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 barn conversion overlooking a garden courtyard
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Pasture View Cottage is a large eco-friendly, single-storey country cottage on the edge of Pickering for holidays exploring the North York Moors and the North Yorkshire coast. Features include a large private garden and a very well-equipped kitchen. Children will love the play area and play shed.

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A Somerset farmhouse overlooks a large lawn lined by shrubs.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Trinity Cottage is a gorgeous detached cottage surrounded by greenery in Roadwater, Somerset. The large, pet-friendly holiday cottage boasts beautiful views over the surrounding valley and offers a log fire and spacious rooms with subtle elegance. A sophisticated escape with access to Exmoor and the coastline.

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A Devon barn conversion with a deck at sunset.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Tumbledown Barn is a luxurious barn conversion and a North Devon holiday let in Knowstone. This property offers three spacious ensuite bedrooms and an open-plan living area with a wood-burning stove. The private courtyard features a hot tub and outdoor kitchen. The barn is pet-friendly, set on 20 acres of scenic farmland. Nearby, explore Exmoor and North Devon’s spectacular, award-winning beaches. Enjoy a night dining at the Michelin Star restaurant, the Masons Arms. View the complete description to learn more about this exceptional rural retreat.

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Flushing holiday cottages line the Fal Estuary at high tide.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Grade II listed 18th Century Riverside House near Falmouth is a pet-friendly Cornish holiday cottage offering spectacular sea views. It is newly refurbished, providing the ultimate luxury seaside accommodation with three double bedrooms and three bathrooms, reserved parking and a beautiful waterside courtyard.

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Exterior of a stone-built holiday home in Dunster surrounded by a stone wall..
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Withycombe Cottage is a charming rural holiday cottage in the Exmoor National Park near Dunster. The pet-friendly property sleeps six with an indoor pool, a swimming pool, a tennis court and children’s playground, a games room, and an interior combining tradition and style.

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A bungalow sits behind a large lawn with flower-filled borders.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

The Blue Anchor promenade lies just moments from Meadow View, a charming coastal cottage in Somerset with views across a meadow to the ocean and the West Somerset Heritage Railway. The modern family cottage offers comfort, relaxing outdoor spaces, and a prime position in this lovely seaside village.

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An Exmoor farmhouse overlooks a large lawn surrounded by trees.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Victorian Wing of Stockham Farm is a self-contained rural holiday cottage within a traditional farmhouse. It offers ample grounds, a wood-burning stove, a bespoke kitchen, subtle elegance and wonderful countryside views. The pet-friendly cottage lies in an easily accessible remote rural location above Dulverton in the heart of the Exmoor National Park.

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A large country house at dusk.
Sleeps
15
Bedrooms
8

Coulscott House is a luxury North Devon holiday cottage situated in Combe Martin; it's a superb rural retreat for exploring the rugged North Devon coast and its award-winning beaches. With three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and a separate family bathroom, it comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests. Inside, you'll find a well-equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove. Outside, enjoy the beautiful garden and patio area, along with the indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub for ultimate relaxation. Explore the charming village of Combe Martin or venture into Exmoor National Park for outdoor adventures. Coulscott House offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for your North Devon holiday. Book now for a memorable stay

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  A footpath between a lawn and mature shrubs leads to a stone-built rural cottage.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Little Hanger is a delightful seaside holiday home located in Porlock. It can accommodate up to six guests with two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom. The property offers a private terrace, a well-equipped kitchen, and a cozy sitting room with a woodburner. Guests also have access to an all-weather tennis court and a private garden with a barbecue area. Pets are welcome at the home. It is conveniently situated within a short walk from the village and is an ideal base for exploring the entire Exmoor coast from Minehead to Lynmouth.

  • Active Holidays
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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.