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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.

Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Sail Boats is a lovely beachfront holiday bungalow within walking distance of Marazion's sandy beach in far West Cornwall. The Cornish holiday cottage can sleep two people in one bedroom within sight and sound of the sea.

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A single-storey holiday cottage on Osea Island overlooks a large lawn.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

scape to the beautiful Osea Island in Essex and stay at East Village No.3, a charming private holiday cottage. This island offers a unique experience that is accessible via a tidal causeway. You can enjoy a private beach, a saltwater lido, a heated pool, a tennis court, a cinema, a games room, and a gym. No.3 is located in The Village, which provides easy access to the pool. Inside the cottage, you can expect stylish bedrooms and open-plan living areas. Immerse yourself in island life, which is perfect for special occasions or family holidays. Please note that the minimum booking is for two nights.

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A flat tree-covered Islandreflected in a calm sea at sunset.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Chapel House Two, a luxurious Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island, offers access to a private beach, a saltwater lido, and an outdoor heated pool. This charming waterside cottage with elegant decor features a cosy lounge, a well-equipped kitchen, and a mezzanine area with a sofa bed. Enjoy ample outdoor seating, a barbecue, and a fire pit. Explore the island's communal facilities, including a tennis court, a cinema room, and a seasonal island pub—an ideal escape for families and special celebrations, just 90 minutes (but light-years away) from London.

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Aerial photo of a large holiday home nestling between mature woodland and fields overlooking a wide river.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
6

Craig Alvah Lodge is a luxurious holiday home located near Banff in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. It is perfect for groups and can accommodate a large number of guests. The lodge is situated in a secluded rural location near the Moray Firth and offers many facilities such as a heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, games room, and a trout and salmon fishing beat on the Devoran River.

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exmoor barn conversion overlooks a shrub-filled garden and drive.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Bilbrook apartment is one of 12 Holiday Cottages at Duddings. Sleeps 3 in 2 bedrooms. It is set in the rural Avill valley in Somerset near Dunster & Minehead within The Exmoor National Park. Indoor pool, spa bath, tennis court, games room, trampoline. Families & dogs are welcome. Visit-England 4-star.

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A clapperboard thatched holiday cottage and garden in Essex.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

Raindrops on Roses is a gorgeous 700-year-old thatched cottage surrounded by countryside near Hatfield Forest. The cottage is perfect for outdoor rural walks and boasts expansive gardens with wonderful views, traditional features such as beams, and a cosy log fire.

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A 2-storey Exmoor holiday cottage stands in front of a bank of mature trees.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Discover the quiet luxury of The Mount, a large holiday home in Dulverton accommodating up to 10 guests. This comfortably furnished property with a games room invites you to experience memorable holidays on Exmoor with family or friends. Enjoy spacious interiors, stunning views, and a tranquil atmosphere in this beautiful National Park, ensuring a perfect rural retreat for those seeking an escape to the countryside.

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Double-fronted cottage with large lawn surrounded by mature trees.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Ball Cottage is a charming holiday home located in Winsford, Somerset. Nestled within a lush garden, it boasts a beautiful stream that adds to the picturesque scenery. The cottage is perfect for those looking to go on walking holidays in Exmoor, as it is ideally located. Inside, you'll find many original features, including a lovely open fire that creates a cosy ambience. Additionally, you can explore the charming village and Exmoor National Park or head to the coast for a day trip.

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A Large 3-storey Country House surrounded by lawns and woodland.
Sleeps
18
Bedrooms
9

Melmerby Hall is a large Grade-II listed manor house on 25 acres in Melmerby in Cumbria. The grand, pet-friendly rural cottage enjoys fantastic views from its spacious grounds and retains many original features, including its stone façade, Georgian shutters and sandstone terrace.

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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.