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.

Exterior of a large 3-Victorian Inn  on a street corner, now converted into a big holiday cottage.
Sleeps
34
Bedrooms
12

The Ship Inn, once a pub in Colwyn Bay, has been comfortably and stylishly converted to create a large, dog-friendly holiday cottage in North Wales sleeping 34 guests in 12 spacious bedrooms, with a 5-minute walk of the beach.

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The 3-storey gable end seen through trees of a Cumbrian stone-barn conversion.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

Ideally situated in the South Lakeland District to explore this gorgeous region, 5 The Granary on the outskirts of Kendal, Cumbria, is a beautiful child-friendly cottage converted from a grain store to a gorgeous three-storey holiday home with an enclosed courtyard, garden and three cosy bedrooms.

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A Luxury Cotswold Farm Barn Conversion within a walled garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Boasting Cotswold yellow stone and exposed beams, Nellie’s Barn blends charm and sophistication. The pet-friendly holiday cottage near Bourton-on-the-Water sits on a farm in the Windrush Valley and offers delightful gardens, on-site fishing, a summer house, a wood burner and countryside walks from the front door.

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Exterior of a contemporary country cottage with a full-width balcony and floor-to-ceiling bi-fold glass doors.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The Shearing Shed is a sleek rural holiday cottage with beautiful rural views over the Peak District. The pet-friendly cottage sits on an alpaca farm near Flash, the highest village in Britain. It boasts a log burner, an open-plan design, a spacious patio, various farm animals and lots of fresh country air.

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A large Coniston holiday home at the head of a hedge-lined tarmac drive with a mature woodland background.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
6

Brownside is a pet-friendly Lake District holiday cottage with stunning fell views down to Coniston Water. It welcomes large families or groups of friends. Sleeping 14, this large, warm, cosy house is a walker's paradise and includes a hot tub for relaxing after a day in the fells.

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A spacious, oak-beamed lounge area with sofas, TV, wood burner and dining table.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Swift Cottage is a charming 3-bedroom ground floor cottage sleeping 5 with the use of an outdoor heated pool. The cottage has an easy-access wet room with rails and a mobility chair, so accessible for guests with disabilities. Swift is in the North York Moors National Park. Pets welcome.

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Exterior of a thatched village cottage in Dorset.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Church Cottage is a delightful thatched holiday cottage nestled beside the church in Cattistock, Dorset. The pet-friendly cottage boasts a lovely, landscaped garden, a luxurious interior with elegant design features, and a prime location in this quaint village.

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A lounge with twin sofas, inglenook fireplace and French windows.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Folded into the idyllic landscapes of North Devon, Keepers Lodge is a stylish two-bedroom (both ensuite), rural retreat with a hot tub. Located in the quaint village of Knowstone, it offers a blend of rural charm and modern convenience. The cottage on the edge of Exmoor features spacious interiors adorned with rustic elegance and modern amenities. Set amidst expansive gardens, it provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Discover the allure of countryside living at Keepers Lodge. Explore further details about this enchanting rural holiday cottage today.

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Sun loungers on a lawn in front of a stone-built holiday cottage
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Luxury cottage located in Tayside, near Aberfeldy and right on the banks of the River Tay. It features two king-size sleigh beds, a log stove, and open fires. The cottage also comes with complimentary Wi-Fi and logs for the fireplace. There's a pool table, iPod docking station, books, and games available for entertainment. The kitchen is fully equipped with all utensils for your convenience. Additionally, the cottage has an 11-acre garden and fishing rights. Pets are also 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.