A surfer traverses a large wave. Find holiday cottages for active holidays in the open air.

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
7
Bedrooms
3

Nuffies Cottage is a gorgeous converted barn with panoramic views of rolling green hills. The rural cottage boasts stone walls and is situated on a working farm near Winster in the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales. Exposed beams and country charm combine with modern comforts to ensure relaxation.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

For a family-friendly self-catering holiday in the Derbyshire Peak District countryside, the 2-bedroom Clematis Cottage in Baslow will sleep 4 guests in comfort after days out in the great outdoors. With a village shop next door and a pub nearby - what more could you want?

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Retreat is featured in the Daphne Du Maurier novel The King’s General. Couples can write their own holiday narrative at this romantic cottage with a cute patio in St Keyne near Liskeard, Cornwall. The pet-friendly, 1-bedroom rural cottage features inviting, modern décor blended with rustic charm.

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Exterior of a slate-roofed barn conversion with patio and lawned garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Nantusi is a charming 17th Century cottage offering pet-friendly self-catering accommodation for 2-6 guests in East Murthill village, 7 miles from Kirriemuir. Facilities include shared use of an indoor swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi. It's a fabulous spot for walking, fishing and golf holidays.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

James Court Cottage is located on the idyllic grounds of the Irton Hall Estate, just outside the peaceful Cumbria village of Santon Bridge. This cosy Lake District holiday cottage sleeps 4 with oak flooring, a wood-burning stove and excellent walking and climbing on its doorstep. Pets welcome

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy a truly rural holiday in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at Fleshbeck Cottage, which sits close to the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria. The waterside holiday cottage has been carefully restored and rewards guests with exposed timber beams, stone flooring and an old range fireplace.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Perched atop an inspiring scenic hilltop location in North Wales, the Bryn Howell Stables in Llangollen is a superb, 3-bedroom rural retreat in Denbighshire for 2-6 guests. This dog-friendly vintage holiday property is a remote cottage that has been beautifully renovated for family holidays.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Scotch Hall Cottage is a beautiful Grade II-listed waterside holiday cottage in Denbighshire situated by the Llangollen canal next to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The pet-friendly cottage in the village of Trevor boasts traditional charm and modern comforts. This former canal pay office offers a unique and relaxing holiday in North Wales.

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Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
7

This superb, pet-friendly Edwardian seaside holiday home on Anglesey is large enough to accommodate up to 14 guests by the sea in Cemaes Bay. With sea views from most rooms and a garden bordering the beach, it's perfect for holidays all year round for large families or groups of friends.

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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 direct to check that what you want to do on holiday is precisely the activity accessible at the cottage.