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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.

Exterior of a stone-built Dartmoor holiday cottage tucked into a fold in the surrounding Devon countryside
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Woodstone Barn: A Spacious Dartmoor Holiday Cottage for Eight in Devon

Resting on a gentle slope above the West Devon Way, Woodstone offers a serene rural retreat just one and a half miles from the majestic Dartmoor National Park. With the capacity to comfortably accommodate eight guests, Woodstone Barn is the ideal large holiday home in Devon for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

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Sleeps
15
Bedrooms
6

A warm welcome awaits guests at Ash Villa, a splendid Victorian villa perched atop an elevated position, offering breathtaking vistas of the picturesque West Yorkshire countryside and the nearby Peak District. This distinguished four-storey detached house, sleeping 15, is the epitome of an ideal Pennine holiday cottage, perfect for large families or groups seeking a memorable retreat.

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Close up of a farm cottage exterior in The Quantock Hills showing the front door and surrounding shrubbery.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Discover The Old Bakery, a charming 17th-century dwelling nestled within the picturesque village of Crowcombe at the heart of the Quantock Hills. This characterful retreat, at Town End Farm, is not just for families but caters to couples of all ages seeking seclusion and luxury in Somerset's stunning countryside, regardless of the season.

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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
2
Bedrooms
1

Truly embodying the rural surroundings, Garden Cottage is a semi-detached barn conversion near Buxton, just on the edge of the hamlet of Sparrowpit within the Peak District. Set on a working dairy farm, the one-bedroom countryside cottage offers a secluded, romantic getaway for couples amidst verdant fields.

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A wooden holiday cottage overlooks a large lawn with outdoor dining furniture.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2
  • Nestled in the picturesque Quantock Hills, you'll find the fantastic Flora's Barn, your perfect getaway for all-season family adventures in the West Somerset countryside. This family-friendly two-bedroom / two-bathroom holiday cottage in Crowcombe sits on a small farm and welcomes pets.
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A 3-storey, brick-built, Dorset Mill House overlooks a cobbled courtyard.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Mill House is a large Dorset holiday home in Maiden Newton, Dorset, which makes an ideal holiday retreat for large families and groups of friends, a Grade II listed child-friendly cottage featuring stylish décor, a games room, six spacious bedrooms, and a large enclosed garden with patio and barbecue.

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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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S single-storey chapel conversion to a holiday cottage in West Lulworth
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Explore St Mary's Chapel, a luxurious West Lulworth holiday let in Dorset, offering an unforgettable escape in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This converted chapel sleeps up to six guests, featuring unique architectural elements, an open-plan living space with underfloor heating, and flexible sleeping arrangements. The enclosed garden with scenic views and proximity to local amenities, including Lulworth Cove's pebble beach, adds to the property's allure. Discover a perfect blend of comfort and coastal beauty at this Dorset holiday rental. View more information and photos for an enticing escape.

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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.