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.

Somerset coastal apartment lounge for couples with a sofa, armchair, side table and TV.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Hurlestone Apartment in Porlock is a charming romantic apartment in an Edwardian house with lovely views over the coastal village to the ocean. It offers a cute garden with a pond, plus a stylish and elegant interior. The apartment sleeps two and welcomes pets.

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A stone-built house with loft conversion overlooks a low-walled front courtyard.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

The Dog House is a large and impressive coastal holiday home in Porlock. The pet-friendly cottage on the Exmoor coast sleeps eight and boasts a stone exterior, a sunny furnished courtyard, a spacious interior with natural light, an open-plan design and a wood burner.

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Exterior of a 2-storey cottage with courtyard and large tarmac parking space.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Overstream Annexe is a delightful romantic cottage in the beautiful seaside village of Porlock in Somerset. The two-storey house is ideally situated for exploration of the Exmoor region. It offers an open-plan design, a sun-trap patio, contemporary comforts, peace and a cosy log fire.

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Exterior of a terraced seafront cottage with a walled front garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover Riversmeet, your ideal holiday home in Instow, North Devon. This sunset-facing seafront cottage offers breathtaking views of Instow Beach and Appledore. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, it accommodates up to six guests. Enjoy the open-plan living area with modern amenities. Pet-friendly and close to local amenities, it's perfect for families. Experience coastal living at its finest. View the full description for more details.

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A terrace of thatched cottages overlooks a road and beachfront at low tide.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Captain’s Cottage in Minehead, Somerset, offers beachfront charm with sea views. This thatched seaside cottage sleeps four in two bedrooms. Period features include an inglenook fireplace, a modern kitchen, and a rear terrace for sea gazing. The dog-friendly cottage has no garden. It is close to the harbour and the South West Coastal Path. Limited mobility is cautioned. It is an Ideal Exmoor coast retreat.

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2-storey, stone-built holiday lodge in a rural location.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Keepers Lodge, a holiday cottage in Knowstone, offers a tranquil and secluded rural getaway. Located in North Devon, close to Exmoor, this 16th-century thatched longhouse extension provides 5-star self-catering accommodation for up to 4 guests.

With two spacious ensuite bedrooms, modern amenities seamlessly blend with the historical charm of the property. The open-plan living space boasts an inglenook fireplace and other original features. Guests can unwind in the private courtyard with a hot tub, or explore the 20-acre farm grounds and nearby Exmoor National Park. The area offers stunning landscapes, from moorlands to coastal vistas, which are perfect for nature lovers to explore. After a day of exploring, guests can relax at the nearby Michelin-starred Masons Arms.

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A stone cottage overlooks a lawn bordered by flowering shrubs.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Aggies is a charming 3-bedroom rural cottage in North Devon, located within easy reach of Ilfracombe and Woolacombe beaches. It is beautifully furnished and can accommodate up to 6 guests.

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Large country cottage in Watchet overlooking a daffodil-filled lawn.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

Westcott Cross Cottage is a sophisticated, detached rural holiday cottage in Luxborough, a tiny Exmoor hamlet in Somerset. It has fabulous gardens, stunning rural views, and traditional features such as a wood burner, stone fireplace, exposed beams and stone walls. Walks leave from the door, and pets have ample space to play.

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The exterior of a semi-detached, 2-storey Croyde cottage with a covered porch
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
4

Introducing Sole Bay, an exquisite holiday home in the North Devon region. This charming seaside cottage in Croyde can accommodate up to eight guests, offering ample space to unwind and relax. You can enjoy generously sized living areas and a sun-drenched garden with BBQ facilities close to the famous Croyde Beach. With family-friendly amenities such as a bunk bedroom and games, you can look forward to making unforgettable memories. The property is conveniently located near several pubs and eateries and provides parking facilities. Start exploring to plan your perfect seaside getaway today!

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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.