday cottage in Church-Stretton behind a front lawn.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Betty’s Barn is a brick-built barn conversion on a 200-acre farm in the peaceful village of Eaton-under-Heywood, 5 miles from Church Stretton. This beautifully furnished countryside holiday cottage in South Shropshire sleeps 5, with gardens, ponds and access to idyllic woodland. Pets welcome.

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Exterior of a restored Scottish croft with stone walls thatched roof in a remote location on Skye
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Beaton’s Croft is a truly unique romantic getaway. The A-listed rural cottage is listed under the National Trust for Scotland and occupies a secluded corner of Kilmuir on the Isle of Skye. With a thatched roof and whitewashed walls, plus an open fire, the Croft exudes character and enjoys views.

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A soingle-storey, stone-built, Exmoor barn conversion surrounded by trees and hedgerows.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy self-catering cottage holidays on Exmoor with a stay at Higher Bumsley Barn, a charming barn conversion near the rural settlement of Parracombe, Devon. It stands on 50 acres of an Environmental/Conservation Farm and is a countryside cottage with a vaulted ceiling, two comfy bedrooms, and a Woodburner.

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A covered balcony with table furniture above a lawn and estuary at high tide
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

For exceptional self-catering holidays in South Devon, view 3 Riverside. This holiday first-floor apartment overlooking Kingsbridge Estuary boasts modern comforts with a balcony offering stunning water and countryside views. It is fully refurbished and features a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable bedrooms, and a walk-in shower. It is an ideal location for exploring South Devon's beaches and attractions. Private parking, Wi-Fi, and proximity to town amenities enhance the appeal. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful waterfront retreat with scenic surroundings.

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Hammerhole is a unique rural cottage on Lake Windemere's shores on the Graythwaite Estate near Hawkshead. The large, pet-friendly cottage features enviable views, extensive grounds, a private jetty, access to a swimming pool and sauna, and the beautiful region of Cumbria.

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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.