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.

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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A semi-detached stone-built holiday cottage in Chideock overlooks a quiet village lane.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Discover the charm of Fossil Cottage, an enchanting choice among seaside holiday cottages in Chideock. Situated in the heart of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this two-bedroom haven accommodates a family of five, providing tranquillity and proximity to Seatown Beach. With a delightful garden room, a well-equipped kitchen, and easy access to the beautiful Jurassic Coast, Fossil Cottage promises a blend of comfort and coastal adventure. Secure your reservation now for an unforgettable stay in this seaside gem!

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Exterior of a double-fronted, wisteria-clad Abbotsbury holiday cottage
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Market House, an Abbotsbury holiday home, offers a tastefully updated, spacious retreat with charming original features. This family-friendly holiday let in Dorset accommodates up to six guests, featuring a wood-burning stove, contemporary decor, and a delightful courtyard. Centrally located, it provides easy access to Abbotsbury's quintessential high street and numerous attractions, including the Subtropical Gardens and the Jurassic Coast Path. Discover the charm of this family-friendly retreat – your ideal coastal escape in Dorset.

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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

A large waterside holiday cottage in the Norfolk Broads steps from the popular Broadland village of Horning, Swan Dyke Cottage offers a peaceful retreat from which to explore this picturesque region, a two-storey pet-friendly cottage with brick panelling, open fire, and four spacious bedrooms.

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End of terrace holiday cottage with large windows and Juliet balcony.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Harbour View enjoys beautiful views of Porthmadog Harbour. It offers families a modern and spacious seaside holiday let in North Wales and Snowdonia. The pet-friendly apartment is in a quiet residential area close to beaches, which features light-filled spaces, modern comforts, and a refreshing sea breeze.

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A 3-storey holiday cottage in Swanage with twin bay windows.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
7

Enjoy the beauty of the Jurassic Coast with a stay at 20 Ulwell Road, a large Swanage holiday let in Swanage on the Dorset coast, along the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck. This three-storey pet-friendly cottage boasts seven bedrooms, an AGA cooker set in exposed brickwork, an annexe with an en-suite king-size bedroom, and a tiered garden.

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A contemporary Staffordshire Holiday cottage with floor-to-ceiling French windows overlooks a terrace and flower garden.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Within the quiet hamlet of Moneystone, Barks Cottage is nestled within the boundless greenery of the Peak District. This single-story countryside cottage is a lovingly maintained spacious holiday home amidst peaceful Staffordshire scenery - an idyllic rural getaway. Pets welcome.

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A slate-roofed, stone holiday cottage in Powys nestles beneath a step hill toppped with a wood.
Sleeps
11
Bedrooms
5

The character and location of Y Sgubor are delightful. The large rural holiday home in Mid Wales is situated near Llangynog with superb views of Pennant Valley, charming décor, modern fittings, an outdoor hot tub, a sun-trap patio, an open fire and five thoughtfully decorated bedrooms. 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.