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 stone, Cumbrian barn conversion in with a sheltered terrace overlooks a large parking space.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Riven Oak is situated amidst the beautiful Lake District near the village of Levens, Cumbria; a large two-storey pet-friendly holiday cottage with beamed ceilings, a master king with en-suite shower among four ground-floor bedrooms, and open-plan living space with a wood-burning stove and Freesat TV.

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Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
7

The Abbey is a historic luxury holiday cottage in Penzance that overlooks Mounts Bay and the harbour. This large and pet-friendly Cornwall holiday property sleeps 14 in 7 bedrooms and everywhere exudes style and quality. Perfect for luxurious seaside holidays with family or friends all year round.

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far-reaching view of boating marinas on the Dart Estuary
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Rose Cottage in South Devon, sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms with truly spectacular panoramic views over the Dart Esturary Darthaven Marina, the Britannia Royal Naval College and upstream towards Dittisham. The stone holiday cottage was built in 1880 in a sought after position, A great, peaceful location on the English Riviera close to South Devon beaches.

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A 3-storey Georgian house with sash windows.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
7

The Mill Manager’s House is an elegant Grade I-listed holiday cottage in the Cromford Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cromford. Surrounded by the Peak District & Derbyshire Dales, the stunning rural property boasts wooden floors, an open fire, original windows and shutters, modernity & an ample garden.

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A two-storey Shropshire barn conversion with arched floor-to-ceiling ground floor windows.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

One of two delightfully renovated 18th century Grade II-listed barn conversions on a 22-acre smallholding near the medieval town of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, The Wainscott is a rural holiday cottage that offers an escape from everyday life, with access to a fishing pond and hard tennis court.

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A large two-storey, Derbyshire split level farmhouse with terraces and a spacious lawn..
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Take a wonderful family holiday to South Derbyshire and enjoy your stay at Mill Farm – The Farmhouse, a pretty, child-friendly cottage perfect for up to 10 guests seeking a countryside escape, set amidst extensive gardens with five bedrooms, a snooker room, a hot tub, and two sitting rooms.

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An open air swimming pool with park benches on its terrace surrounded by a tall hedge.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The Bowline enjoys an enviable location in the heart of Salcombe and treats guests to subtle elegance. The coastal cottage in Devon with a heated swimming pool offers an open-plan living space which catches the sunlight and ensures comfort and relaxation, plus lovely views of the surrounding area.

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A 2-storey barn conversion with a courtyard and far-reaching rural views
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

The Loft is a gorgeous Grade-II listed detached Peak District holiday cottage set in the open countryside near Millthorpe. Oozing tradition and charm, the pet-friendly cottage boasts stonework and original beams, a billiard table and hot tub, and style and serenity.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Gently Down the Stream is an impressive riverside cottage in Horstead by the banks of the River Bure in  Norfolk. The pet-friendly holiday home in Norfolk features exposed beams, character, sophistication, and views. Fishing, tennis, kayaking and relaxation are also available, and the coast is nearby.

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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.