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 waterside balcony with seating overlooks a small marina.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

A newly refurbished 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment finished to a high standard with views across the water. The stunning riverside location means that there will always be something out of the window to occupy your attention. WiFi to keep in touch with your friends back home, and reserved parking.

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Exterior of a single-storey cottage surrounded by trees and flowering shrubs.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Mineshop Holiday Cottages are located in the heart of the stunning Mineshop Valley, a short walk through the fields and woodland to the beach at Crackington Haven near Bude in North Cornwall. Set in a secluded and tranquil spot, it's the perfect getaway for families, couples and dog owners.

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An open-plan lounge-kitchen space in a Whitby holiday apartment.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Amari is a sophisticated, romantic cottage offering far-reaching rooftop views over Whitby in Yorkshire. Located in the heart of the seaside town, the pet-friendly cottage offers convenience, modernity, and traditional features such as vaulted beamed ceilings. Escape with your better half to this coastal gem.

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A nicely refurbished two-storey, terraced townhouse with a small front garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Escape to the seaside! Colours Borrowed from the Sea is a sophisticated coastal cottage just moments from the beaches of Marske-by-the-Sea in Yorkshire. The pet-friendly cottage boasts coastal chic with light and airy spaces and a pleasant outdoor area that catches the sea breeze and the sun.

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1.	A contemporary barn conversion surrounded by open countryside.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Exposed beams and stone walls add character to Big Sky Barn, a luxurious brick and flint cottage set between the Norfolk countryside and the coast. The pet-friendly cottage in Ridlington is surrounded by farmland, just moments from the beach, and offers open-plan design and generous furnished gardens.

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Lawns surround the exterior of a large rural holiday cottage.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Thatch Barn is a charming holiday home in Acle on the edge of the picturesque Norfolk Broads. This inviting retreat can accommodate up to eight guests, making it the perfect choice for families or groups looking to escape to the country. The cottage has been lovingly restored to retain many original features, while also offering a modern and comfortable atmosphere. With its scenic countryside location, Thatch Barn provides a peaceful and relaxing base for coast and countryside holidays in Norfolk.

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L-shaped single-storey exterior of a Warwickshire holiday cottage overlooking a courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Cider Press is a light, warm and spacious semi-detached rural cottage in Ilmington, Warwickshire. The Cotswold stone barn conversion welcomes pets and is situated on a quiet lane in an AONB. The cottage offers lovely views, modernity, walks from the door, a garden with a small stream, and a log fire.

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Tiny islands, silhouetted against a setting sun on a calm sea on the Moray Firth in Scotland.
Sleeps
30
Bedrooms
13

Take a look at three luxury waterside cottages sleeping from 6-18 guests on or near Banff on the Moray Firth. The Old Customs House sits on the shores of the Moray Firth, while Craig Lodge and Craig Alvah overlook the Devoran River in an idyllic and remote rural location a few miles inland. All are exquisitely furnished. Montcoffer Cottages are perfect for walking or fly-fishing holidays in the Scottish Highlands and feature a choice of amenities, including hot tubs and an indoor pool.

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Large single-storey stone-built barn conversion half-hidden by tall shrubs.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

This stylishly converted threshing barn is a large holiday cottage located in beautiful West Anstey, an attractive Exmoor village just inside the North Devon border. This luxury holiday home offers a spacious and secluded retreat for up to 6/8 guests. Enjoy stunning views of the gardens and surrounding countryside from the light and airy circular living room. Relax and unwind while taking in the tranquil atmosphere of The Roundhouse. With all the comforts of home, you’ll feel right at home in this homely setting. Enjoy easy access to many of the local attractions in Devon and Cornwall.

  • Active Holidays
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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.