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.

The double-fronted exterior of a rustic, terraced holiday cottage in a Mid Devon village street with a flowery creeper overhanging the front door.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Sausage Cottage in Oakford is a large and charming Mid Devon holiday cottage that can accommodate up to eight guests. It offers four delightful bedrooms, an inviting sitting room with an art deco fireplace, and a separate Snug/TV room. The cottage is situated within walking distance of the village pub and is an ideal base for exploring the idyllic moorland surroundings. It promises a unique and memorable stay for its guests.

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Large Exmoor holiday cottage overlooks a spacious lawn and a drive with a wooden 5-bar entry gate.
Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
5

Middle Stolford Cottage is a lovely farmhouse in the Brendon Hills of Somerset. This charming pet-friendly cottage offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful views of the countryside and fresh air. The cottage features many original details, including a wood-burning fireplace and a tennis court. Moreover, it is located just a stone's throw away from the coast and within easy reach of The Quantock Hills and Exmoor—perfect for day trips.

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A bungalow surrounded by lawns and open countryside on the West Somerset coast..
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Pippins is a charming detached cottage that provides a romantic getaway for couples in Old Cleeve, a coastal village located in West Somerset. This award-winning cottage offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil holiday in one of the most beautiful regions of England, positioned perfectly between the rolling Quantock Hills and the stunning Bristol Channel coast. It boasts a sunroom and delightful grounds, making it an ideal choice for a romantic retreat.

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A stone-built Exmoor barn conversion at sunset.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Come and experience the charm of Tumbledown Barn, a delightful holiday cottage located in Knowstone that is pet-friendly and comes with a hot tub. This cottage, which used to be a cow shed, has been tastefully transformed into a spacious 3-bedroom stone and cob retreat that offers both rural tranquillity and modern luxury. With ensuites, open-plan living, and a private courtyard, it is an ideal space to relax and unwind. You can soak in the hot tub, enjoy alfresco dining, and explore the stunning views of Exmoor. This cottage is perfect for family getaways or couples' retreats in the heart of Exmoor National Park.

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The exterior of a detached Somerset holiday cottage and shrub-filled garden.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

The Coach House, Old Cleeve, is a modern two-story coastal cottage with stunning views of Somerset's countryside. It is the perfect home base for exploring Exmoor National Park's valleys. moorland and picturesque villages. The cottage features a spacious kitchen, two sitting rooms, and two double bedrooms separated by a large walk-in wardrobe.

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The entrance and front windows of the seaside shop converted into a holiday cottage.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

48 Swain Street is a large, beautifully furnished Somerset seaside holiday cottage in Watchet. This charming coastal cottage sleeps up to eight guests in four bedrooms on three floors. The cottage lies in the heart of Watchet, within a leisurely stroll of the attractive harbourside, a choice of shops, pubs, restaurants, and the West Somerset railway station (for steam trains to Minehead and Bishops Lydeard).

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Interior of a spacious lounge with large roof lights in a Woolacombe holiday cottage.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Experience Loft House, a charming coastal cottage located in Woolacombe, North Devon. This pet-friendly retreat can accommodate up to 6 guests and offers modern amenities, a private hot tub, and comfortable accommodation. With an open-plan layout, private decking area, and close proximity to Woolacombe's beaches and attractions, booking a stay here guarantees a memorable beach holiday with your family or friends. Don't wait, book now and get ready for a fantastic vacation in North Devon!

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A North Devon riverside cottage with a large lawn.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

A romantic riverside holiday cottage in Bratton Fleming perfect for celebrating any of life’s special occasions, The Folly lies on the fringes of Exmoor in North Devon, tucked away on a private lane, with large glazed double doors opening onto a beautifully furnished pet-friendly studio cottage.

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Stone-built terraced Minehead holiday cottage on a quiet village street.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Beachside Cottage sits just moments from the beach. The pet-friendly, 3-bedroom holiday cottage in Minehead offers guests a contemporary style. Its outdoor space is ideal for al fresco dining, while its interior promises true comfort with a light and airy design.

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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.