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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 tall, 2-storey, stone-built cottage overlooking a mature garden with a terrace and palms.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Lower Norton Farmhouse is a luxurious rural cottage in Dartmouth boasting seclusion and beautiful South Devon views. The pet-friendly, large, stone-built cottage is surrounded by lush countryside and promises a spacious landscaped garden, a sunlit conservatory, open-plan design, elegance and log fires.

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Exterior and patio of a single-storey, wooden eco-lodge surrounded by trees.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
1

Once a barn in a beautiful rural location, The Kingfisher’s Nest has been lovingly converted to create an idyllic one-bedroom waterside holiday cottage on the banks of Cowesby Beck in North Yorkshire. It is nicely located for exploring the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. This luxury cottage sleeps 4 in one double bedroom plus a sofa bed.

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Exterior of a vine-covered weather-boarded holiday cottage in Kent.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Tufton Croft is a detached weather-board rural cottage set on the outskirts of Wittersham in Kent. Surrounded by countryside and walks, the pet-friendly cottage promises seclusion and offers spacious, enclosed gardens with beautiful views, plus a furnished patio and a stylish interior with log fire.

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The rooftops of a large holiday cottage surrounded by a sloping lawn and trees with a river estuary in the distance.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Dower House is a large 18th-century Devon holiday farmhouse that sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms. It is located in the village of Dittisham, between Dartmouth and Totnes, and offers panoramic views across the Dart Estuary. It is ideal for holidays with families or small groups of friends.

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Exterior of a large Mock Gothic brick house bordered by a stone wall.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

West Winnowing is a holiday cottage near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight in the peaceful coastal village of Niton, with spectacular sea views over the island's coastline. Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this luxury coastal cottage sleeps 5. Pets welcome.

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Exterior of a single-storey, stone-built cottage with a patio containing a dining table and chairs.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

This detached barn conversion is near Presteigne in a secluded valley on the borders of Wales, Herefordshire and Shropshire. It offers spacious self-catering accommodation for couples on a single level. Locally, there are many countryside walks and two bicycles included for guest use.

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A country cottage on the edge of a wood surrounded by well-kept lawns and flower beds.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

A pretty stone-built cosy coastal cottage near Kirkcudbright with sea views, Cutlar's Cottage is set in its own fully enclosed garden overlooking a wildflower meadow. It's a glorious walk to the seashore and a 2-3 minute amble to the landscaped loch and pavilion.

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Exterior of a 3-storey Georgian Townhouse and Garden.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
6

The Normans is an imposing Georgian townhouse in the heart of Wells-next-the-Sea, promising groups elegance and sophistication. Perfect for marking special occasions, the luxury holiday cottage on the North Norfolk coast boasts a games room, a unique cinema room, gardens, ocean views and an open fire for out-of-season holidays.

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The exterior of restored railway carriage converted into self-ctering holiday accommodation with a vine-covered sun deck.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Ivywood is a Victorian Railway Carriage converted into a beautiful holiday cottage that sleeps 4. Set on the edge of the village of Wisbech St Mary in its own private garden with ample parking, which leads into a wood and 3-acre field. Pets welcome.

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