A surfer traverses a large wave.

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.

Single storey of a barn conversion overlooking a lawn on a North Yorkshire farm.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Smithy at Keld Head Cottages is a quaint romantic cottage on a gorgeous property outside Pickering in North Yorkshire. The rural holiday cottage boasts exposed beams, a traditional fireplace, award-winning gardens, beautiful views, and extensive indoor and outdoor play areas.

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Stone-built Cornish barn conversion surrounded by shrub-lined, lawns.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

A fresh, home-made pie welcomes guests to Tregadjack Farmhouse, a luxurious country cottage near Helston surrounded by gorgeous gardens in Tregathenan. Inglenook fireplaces and exposed beams, antique furnishings and contemporary fittings fill this gorgeous, pet-friendly rural property in Cornwall.

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A grand 3-storey, brick-built Tudor house overlooks a large, formal lawned gardens.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
12

Surround yourself with royal luxury at Upton Cressett Hall, a grand regal cottage in Shropshire. Marvel at the manicured grounds of the pet-friendly cottage, and indulge in the seclusion and beauty of a residence boasting log fires, exposed beams, antique furnishings and unique décor.

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Exterior of a two-storey Devon holiday cottage with rendered walls and a slate roof overlooking a lawn.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

Overlooking a peaceful country lane with a handful of other pretty cottages and the neighbouring parish church, this beautifully updated chocolate box detached Dartmoor holiday cottage in Mary Tavy is a 4-bedroom home from home for families, friends and family pets looking for a base in the Devon countryside to explore and unwind.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

This beautiful Devon penthouse apartment in Torcrossis overlooks Slapton Sands, a three-mile stretch of shingle beach. With its own entrance, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a gorgeous open-plan living space, we can't think of a better place to enjoy a break on the South Devon coast.

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Single-storey, ivy-clad country cottage in front of woodland trees.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Are you looking for a luxurious getaway in the beautiful Exmoor National Park? Look no further than Birch Cleave Stables. Newly refurbished, this charming country cottage offers comfort and luxury for 2-4 adults, plus up to 2 dogs! If you've got horses, don't worry because the cottage also includes two stables. You can also take advantage of the convenient access to the footpaths and bridleways, perfect for exploring.

Experience the best of Exmoor with Birch Cleave Stables. With its luxurious amenities and convenient access to outdoor activities, you'll have an unforgettable stay. Book your stay at Birch Cleave Stables today and make the most of your getaway in the Exmoor National Park.

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Exterior of a luxury treehouse with a hot tub in Hampshire.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover eco-friendly holiday bliss at Silvertree House in the New Forest at Shorefield Country Park. This unique treehouse retreat offers stylish interiors, a private hot tub, and outdoor amenities. Three bedrooms, including a ground-floor option, ensure comfort. Enjoy modern conveniences, from a 4K Smart TV to a fully-equipped kitchen. Immerse yourself in nature with a timber walkway and silver-accented design. Ideal for families, the park boasts a swimming pool, a gym, and entertainment. Experience the magic of treehouse holidays - book your stay now!

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A large brick-built country house and gardens in Herefordshire.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Set amongst extensive gardens in the picturesque  Midland village of Eardisley, Green Gables is a spacious 1930s period holiday home in Herefordshire, perfect for quiet holiday retreats. This large and child-friendly cottage features woodburning stoves, a table tennis table, and a sitting room with a view over the garden.

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The gable end of a 2-storey wisteria-clad Dunster Cottage with a paved courtyard in front.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Grist Mill is a large and characterful rural holiday cottage in Dunster, a medieval village on the West Somerset coast. It is a charming semi-detached cottage that can accommodate up to eight guests. It boasts a spacious leafy garden with furnished areas, a brand-new sunroom, unique decor and furnishings, an open-plan design, a modern style, and a warm and inviting wood-burning stove.

The large semi-detached cottage sleeps eight and features a large leafy garden with furnished areas, a new sunroom, quirky décor and furnishings, an open-plan design, a contemporary style, and a cosy wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cycling Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
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  • Waterside Cottages

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 directly to check that what you want to do on holiday is precisely the activity accessible at the cottage.