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.

A barn conversion with Velux windows in the roof overlooks a large lawn.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Visitors to Harvest Moon, a converted threshing barn can relax on the patio while they watch the wildlife in the fields near Honiton in Devon. Guests can run their dogs in the generous gardens before retiring to a modern rural cottage which seamlessly blends modern comforts and traditional charm.

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Cotswold cottage exterior with a bay window and low stone garden wall.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Hope Cottage epitomises Cotswold charm. The stone-built, luxury rural retreat near Cirencester in Gloucestershire offers a lovely country garden with impressive views and open-plan spaces with contemporary design features, exposed beams, French doors, natural light and a cosy wood-burning stove.

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Front exterior of a 2-storey holiday home in Thurlestone with a wide drive for parking.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Explore Lower Goosewell Cottage, a charming South Devon Coastal Cottage. This Thurlestone holiday let is near the village pub and South West Coastal Path and offers easy beach access. Enjoy luxurious comforts, including an open-plan lounge with entertainment amenities, a well-equipped kitchen, and ensuite bedrooms. Outside, relax on the sea-facing patio or explore the spacious garden. Off-road parking and stunning sea views make it the perfect seaside cottage for your Thurlestone getaway. View now for more details!

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A 1st floor deck with outdoor dining furniture overlooks a garden and South Devon countryside.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover Lamington, a charming Salcombe holiday let nestled in the South Devon coast. Boasting stunning countryside views, open-plan living, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms, Lamington offers comfort and convenience. Enjoy modern amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen, spacious decking area, and pet-friendly accommodation. With nearby access to shops, beaches, and recreational facilities, Lamington is the perfect base for exploring the beauty of Salcombe and its surrounds. View the full description for more details.

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Behind a hedge is a large L-shaped contemporary cottage with a conservatory.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
5

Hunter Court spoils guests with its lovely mature gardens and refined, luxurious interior. The large rural holiday cottage in Clanfield, Oxfordshire, offers seclusion on multiple acres and boasts a large conservatory, spacious light-filled rooms and the promise of a memorable holiday in the heart of the Cotswolds.

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Restored Fortified Country House surrounded by open fields in Cumbria.
Sleeps
24
Bedrooms
12

Blencowe Hall is an award-winning Grade I-listed fortified manor in Blencowe dating back to the 1400s. Situated in Blencowe, Cumbria, the pet-friendly rural property boasts period features, open fires, extensive manicured grounds, activities such as trout fishing, stunning views and contemporary elegance.

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Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
8

Belle Isle Castle – Hamilton Wing is a large holiday home near Enniskillen that offers sumptuous accommodation for up to 16 guests on an estate spread over eight picturesque islands on the northern tip of Upper Lough Erne in County Fernaugh, a child-friendly property with modern amenities expertly complementing original features.

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A grand 3-storey Georgian country house in the Cornish countryside partly surrounded by trees.
Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
8

The Vean is a large Georgian country house near St Austell, nestled among woodland, boasting refinement and luxury, abundant grounds, and an open fire. The luxury holiday cottage on Caerhays Estate is ideal for special occasions and just moments from Cornwall's coastline.

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Aerial photo of a Loch in the Scottish Highlands with a holiday cottage in the foreground.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Enjoy a unique holiday with a stay at Port na Mine, a large and child-friendly cottage near the Scottish village of Taynuilt, Argyll and Bute. The luxury cottage affords picturesque views of Loch Etive and Glencoe, featuring six bedrooms, a wood effect electric fire, and a fully enclosed garden. Enjoy a unique holiday with a stay at Port na Mine, a large and child-friendly cottage near the Scottish village of Taynuilt, Argyll and Bute. The luxury cottage affords picturesque views of Loch Etive and Glencoe, featuring six bedrooms, a wood effect electric fire, and a fully enclosed garden.

  • Active Holidays
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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.