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.

Cloistered extrior of a single-storey barn conversion with a creeper-covered pergola.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Garden Barn is a gorgeous rural cottage situated on a farm, which spoils guests with endless rustic charm, an open fire, contemporary comfort, a sun-drenched summerhouse and expansive views to Billingsley and the Shropshire region from its generous garden, where children and pets can run free.

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A 3-storey-rendered Herefordshire farmhouse overlooks a block-paved courtyard
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Wye View is a sophisticated modern Wye Valley holiday let with traditional features and views of the River Wye. The romantic cottage in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, is furnished to a very high standard and features a bay window, wooden floors, exposed stone walls and a light-filled, open-plan design.

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Double-fronted mill cottage with flagstone patio and lawn.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Bratton Mill Farmhouse near the North Devon village of Bratton Fleming offers the perfect escape for large families and groups on holiday in the South West. A 17th-century former mill, It has been transformed into a child-friendly, large North Devon holiday cottage alongside a babbling trout stream.

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The Gable end of a single-storey barn conversion overlooks a country garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Fellside Barn is a gorgeous rural barn conversion offering panoramic views of the hills of Cumbria. The light and airy pet-friendly property in Broughton Beck boasts generous gardens with a large furnished deck and an interior blending reminders of yesteryear with open-plan, contemporary comforts.

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1.slade-house,ashbourne,derbyshire-exterior
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Located near Ashbourne on the edge of the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire Slade House is one of three large, charming properties at Slade House Farm offering ideal large accommodation for family holidays, reunions and short breaks set in an idyllic, rural location. Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms.

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Exterior of a brick-built country cottage with a patio dining set on its courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Country Idyll is an elegant rural cottage located close to Grantham. It is built with beautiful stone and surrounded by picturesque countryside and a lovely garden that offers delightful views. The cottage features ornate furnishings and boasts outdoor spaces along with a cosy log fire, promising a tranquil and comfortable stay.

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Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Nestled in the picturesque countryside outside Caernarfon and nearby Snowdonia, Bluebell Cottage is a lovingly restored, two-bedroom barn conversion with the boundless hills of Welsh mountain countryside and coast on your doorstep - perfect for a relaxing family break in North Wales.

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An open-plan lounge-kitchen space in a Whitby holiday apartment.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Amari is a sophisticated romantic cottage offering far-reaching rooftop views over Whitby in Yorkshire. Located in the heart of the seaside town, the pet-friendly cottage offers convenience and modernity and traditional features such as vaulted beamed ceilings. Escape with your better half in this coastal gem.

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A two-storey Essex holiday cottage overlooking a lawn with a parasol on Osea Island
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Garden House is a warm and inviting Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island located near the waterfront, boasting a charming and cosy atmosphere. The interior is tastefully decorated, radiating comfort and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for a luxurious holiday retreat. This holiday home is situated in the central village area of the island, providing convenient access to all the island's attractions while also offering a private and secluded refuge.

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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.