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.

An ornate brick-built detached Kings Lynn holiday cottage overlooking a flower-filled garden.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

Pound Cake is a charming chocolate box cottage in the lovely hamlet of Stanhoe in Norfolk. The pet-friendly cottage exudes charm with its exposed beams and inglenook fireplace and combines this with eclectic décor while offering a pleasant mature garden and access to the country and the coast.

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A grand Victorian Manor House with two turreted wings overlooks a large lawn.
Sleeps
20
Bedrooms
10

Manor House, located on Osea Island, offers a remarkable escape. Accessible via a Roman tidal causeway, this exclusive Essex holiday cottage is an extraordinary retreat. Explore a range of activities, including an outdoor pool, saltwater lido, tennis court, cinema, and 4.5 miles of coastline. The grand Edwardian house boasts ten bedrooms, most with four-poster beds and en-suite bathrooms. It's an ideal celebration venue, with reception rooms, a country kitchen, and captivating water views. Book this extraordinary destination for a minimum of 2 nights, with flexible arrival days.

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Derby Cottage, a stone-built, ivy-clad Peak District holiday cottage.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Derby is a luxury holiday cottage for couples at Endmoor Farm in the Derbyshire Peak District near Bakewell. This beautifully furnished, pet-friendly cottage in secluded rural surroundings is a beautifully appointed romantic retreat in the countryside for two (+cot) at any time of the year.

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The exterior of a modern Suffolk holiday home with large windows on both floors overlooking a flower-filled garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
2

Welcome to Hillcrest, a stunning Suffolk barn-style holiday home that offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. With accommodation for up to six guests, this property is surrounded by lush fields and verdant gardens, offering a peaceful retreat near Saxmundham. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Hillcrest is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday exploring the picturesque Suffolk coast and countryside. Plus, Hillcrest is pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it an ideal choice for everyone. Book now and experience the ultimate in Suffolk holiday luxury!

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Aerial view of the flat Lincolnshire countryside with a group of luxury stable conversions surrounding a large courtyard.
Sleeps
20
Bedrooms
10

The Dairy at Burghley is a gorgeous, large country cottage on a grand estate near Stamford In Cambridgeshire. The pet-friendly property rewards guests with rural elegance and modern luxury, open fires, outdoor entertaining areas, and access to Burghley House and its many events.

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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 single-storey, luxury chapel conversion in the North Devon countryside.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

The Old Chapel is a superb North Devon holiday cottage on the coast in Clovelly. The former chapel boasts 10 acres of meadows with a pond and sea views, church windows, vaulted beamed ceilings, a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and many more original features.

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An open plan living area with a lounge, kitchen and stairs to the 1st floor.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Number 1 The Pier is a two-bedroom luxury holiday apartment in Falmouth situated in a brand new development on the Prince of Wales Pier. This stunning duplex apartment for 2-4 guests enjoys waterfront views, a large terrace, WiFi, and an allocated parking space.

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An extended farmhouse holiday cottage overlooks an expansive lawn.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Bonython Farmhouse is a large luxury holiday cottage on Bonython Estate near Helston. It boasts one of ‘The Great Gardens of Cornwall’, including a hidden valley and lakes. The pet-friendly coastal cottage boasts woodburning stoves plus a perfect blend of rural charm and modern design.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages

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.