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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.

Exterior of a stone cottage with enclosed porch and sun lounge overlooking a lawn.
Sleeps
11
Bedrooms
4

Castle View is a tastefully furnished, large, family-friendly village holiday cottage in Helmsley in the heart of the North York Moors National Park. It is also within an easy drive of the North Yorkshire coast. This dog-friendly holiday let sleeps 11 in 4 bedrooms.

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The exterior of a stone-built country cottage overlooks a pretty garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Cascade Cottage is a gorgeous holiday home in the heart of the Exmoor National Park near the moorland village of Exford. It is an ideal child-friendly holiday retreat and can be accessed by a footbridge. The cottage features a spacious kitchen, exposed beams, and a wood-burning stove.

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A contemporary house with a large 1st-floor terrace and ground-floor deck.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

A luxury holiday cottage on Anglesey, Bwthyn Awel, is large enough to comfortably accommodate ten guests in five bedrooms. This secluded rural cottage with panoramic sea views over Church Bay is perfect for walking, cycling and beach holidays in North Wales.

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A stone-built, vine-clad barn conversion behind a low stone wall
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

A large and impressively furnished stone barn conversion in Hawkshead, Bull Pen is a pet-friendly Lake District holiday cottage that sleeps ten on the rural Greythwaite Estate. Guests enjoy access to the Estate's heated indoor swimming pool, gym, and children's play area.

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A wide, 2-storey, stone house in Snowdonia with three gable ends flanked by single storey wings facing a large, level lawn with mature trees.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will love the proximity to Snowdonia of this six-bedroom rural holiday cottage near the Conwy village of Pentrefoelas, which boasts views of the stunning countryside as well as wheelchair access, endless entertainment options, cosy open fires and a games room.

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Exterior of an imposingstone-built2-3 storey house with ample parking space and surrounded by trees.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Bryn Cemllyn is a large rural holiday cottage in Gwynedd that sleeps 12. Located in the Coed-y-Brenin Forest near Dolgellau, it lies inland from the coast at Barmouth and just south of the Snowdonia National Park - a fabulous location for holidays in the Great Outdoors. Pets Welcome.

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Large rural Shropshire manor house with two end gables overlooks a large, tree-lined lawn.
Sleeps
30
Bedrooms
10

Brookside Manor House stands in a rural Shropshire location. The list of rooms in this large and magnificent country house near Chirk reads like a Cluedo set: a library, conservatory, snooker room, drawing room, swimming pool, gym, and squash courts. Perfect for big weekend country house parties.

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Exterior of a long, stone-built barn conversion in Priestcliffe, overlooking a courtyard and a walled garden.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Discover Broadway Barn, a luxurious Peak District holiday cottage in Priestcliffe. This meticulously restored stone barn conversion sleeps 8-10 guests across four bedrooms, perfect for family gatherings. The spacious dining area seats up to 14, whilst the cosy sitting room boasts a Scandinavian gas wood burner-effect stove. With a fully-equipped kitchen and multiple bathrooms, it offers modern comfort with rustic charm. Just 5 miles from Bakewell and 9 miles from Buxton, this holiday cottage in Priestcliffe provides easy access to the Peak District's stunning landscapes and attractions, including Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. Experience an unforgettable Derbyshire holiday in this lavish and pet-friendly rural retreat. Broadway Barn at Lydford Farm in the rural Peak District hamlet of Priestcliffe is a large, high-quality holiday cottage lovingly created by converting a traditional Derbyshire barn. This pet-friendly holiday home sleeps 12 in 6 bedrooms (2 en suite), perfect for large or dual family holidays.

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Exterior of a luxury treehouse with a hot tub in Hampshire.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover eco-friendly holiday bliss at Silvertree House in the New Forest at Shorefield Country Park. This unique treehouse retreat offers stylish interiors, a private hot tub, and outdoor amenities. Three bedrooms, including a ground-floor option, ensure comfort. Enjoy modern conveniences, from a 4K Smart TV to a fully-equipped kitchen. Immerse yourself in nature with a timber walkway and silver-accented design. Ideal for families, the park boasts a swimming pool, a gym, and entertainment. Experience the magic of treehouse holidays - book your stay now!

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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.