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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 luxuriouly furnished lounge with open fire in a Dartmoor holiday let.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover true luxury at Fingle Bridge, a 5-star countryside lodge on the Bovey Castle estate. This peaceful retreat offers laid-back lounges, an indoor pool, tennis courts, and more. The triple-height sitting area with a stone fireplace creates a captivating ambience. Enjoy alfresco dining on the terrace or cosy up by the fire. With three ensuite bedrooms, Fingle Bridge provides a perfect escape for families or groups. Explore estate walks, golf, and spa treatments for an unforgettable stay in Dartmoor.

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A two-storey Essex holiday cottage overlooking a lawn with a parasol on Osea Island
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Garden House is a warm and inviting Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island located near the waterfront, boasting a charming and cosy atmosphere. The interior is tastefully decorated, radiating comfort and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for a luxurious holiday retreat. This holiday home is situated in the central village area of the island, providing convenient access to all the island's attractions while also offering a private and secluded refuge.

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A clapper-boarded barn conversion with steps to a balcony half-hidden between trees.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Miller’s Loft is a romantic cottage amidst lush green countryside in Erpingham, Norfolk. The luxuriously appointed cottage offers beautiful views from its generous deck and draws natural light to the contemporary open-plan living space. Explore the region and relax by the wood burner.

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A row of two terraced holiday cottages in North Devon
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Stag Cottage is a lovely farm cottage with a swimming pool and games room resting in a quiet corner of Little Torrington. The rural North Devon holiday cottage boasts a garden and woodland views and treats guests to experiences with farm animals.

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A farmhouse lounge with large sofas and a widescreen TV
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

James’s Parlour is a spacious converted Georgian barn set on lush green fields in Alkington, Shropshire. The large rural cottage offers an open-plan design, exposed beams, trusses and brick pillars, and extensive furnished grounds with an indoor swimming pool, multi-sports court and play area.

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Exterior of a bushy, ivy-clad Dartmoor farmhouse.
Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
4

Explore The Farmhouse, a delightful Dartmoor holiday let in Lydford. With rustic charm and modern comforts, it offers a spacious retreat for up to 9 guests. Relax by the open fire in the traditional dining room or bask in the sunlight in the bright sunroom. Enjoy four peaceful bedrooms, an enclosed garden, and a shared outdoor pool. Perfect for family getaways and exploring Dartmoor's beauty, book now for an unforgettable Lydford experience.

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Exterior of a stout North Devon farm cottage overlooking a garden.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Duck Cottage is a large luxury barn conversion in North Devon, nestling in a quiet corner of Little Torrington. The rural cottage boasts commanding views over its generous gardens and woodlands. It features an open fire, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a library, a games room and access to farm animals.

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Rear exterior of a long 2-storey cottage overlooking a paved terrace with a hot tub and a lawn.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
6

Offering beautiful views over the Severn Valley, Old Rectory Cottage in a sleepy, rural Mid-Wales hamlet is a large holiday cottage near Newtown sleeping 14. This pet-friendly holiday home also has an indoor swimming pool and hot tub. Perfect for walking, cycling and fishing holidays.

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A glimpse of a cottage wall and window peeping through a gap between bushes.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Situated on the owner’s organic farm near the historic market town of Tavistock, Devon, Rose Cocoon offers a beautiful rural holiday experience. It is a child-friendly cottage with access to a gym, spa, and swimming pool. The cottage boasts a traditional English vibe with wood panelling and antique furnishings.

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  • Short Breaks
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  • 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.