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.

Sleeps
18
Bedrooms
9

6 Abbey Terrace is a large Whitby holiday cottage that sleeps 18 in 9 bedrooms on the North Yorkshire coast. The house contains lots of period features which have been stylishly restored to provide a warm and comfortable Whitby holiday home set over 5 floors just 2 mins walk to the beach.

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A two-storey Shropshire barn conversion with arched floor-to-ceiling ground floor windows.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

One of two delightfully renovated 18th century Grade II-listed barn conversions on a 22-acre smallholding near the medieval town of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, The Wainscott is a rural holiday cottage that offers an escape from everyday life, with access to a fishing pond and hard tennis court.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

For a family-friendly self-catering holiday in the Derbyshire Peak District countryside, the 2-bedroom Clematis Cottage in Baslow will sleep 4 guests in comfort after days out in the great outdoors. With a village shop next door and a pub nearby - what more could you want?

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Exterior of a rural holiday cottage in Abersoch surrounded by green fields
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Bwythyn-y-Wennol Cottage keeps alive the tradition of the family seaside holiday. This Welsh coastal cottage on the idyllic Llyn Peninsula in Abersoch sleeps 2-5 guests. The stunning Llyn Coastal Path beckons, as do Snowdonia and many other sights and activities in this beautiful corner of North Wales.

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Exterior of a thatched 2-storey village holiday cottage in the Cotswolds.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Mrs Daffodil is a romantic thatched rural cottage in the Cotswolds with a honeystone exterior. The pet-friendly holiday home in Kemble enjoys serenity and countryside views and promises original features such as oak beams, flagstone floors, vaulted ceilings, an inglenook fireplace, and real fire.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Walnut Cottage is a lovely converted barn near the village of Washford, Somerset. The pet-friendly holiday cottage is one of the Shells Cottages and boasts serenity, a private outdoor hot tub, light-filled spaces, a wood-burning stove, a vaulted beamed ceiling, and access to the coast and countryside.

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Stone-built Dorset farm cottage with a patio, lawns and mature trees.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Uncover the unique charm of Droop Farm Cottage, an idyllic Doret holiday let in Hazelbury-Bryan. This 300-year-old stone barn, converted with care, is an elegant and inviting rural retreat in Dorset for families or friends. Characterized by small windows, a slate roof, and thoughtful décor, the cottage offers picturesque views and modern amenities. Set in the peaceful village of Hazelbury Bryan, Droop Farm Cottage is a perfect blend of comfort and countryside, creating an idyllic setting for a tranquil getaway. View our main page for more details and photos.

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Gable end of an Essex holiday apartment with large balcony and flanked by horse chestnut trees.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway? Look no further than The Penthouse, a stunning Essex holiday cottage located on the peaceful Osea Island. This centrally located retreat offers easy access to a private beach, a saltwater lido, and a heated outdoor swimming pool. With a spacious lounge, a well-equipped kitchen, and two comfortable bedrooms, you'll have everything you need to unwind and enjoy your stay. Plus, the master bedroom boasts an en suite with a roll-top bath for the ultimate indulgence. Communal amenities such as a cinema room, gym, and games room are also available for your enjoyment. Whether you're planning a special celebration or a family getaway, The Penthouse is the perfect choice. Don't miss out - discover more about this exquisite island escape today!

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A thatched cottage overlooks a village green.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Crown Cottage is a thatched roof end-terrace holiday cottage in Exford, a charming village in the Exmoor National Park. The pet-friendly cottage is made for walkers and those who enjoy country life and features traditional details such as a woodburning stove, a traditional fireplace and period furniture.

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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.