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.

Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Fast Car is a contemporary coastal cottage set between the ocean and the countryside of Yorkshire in Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Guests can explore the rugged coastline and return to a cottage boasting an open-plan design with natural light, wooden floors, feature stone walls, and traditional charm.

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Exterior of an Ingleton holiday cottage overlooking a garden in a rural location.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Some of the best views in England can be savoured from Netherscar in Chapel-le-Dale near Ingleton. The detached, remote holiday cottage lies among the rolling hills in a haven of peace and tranquillity and offers three bedrooms, an open fire, and ample space for pets and children to roam.

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3 storey exterior of a large modern Shropshire holiday home with outdoor dining facilities and a large laen.
Sleeps
15
Bedrooms
6

This charming Grade II listed Shropshire holiday cottage in Bishop's Castle sleeps 15 in 6 bedrooms in the tranquil Shropshire market town of Bishop's Castle—perfect for countryside walking holidays along the England-Wales border for families or friends. Pets welcome.

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Quayside holiday apartment in Rye overlooks small craft moored to the waterfront at high tide
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Complete with a breakfast bar and Juliet balcony overlooking the quay of the River Rother, 16 The Boathouse is a romantic waterfront holiday apartment in Rye, affording couples on holiday along the East Sussex coastline the perfect home base to explore this historic port town.

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Exterior of a wooden eco-lodge with woods to the rear and open fields in the foreground.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Exposed beams and trusses, a timber-clad exterior and spacious rooms make this converted barn near Rhayader an ideal rural retreat for families and couples planning a walking or cycling holiday exploring Mid-Wales, including the Brecon Beacons and the Radnorshire Hills.

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Semi-detaachd, brick holiday home in caersws with off-road parking spaces.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

7evern blends tradition with contemporary style in a converted barn near the village of Caersws in Mid Wales. The rural holiday cottage lies on Porth Farm, and the light and airy converted barn offers families joyful décor, exposed beams, and access to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The charming and modern Hayloft Cottage is a converted hayloft in Staintondale, with views of the ocean and the surrounding North York Moors. The two-bedroom, pet-friendly coastal cottage in North Yorkshire features exposed beams, a stone exterior, and a sun-drenched garden.

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Exterior of a large, L-shaped brick East Yorkshire farmhouse overlooking a spacious courtyard and lawn.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
7

Hall Garth is a large and impressive rural holiday cottage in Beverley sitting on beautiful grounds near Beverley in the Vale of York and Yorkshire Wolds. The grand house sleeps 14 and boasts outdoor entertaining areas with stunning views, a luxurious interior with a log fire, exposed beams, rural elegance and an open-plan design.

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4-storey exterior of contemporary harbourside apartments in Weymouth.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Harbourside Haven Apartment 3 is a luxurious Dorset seaside apartment perched above Weymouth Marina. Enjoying beautiful views and a soft sea breeze from its balcony and open-plan living area, the sophisticated property places guests in the centre of the coastal resort and the coastline.

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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.