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 pair of slate-roofed stone cottages in Herefordshire with large gardens overlook a country lane.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

The Birches is a Wye Valley Holiday cottage nestled beneath the Black Mountains. It is the perfect rural retreat to enjoy spectacular scenery or the Hay-On-Wye literature festival. Try hill walking, paragliding, horse riding or walking in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A modern brick house with a large sunroom is surrounded by mature gardens.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

The Coach House is a delightful detached country cottage in Herefordshire with an outdoor swimming pool. It is located in the village of Welford, a Wye Valley village near Ross-on-Wye. The dog-friendly cottage offers cosy, well-equipped self-catering accommodation for 2-5 guests in 3 bedrooms (one ground floor).

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a large cottage with 4 first-floor dormer windows.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

5 Wye Rapid Cottage is a welcoming mid-terrace Wye Valley holiday cottage in the natural wonderland of Symonds Yat in Herefordshire. The pet-friendly waterside cottage offers families an ideal base for exploring the wonders of Herefordshire and features a large outdoor area with landscaped gardens and a modern, spacious interior.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
34
Bedrooms
12

The Ship Inn, once a pub in Colwyn Bay, has been comfortably and stylishly converted to create a large, dog-friendly holiday cottage in North Wales sleeping 34 guests in 12 spacious bedrooms, with a 5-minute walk of the beach.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
2-Storey cottage exterior with hanging flower baskets.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This is one of five luxurious holiday cottages located in East Devon. The cottage has two bedrooms and can comfortably accommodate four people. It is conveniently situated in Sidmouth, just a short walk from the seafront. The property is a part of a historic Regency house built in 1802 for the Duke and Duchess of St. Albans. This house is Grade II listed, making it a remarkable piece of architecture.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A balcony with table and chairs overlooks Sidmouth's seafront.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

York House is a beautifully restored Georgian beachfront holiday home in Sidmouth, offering luxurious comforts and stunning sea views. Relax by the fireplace in the living room or cook in the fully equipped kitchen. Cross the Esplanade to the beach the beach to enjoy leisurely seaside strolls. Gather for meals in the spacious dining area overlooking the sea or dine al fresco on one of two terraces. With its prime location and coastal charm, York House promises an unforgettable seaside holiday in Sidmouth.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A double-fronted East Devon holiday cottage in front of a secure lawned garden.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Hamilton House is a large East Devon seaside holiday cottage in Branscombe. The sophisticated cottage boasts a unique dining room and a sun trap garden within easy reach of Branscombe Beach. The large deck catches the sea breeze and invites relaxation. Hamilton House sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A two storey brick house with a large gable end overlooks a lawn and spacious parking area.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
2

Relax and unwind in this cosy East Devon rural holiday cottage in the Blackdown Hills near Honiton and, slightly further, the Jurassic coast. Apple Tree Cottage is perfect for couples seeking a romantic rural retreat in any season or a family with an infant for holidays during school term times.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Semi-detached holiday cottages on Osea Island with dormer windows in the roof and French windows, overlooking a large lawn
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Orange Blossom is a tranquil duplex apartment at the heart of Osea Island. With beaches, coastal trails, and activities a short walk away, this idyllic property offers a stylish, bohemian retreat for couples, families, or friends. It boasts three bedrooms, a charming garden, and shared access to Osea Island's wealth of facilities, including an outdoor pool, cinema room, games room, gym, and more. Enjoy the serene surroundings, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the seasonal charms of The Shack and The Puffin Pub.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • 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.