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 large rectory and coach house overlook a lawn with a table laid for lunch.
Sleeps
20
Bedrooms
10

The Old Rectory and Coach House are large luxury rural properties in the North Norfolk countryside, sitting in lush, mature gardens near Dereham. The 16th-century, pet-friendly cottages possess authentic country charm, seclusion and modern comforts, a tennis court, open fires and a games room.

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On the edge of a mature wood, a timber-frame lodge with a spacious deck overlooks an open field.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Brook Lodge is a charming and romantic cottage on 500 acres of Wakes Hall Farm in Essex. This pet-friendly, comfortable cottage with a hot tub for couples is located by a small lake amidst beautiful woodland and tranquillity. The cottage is eco-friendly and sophisticated. It features an enclosed garden and deck to enjoy the stunning rural views. 

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3-storey contemporary seaside apartment block with glass-screened balconies.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The golden sands of Woolacombe Bay beckon guests at 7 Putsborough, a sophisticated seaside holiday apartment in Devon. The pet-friendly apartment in the Byron complex boasts contemporary styling and modern comforts, plus access to a swimming pool and other facilities, all a short walk from the beach.

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A large rural cottage with 3 terraces, gardens and a hot tub.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Watersend is a quiet and luxurious holiday home with a hot tub located in Watergate Bay on the stunning Cornish coast. With bi-fold doors that provide breathtaking views of the sea, a cinema room, and four en-suite bedrooms, this spacious vacation rental is perfect for family holidays and short getaways. Additionally, it offers ample, off-road parking space, making it convenient for multiple guests with vehicles. Book now for an unforgettable coastal retreat in Cornwall!

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Exterior of a sympathetically restored 3-storey farmhouse in County Durham.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Built in 1560, Scargill Castle epitomises country charm. The pet-friendly romantic cottage in Scargill, Yorkshire, emerges from the ruins of an old castle and features exposed beams, oak floors, a wood-burning stove, period furnishings and modern comforts, and seclusion and countryside views.

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A Somerset barn conversion, partially obscured by a tree.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Burrow is a beautifully transformed Somerset chapel surrounded by well-maintained lawns and picturesque countryside. This romantic holiday cottage in Bruton welcomes pets. It features impressive vaulted beamed ceilings, charming arched windows, a cosy mezzanine bedroom, a wood burner, a wine cooler, and even a home cinema. It's an ideal place to unwind and enjoy peace and quiet.

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A wooden deck with lounge furniture sits in front of a contemporary 3-storey waterside holiday home.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Mossgara is a captivating waterside cottage in South Devon. With a large layout, private quay, and direct water access, this large luxury property offers stunning views from all levels. Well-appointed interiors include a spacious kitchen, dining area with bay windows, and a comfortable lounge with a gas fireplace. Four bedrooms, each with waterside views, add to the charm. Enjoy nearby beaches, coastal paths, and excellent pubs. Mossgara ensures a delightful retreat for those seeking a unique waterside holiday in Noss Mayo. Discover more about this exceptional property!

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A stone-built cottage with a large glass roofed sun room overlooking fields and a wooded valley.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Goose Run Cottage offers a peaceful escape in the countryside. This stunning open-plan stone cottage is located in Corscombe on a private estate that provides breathtaking views of the Dorset countryside. You'll have plenty of space to relax and unwind amidst its charming south-facing garden, elegant furnishings, expansive skies, and even a tree house.

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A barn conversion in Kendal overlooks a lawn surrounded by mature shrubs and bushes.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Book a luxury rural retreat for two at Hollins Farm Barn in New Hutton, near the idyllic town of Kendal, Gateway to the Lake District. Gothic-style bedrooms with crook beams and exposed stonework await the lucky couple coming for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend/week-long holiday.

  • 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.