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.

Two shepherd huts at dusk, converted and linked to form a single unit.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Anne’s Hut blends into the surrounding woodland. The unique former shepherd’s hut has been fashioned into a romantic holiday cottage in Penterry, Monmouthshire, which boasts extensive gardens with wonderful countryside views, luxurious décor, a wood burner, an outdoor firepit and contemporary comforts.

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Sleeps
Bedrooms
2

Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Amberley is Densford Cottage, a lovely end-terrace in the South Downs. The cosy cottage features a peaceful, enclosed garden with a patio and a light, airy interior with contemporary design features and a log fire. Enjoy the best of West Sussex.

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Exterior and front garden of a 3-storey Georgian town house.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

A historic Georgian property offering self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 12, Derwent House provides six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a panelled dining room and a large, superbly equipped kitchen. It is an excellent holiday cottage in Derbyshire for special occasions and meeting with friends and families, ideally for exploring the Peak District.

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Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Cricket Cottage sits on the banks of the River Esk, near the historic fishing town of Whitby. This airy riverside cottage sleeps five guests in three bedrooms. Surrounded by some of North Yorkshire’s most idyllic countryside, it has a private patio and wonderful views towards a dramatic viaduct.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Introducing Ty Afal (Apple House), your charming Powys Holiday Cottage nestled in the heart of the Mid Wales countryside. This eco-friendly holiday lodge with a hot tub has been lovingly handcrafted on our working family farm. It promises an unforgettable self-catering rural retreat.

From the moment you arrive, you'll sense the warmth and dedication we've poured into every detail, ensuring your stay is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a family retreat, a laid-back reunion with loved ones, or your cherished honeymoon, Ty Afal is here to create lifelong memories.

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Exterior of an Exmoor Farmhouse and garden with covered porch and a row of four bedroom windows
Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
7

Upcott Farm House in Winsford is a large rural holiday cottage on Exmoor with a swimming pool. It offers large families, groups and their pets a thoroughly modern house with gorgeous grounds, a sunroom, a log burning stove and other traditional features.

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Ivey-clad exterior of an Exmoor stone barn conversion.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Set among the meadows in the Quarme Valley, West Huckham Barn is a converted rural holiday cottage on Exmoor boasting wonderful moorland views and contemporary style. The pet-friendly cottage near Wheddon Cross has a wood-burning stove, traditional features, vaulted ceilings, expansive grounds and a conservatory.

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A Countryside barn conversion overlooks a courtyard with tables and chairs.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The Piggery is a charmingly renovated cottage located on Stockham Farm, near Dulverton in Somerset. This Exmoor cottage is pet-friendly and situated on a large property, offering guests stunning views, generous grounds, peaceful seclusion, contemporary elegance, and traditional features woven into the interior of the property.

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Large Exmoor farmhouse with cottage windows and a covered porch sits behind a walled front garden.
Sleeps
19
Bedrooms
9

The Farmhouse is perfect for a group celebration. The large, pet-friendly Exmoor holiday cottage with a hot tub near Dulverton promises luxury and rural charm. Its generous grounds include a lake, tennis court, and outdoor entertaining areas. Indoors, a sauna, log fire, farmhouse kitchen, and rustic features await.

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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.