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 large country house at dusk.
Sleeps
15
Bedrooms
8

Coulscott House is a luxury North Devon holiday cottage situated in Combe Martin; it's a superb rural retreat for exploring the rugged North Devon coast and its award-winning beaches. With three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and a separate family bathroom, it comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests. Inside, you'll find a well-equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove. Outside, enjoy the beautiful garden and patio area, along with the indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub for ultimate relaxation. Explore the charming village of Combe Martin or venture into Exmoor National Park for outdoor adventures. Coulscott House offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for your North Devon holiday. Book now for a memorable stay

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  A footpath between a lawn and mature shrubs leads to a stone-built rural cottage.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Little Hanger is a delightful seaside holiday home located in Porlock. It can accommodate up to six guests with two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom. The property offers a private terrace, a well-equipped kitchen, and a cozy sitting room with a woodburner. Guests also have access to an all-weather tennis court and a private garden with a barbecue area. Pets are welcome at the home. It is conveniently situated within a short walk from the village and is an ideal base for exploring the entire Exmoor coast from Minehead to Lynmouth.

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The leafy-clad exterior of a stone-built single-storey Exmoor holiday cottage with a flight of stone steps to the front door.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Shippon is a wonderfully converted cow shed on a working farm in the Exmoor National Park, Somerset. Dating back to the 14th century, the pet-friendly holiday cottage near Wheddon Cross sleeps four. It promises beautiful views and tranquillity, exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, authentic style and a log fire.

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Double-fronted exterior of a rural holiday cottage with a large paved terrace.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

South View Country House, a spacious holiday home near Henley-in-Arden, will be available from April 2024. It can accommodate up to 12 guests and offers a brand-new hot tub, stunning rural views, and complete privacy.

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Exterior of a wisteria-clad, terraced holiday cottage in Mevagissey overlooking a cobbled street.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Elm Terrace welcomes families and pets to a gorgeous coastal cottage in the sought-after fishing village of Mevagissey, Cornwall. The seaside holiday home boasts ocean views and a sleek modern interior encased in an original stone façade. A small garden completes the attractions of this hilltop property.

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A thatched holiday cottage faces the village green in Exford.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Crown Cottage is a thatched roof end-terrace holiday cottage in Exford, a charming village in the Exmoor National Park. The pet-friendly cottage is made for walkers and those who enjoy country life and features traditional details such as a woodburning stove, a traditional fireplace and period furniture.

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Exterior and interior of Royal Oak Cottage, a luxuriously furnished Exmoor holiday cottage in the moorland village of Withypool.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

Royal Oak Cottage is an impressive Exmoor holiday cottage in Withypool. The pet-friendly cottage sleeps seven and boasts features of its past as an Ale House, including oak beams, two large fireplaces, stone walls and a bread oven. It also offers natural light and a sun-trap furnished patio.

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Exterior of a single-storey holiday cottage overlooking a courtyard.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

 

Explore Diana’s Cottage, a charming holiday home in Braunton. This rural cottage offers high-quality accommodation for up to 5 guests and lies within easy reach of the beach at Saunton Sands. With rustic charm and modern comforts, it features a spacious living room, a well-equipped kitchen, and a secluded garden. Pets are welcome, and key amenities are included. Experience the laid-back tranquillity of North Devon – book now for an unforgettable seaside holiday.

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The exterior of a single-storey holiday apartment with a vine-covered pergola and floral garden.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Garden Studio is an impressive Minehead holiday apartment for couples set in a wildlife garden in Minehead, Somerset. The pet-friendly cottage offers views to the coast, a lovely furnished patio with garden views, a garden pavilion, a conservatory, seclusion and home-cooked breakfasts.

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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.