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 long, stone-built Shropshire cottage surrounded by a large hedge-lined lawn
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Make Hillgate House in the hamlet of Hemford, Shropshire, your holiday base in the Welsh Marches, an 18th-century stone-built countryside cottage near Bishops Castle that boasts a wealth of original features, including exposed beams, ornamental Victorian fireplace, and Shepherd’s Hut amidst a large lawned garden.

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Singl storey barn convrsion with floor-to-ceiling windows and a flagstone terrace with dining table.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Magnolia Barn is a charming rural holiday cottage in Mark, a delightful village on the Somerset Levels. The pet-friendly cottage boasts exposed stone walls, flagstone floors, and a country-style kitchen, combining this tradition with contemporary comforts. Relax in style by the country and the coast.

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A single storey, stone barn conversion overlooks a lawned garden with outdoor table and chair.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Cosy Cottage offers compact yet comfortable accommodation for couples on holiday in the West Country. It is a delightful romantic country cottage situated on the edge of Dobwalls in Cornwall. It features a lovely double bedroom, a modern kitchen, and a small garden with rural views.

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Exterior of a long wooden barn conversion near Shrewsbury
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Black Lion Barn Retreat is a secluded rural cottage on a working farm in Church Pulverbatch in Shropshire. The sophisticated cottage promises tranquillity and views of the surrounding hills, a beautiful garden, an open fire, floor-to-ceiling windows, a games room and Yoga classes.

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A modern detached house with large windows and space for off-road parking in front.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Set in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is Gwelfor, a luxurious coastal holiday cottage in Marloes. The large, sophisticated house enjoys access to the highlights of South Wales and Pembrokeshire. It offers a contemporary open-plan design, light-filled spaces, lovely grounds, a sea breeze and a wood burner.

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Gable end of a contemporary wooden lodge in Powys with floor-to-ceiling windows
Sleeps
Bedrooms
2

Shepherd’s Rest is a luxurious holiday cottage surrounded by open countryside near Llandyssil in Powys, Mid Wales. The pet-friendly rural cottage boasts glorious views and tranquillity, an open fire, a hot tub, extensive grounds, a sophisticated interior and serenity.

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A white-washed stone cottage overlooks a country lane in North Wales
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Hen Argoed Cottage is a carefully renovated 15th-century holiday cottage on a working farm just outside the small Gwynedd village of Llanfair close to Harlech. This Grade II listed 15th Century cottage has been lovingly refurbished and sleeps six people in its three bedrooms.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

South Lodge is a luxurious rural cottage with a hot tub surrounded by the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales. Sitting on spacious grounds, this detached holiday cottage in Longford sleeps 4 and possesses immaculate gardens with beautiful views, a hot tub and fresh air, plus an interior boasting beam and a cosy log fire.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Fisherman’s Cottage achieves the rare combination of contemporary chic and traditional charm. The stone-built Northumberland holiday cottage in Seahouses treats guests to a delightful coastal cottage just a stone’s throw from the harbour and the Northumberland coastline. Sleeps 6. 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.