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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.

Gable end of a wood panelled Dorset barn conversion with wooden steps to a front door and deck.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Explore Brookhaven, the ideal Musbury holiday let—a barn conversion creating a modern, open-plan studio for couples seeking a rural retreat in East Devon. Recently finished to high standards, this charming apartment boasts a king-size bed, a well-equipped kitchen, and a private seating area overlooking the serene Axe Valley. Enjoy village amenities, coastal charm, and nearby attractions. Discover the allure of this Musbury cottage for couples and plan your escape. View full details for an unforgettable East Devon getaway.

  • Accessible By Train
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Exterior of a luxury Sidmouth holiday cottage surrounded by beautiful flower-filled gardens.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Take a closer look at Hemphaye, a charming 17th-century house and now a luxury self-catering coastal cottage in East Devon with Wi-Fi. It sleeps up to 6 people in 3 bedrooms (2 bathrooms) and is an easy walk from the beach and the town centre of Sidmouth.

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Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
1

If you would like a peaceful and romantic getaway to the remote surroundings of Snowdonia, Lavender Cottage offers modern accommodation of a high standard to couples. Based on a charming smallholding, the terraced one-bedroom barn conversion for couples immerses guests in rolling hills and rural Welsh scenery.

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2-storey country cottage with large conservatory overlooking a large lawn.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Bridlecott is a delightful rural cottage in Monksilver, offering the best of both worlds: the picturesque Somerset countryside and the stunning coastline. The property, situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park, is a paradise for walkers. It boasts ample grounds, spacious rooms, an open-plan layout, and access to a charming English country village.

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View interior and exterior photos of Abbots Manor, a large East Devon holiday cottage in Combe Raleigh.
Sleeps
18
Bedrooms
8

Surrounded by lush green fields, Abbotts Manor is a gorgeous Grade II listed Georgian manor set in an AONB in Combe Raleigh. The large, pet-friendly cottage in East Devon offers beautiful views, elegant detailing, a children’s play area, a campfire area, a games room, an open fire and style.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Oak Tree Cottage is a delightful romantic village cottage for two near Beverley among the North York Moors and North Yorkshire Coast. Just moments from sandy beaches, the pet-friendly property boasts a generous lawned garden with a summerhouse, and an interior with arched windows, contemporary style and comfort.

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A semi-detached, part-timbered contemporary cottage with bi-fold windows, patio and a spacious lawn.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Hunters Moon is a modern rural holiday cottage in the hamlet of Curscombet. The pet-friendly East Devon coast holiday cottage features a generous furnished garden, a spacious interior with an open-plan design, abundant natural light, and a wood-burning stove.

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Ulleswater holiday cottage with a full length balcony and front terrace.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Wreay Mansions is a luxurious rural cottage in Watermillock with impressive views of Lake Ullswater and the hills of Cumbria. The former hunting lodge offers refinement and elegance and boasts a 30’ furnished balcony, a lawned garden, fresh air, contemporary comforts and the chance to escape in style.

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A terraced row of well-maintained Victorian Houses with small low-walled front garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Escape to Exmouth in this beautifully presented penthouse holiday apartment overlooking the Exe estuary. With two bedrooms sleeping four, this home is just a short stroll from Exmouth’s long, sandy beach and is the perfect retreat for a seaside holiday in one of Britain’s oldest and prettiest coastal towns.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • 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.