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.

Exterior and front garden of a stone-built Dorset holiday cottage with outdoor dining furniture on its terrace.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Chideock Cottage is a well-equipped holiday cottage which is available all-year-round. Situated in the village of Chideock with stunning views of the hills and just a 20 minute walk to the beach at Seatown. There is a lovely foodie pub just over the road, too!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
4

The Cider House and The Old Dairy combine to form one cottage on North End Farm in Chideock, Dorset. The pet-friendly 4-bedroom cottage sleeps 12 (including two sofa beds) and boasts a thatched roof, oak beams, wooden floors, and a log fire, as well as outdoor furnished spaces that capture the rural views.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
2-storey exterior of a stone-built, large Dorset holiday cottage
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

Explore West Perry Hay, a charming Jurassic Coast holiday let located on the edge of North Chideock village. This spacious, stylish, and well-appointed semi-detached property is surrounded by countryside. It's perfect for family getaways with a multi-game table, a grand kitchen, and three cosy bedrooms. Enjoy alfresco breakfasts with farm views on the large lawned area. It is ideally situated to discover the Jurassic Coast's scenic wonders. This seaside holiday home in Dorset is your gateway to a delightful coast and countryside retreat. Click for a fuller description and book your escape.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Gable end of a stone-built Dorset holiday cottage overlooking a shrub-filled front garden.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Discover The Old School House for unforgettable self-catering holidays in Dorset. This converted Victorian school in Piddletrenthide seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comfort. Relax by the wood-burning stove, enjoy a reading room, and savour meals in the bright kitchen/diner. Three well-presented bedrooms include an en-suite double, a twin, and a skylit single. The family bathroom boasts a bath and a separate shower. Charming gardens and proximity to Dorchester and the Jurassic Coast make this pet-friendly cottage an ideal choice. Explore the full description for an enticing getaway.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A barn conversion in Bicknoller overlooks a tree-fringed courtyard
Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
4

Experience idyllic cottage holidays in the Quantock Hills at The Barn in Bicknoller. This charming retreat, nestling near a 15th-century farmhouse, offers rustic elegance with exposed beams and stone walls. Enjoy the tranquillity of 30 acres of farmland, complete with meadows, woodlands, and friendly farm animals. The Barn is Dog-friendly and, just 5 miles from the Somerset coast, it provides a cosy escape with a genuine rural atmosphere. Explore our fuller description for an in-depth look at this perfect Quantock holiday let.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
An ancient granite built and thatched Dartmoor longhouse overlooking a lawn.e
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Explore Hole Farm, a large Dartmoor holiday cottage just 2 miles from Chagford. This historic thatched Devon longhouse, built in medieval times, offers a unique stay with impressive features. The spacious sitting room boasts an open fire and an inglenook fireplace. Flexible accommodation includes four bedrooms and a separate cottage in the courtyard. With 130 acres of traditional Devon fields, it's perfect for large families. Pet-friendly and surrounded by captivating landscapes, Hole Farm is an ideal quirky retreat for groups seeking history, charm, and plenty of Moorland walks.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A spacious wooden floored lounge with twin sofas, TV and a woodburner.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Welcome to this charming Coldingham holiday cottage, your ideal holiday home in Berwickshire 7 Bogan. Nestled on a quiet village street, it offers a delightful retreat that has recently undergone extensive renovations to ensure comfort and enjoyment. This three-bedroom cottage is perfect for families or friends seeking a tranquil yet well-connected escape.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A thatched country cottage on Dartmoor overlooks its front hedge
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Thorn Cottage, a secluded Chagford holiday let in Dartmoor, beckons with charm. Nestled in a tranquil hamlet, this pet-friendly country cottage features a captivating granite fireplace and a wood-burning stove. Three cosy bedrooms under the thatch offer countryside views. A fenced paddock with a summerhouse adds allure. Chagford's vibrant village, with shops and dining, is nearby. Explore this inviting retreat—your ideal pet-friendly getaway for a truly secluded Dartmoor holiday.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large large stone barn conversion in Devon surrounded by open fields and mature trees
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
4

Swallows Reach is an exquisite large holiday cottage in Halwell, a dream South Devon holiday home with a swimming pool. This impressive farm cottage boasts five beautifully appointed bedrooms, four with en suite facilities, spanning three levels. Enjoy the inviting open-plan living space, including a lounge with a wood-burning stove, and relish the fully equipped kitchen. With the added allure of an indoor pool, shared play area, and the convenience of off-road parking, Swallows Reach promises a perfect pet-friendly getaway for families or groups.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays

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.