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 one-bedroom, modern terraced holiday cottage with a large rear lawn.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

A country escape awaits at Brook Cottage. Expansive views of rolling green hills stretch forever from the romantic cottage near Challacombe in Devon. Boasting a four-poster bed and other luxury touches, the pet-friendly cottage promises seclusion, a woodburning stove and a sunroom.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A terrace of thatched cottages overlooks a road and beachfront at low tide.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Captain’s Cottage in Minehead, Somerset, offers beachfront charm with sea views. This thatched seaside cottage sleeps four in two bedrooms. Period features include an inglenook fireplace, a modern kitchen, and a rear terrace for sea gazing. The dog-friendly cottage has no garden. It is close to the harbour and the South West Coastal Path. Limited mobility is cautioned. It is an Ideal Exmoor coast retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
2-storey, stone-built holiday lodge in a rural location.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Keepers Lodge, a holiday cottage in Knowstone, offers a tranquil and secluded rural getaway. Located in North Devon, close to Exmoor, this 16th-century thatched longhouse extension provides 5-star self-catering accommodation for up to 4 guests.

With two spacious ensuite bedrooms, modern amenities seamlessly blend with the historical charm of the property. The open-plan living space boasts an inglenook fireplace and other original features. Guests can unwind in the private courtyard with a hot tub, or explore the 20-acre farm grounds and nearby Exmoor National Park. The area offers stunning landscapes, from moorlands to coastal vistas, which are perfect for nature lovers to explore. After a day of exploring, guests can relax at the nearby Michelin-starred Masons Arms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A stone cottage overlooks a lawn bordered by flowering shrubs.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Aggies is a charming 3-bedroom rural cottage in North Devon, located within easy reach of Ilfracombe and Woolacombe beaches. It is beautifully furnished and can accommodate up to 6 guests.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Large country cottage in Watchet overlooking a daffodil-filled lawn.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

Westcott Cross Cottage is a sophisticated, detached rural holiday cottage in Luxborough, a tiny Exmoor hamlet in Somerset. It has fabulous gardens, stunning rural views, and traditional features such as a wood burner, stone fireplace, exposed beams and stone walls. Walks leave from the door, and pets have ample space to play.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
The exterior of a semi-detached, 2-storey Croyde cottage with a covered porch
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
4

Introducing Sole Bay, an exquisite holiday home in the North Devon region. This charming seaside cottage in Croyde can accommodate up to eight guests, offering ample space to unwind and relax. You can enjoy generously sized living areas and a sun-drenched garden with BBQ facilities close to the famous Croyde Beach. With family-friendly amenities such as a bunk bedroom and games, you can look forward to making unforgettable memories. The property is conveniently located near several pubs and eateries and provides parking facilities. Start exploring to plan your perfect seaside getaway today!

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
The double-fronted exterior of a rustic, terraced holiday cottage in a Mid Devon village street with a flowery creeper overhanging the front door.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Sausage Cottage in Oakford is a large and charming Mid Devon holiday cottage that can accommodate up to eight guests. It offers four delightful bedrooms, an inviting sitting room with an art deco fireplace, and a separate Snug/TV room. The cottage is situated within walking distance of the village pub and is an ideal base for exploring the idyllic moorland surroundings. It promises a unique and memorable stay for its guests.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Large Exmoor holiday cottage overlooks a spacious lawn and a drive with a wooden 5-bar entry gate.
Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
5

Middle Stolford Cottage is a lovely farmhouse in the Brendon Hills of Somerset. This charming pet-friendly cottage offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful views of the countryside and fresh air. The cottage features many original details, including a wood-burning fireplace and a tennis court. Moreover, it is located just a stone's throw away from the coast and within easy reach of The Quantock Hills and Exmoor—perfect for day trips.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A bungalow surrounded by lawns and open countryside on the West Somerset coast..
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Pippins is a charming detached cottage that provides a romantic getaway for couples in Old Cleeve, a coastal village located in West Somerset. This award-winning cottage offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil holiday in one of the most beautiful regions of England, positioned perfectly between the rolling Quantock Hills and the stunning Bristol Channel coast. It boasts a sunroom and delightful grounds, making it an ideal choice for a romantic retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays

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.