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 shingle path leads up to a stone-built Norfolk bungalow with two long lawns.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Far Barn is a delightful Grade II listed stone cottage near the lovely market town of Fakenham. The pet-friendly Norfolk holiday cottage boasts ample grounds, beautiful gardens, multiple furnished spaces, an interior with exposed beams, sophisticated design features, and an open fire.

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Exterior of a stone-built holiday cottage in the Lake District.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy a peaceful, relaxing Lake District holiday in Mill Cottage, a dog-friendly home just a few minutes walk to Lake Windermere on the 5000-acre Graythwaite country estate. This cosy, well-equipped cottage sleeps 4—shared use of the indoor heated pool and other leisure facilities.

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2-storey, clapper-board lodge overlooks a courtyard ringed by a secure wall.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Higher Close lies just steps from Mawgan Porth and enjoys views of the Cornish coastline. Sleeping 8, the luxurious coastal cottage catches the sea breeze in its generously furnished garden and boasts an architectural design with sunlit rooms, chic décor, a wood-burning stove, a games room, and a pizza oven.

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Single-storey exterior of a white-rendered bungalow with hanging flower baskets.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Palmer’s Lodge induces romance with its charming exterior, cosy, contemporary open-plan layout, fresh flowers and a bottle of wine upon arrival. The one-bedroom romantic cottage lies on the outskirts of Elgoskerry, surrounded by lush green meadows and beautiful beaches for which Cornwall is famed.

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A large, 3-storey detached house built of stone with a 1st floor clad in slates.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

A newly renovated luxury Cornish holiday cottage full of character and charm is set amidst peaceful countryside. A short drive from Padstow, the Camel Trail, and many North Cornwall beaches, Glebe Cottage sleeps 8 in 4 ensuite bedrooms. It has a delightful garden with a private sunny patio and is dog-friendly.

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The granite-built exterior of a single-storey Cornish holiday home surrounded by lawns.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Escape to a world of tranquillity and romance at Owl House, located in the picturesque hamlet of Treneague near Wadebridge. This delightful holiday cottage offers the perfect getaway for you, your partner, and your furry friend. Fall asleep to the soothing hoot of an owl, cosy up by the crackling wood-burning stove, and indulge in the perfect blend of modern amenities and old-world charm. Take a leisurely stroll through the lush, mature garden, or explore the breathtaking beauty of the nearby Cornish coastline. Owl House is the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Book now and experience the magic of Owl House for yourself!

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A view of Dartmouth estuary seen from the covered terrace of a waterside holiday let
Sleeps
11
Bedrooms
4

Bights Boathouse is a luxurious waterside holiday home with fabulous views across up and down the Dart estuary in Dartmouth. This pet-friendly property is located in the enchanting South Hams area of South Devon, offering its guests easy access to various coastal attractions. The property is surrounded by boutique shops, restaurants, and local events such as the Dart Music Festival. Guests can enjoy scenic cycling and walking routes or take a trip on the Dartmouth Steam Railway. The nearby beaches like Blackpool Sands are waiting to be explored.

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A lighthouse tower overlooks the rugged North Cornwall coastline.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Pelorus Cottage promises spectacular ocean views from its position within Trevose Head Lighthouse. Nestled between Harlyn and Constantine Bays, the special coastal cottage promises coastal seclusion and modernity, as well as outdoor spaces and clean, refreshing sea breezes. Enjoy a unique getaway on the Cornish coast.

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Exterior of a coach house conversion surrounded by a large garden with shrubs.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Coach House near the small market town of Tenbury Hills, Worcestershire, is a beautiful studio conversion nestled in the northwest corner of the Malvern Hills, a romantic cottage boasting an open plan living area, flower garden with bothy, and a private deck offering stunning views.

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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.