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 creeper-clad brick cottage with an outdoor table and chairs on a paved courtyard.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Set among 10 acres of natural grounds, Juliet Cottage is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing holiday or special celebration. The rural cottage lies just moments from Stratford-upon-Avon and still promises tranquillity, as well a country charm, a hot tub, modernity and, of course, a Juliet balcony.

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An outdoor swimming pool overlooked by a stone-built holiday cottage in North Devon
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
2

With two bedrooms accommodating up to 8 guests, The Annexe is the ideal choice for families or friends seeking a memorable North Devon holiday. However, this versatile coastal cottage also appeals to couples looking to escape for a romantic, relaxing break. This pet-friendly haven boasts a private hot tub, a heated swimming pool, a tennis court, and even table tennis for hours of family fun. From the cottage, you can soak in panoramic views of the coast and revel in breathtaking sunsets.

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View exterior and interior photos of Pillar Box House in Norfolk.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Rustic charm and modern elegance define Pillar Box House, a large rural holiday home in Hackford, Norfolk. It welcomes guests and their pets to a property fringed by a gorgeous garden. The house is decorated with touches of yesteryear and contemporary style, including an open fire, a hot tub and a grand master suite.

  • Active Holidays
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Waterfront terrace overlooks a harbour with small boats stored on the Quay.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Harbour Master’s House offers waterfrontage and luxury. The pet-friendly Cornish coastal cottage sits above the harbour at Portreath, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and promises ocean views and a sea breeze, plus multiple balconies, coastal chic, a log fire and access to the delights of Cornwall.

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

Apple Tree Cottage is in the grounds of The Old Vicarage near the medieval village of Little Walsingham. It features an open-plan kitchen/dining/ sitting room with French doors onto the patio area. The rear garden gives lovely countryside views.

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A Cotswold holiday cottage with vine-covered walls.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The 99 Yew Trees is a gorgeous 3-bedroom holiday cottage in Painswick overlooking the church in the heart of The Cotswolds. The 16th-century townhouse boasts a lavish garden full of mature plants and a neutral palette accentuated by traditional features such as the fireplace, wood burner, exposed beams and stone walls.

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  • Short Breaks
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Exterior of a luxury Yorkshire Dales holiday cottage.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Loft Cottage is one of three pretty holiday cottages in the peaceful village of Crakehall, North Yorkshire. It is a dog-friendly cottage with views of Bedale Beck amidst the splendour of the lower Yorkshire Dales, featuring a hot tub, exposed beams, stone frontage, and three first-floor bedrooms.

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Gable end of a 3-storey period house with 2st floor balcony flanked by mature treees
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Observatory is a delightful holiday cottage located in Essex on Osea Island. It offers a serene escape for those seeking a peaceful getaway. To access the private island, guests can cross over a tidal causeway. Once there, they can enjoy exclusive access to a private beach, a saltwater lido, an outdoor heated swimming pool, and other amenities. The cottage features a comfortable lounge, a well-equipped kitchen diner, and a private balcony with outstanding views of the island. Two stylish bedrooms ensure guests have a restful stay. Its remarkable location makes it an ideal spot for special celebrations or family holidays.

 

 

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A terrace of 3-stone-built Bedale holiday cottages facing a lawn.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Edmund’s Cottage in the quaint village of Crakehall is one of three holiday homes in North Yorkshire that combine original features with contemporary comforts, a dog-friendly cottage with a garden hot tub, exposed beams, Smart TVs in the lounge and first-floor master, and riverside views of Bedale Beck.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday 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.