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.

Exterior or a modern Cotswold honeystone house with triple bay windows
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

Upper End House offers luxury holidays in the Cotswolds. The rural holiday cottage in Shipton-under-Wychwood boasts sophistication and charm throughout its spacious interior. Ample gardens capture the sun and open fire warms the interior in winter and ensures a memorable family holiday.

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A honeystone Cotswold cottage overlooks a village street.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Culls Cottage is a 5-star Cotswold holiday cottage. This Grade II listed luxury eco-cottage is located in Southrop, an unspoilt Cotswold village near historic Lechlade-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. This beautifully furnished, child-friendly stone cottage sleeps six guests.

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Exterior of a stone-built cottage overlooking a paved courtyard with dining table and chairs.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Cottage, located in Catford House, is a charming and romantic cottage situated in the heart of Somerset, on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Nestled in the Quantock Hills, this rural cottage is surrounded by stunning countryside and offers couples a recently refurbished and pet-friendly retreat that features a private courtyard and all modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Within the stone walls of this coastal holiday cottage in Northumberland lie vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and rural charm married with luxury finishes. Croft Cottage offers two bedrooms of contemporary style and undeniable comfort near Newton-by-the-Sea and North East Heritage Coast attractions.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Lime Kiln Farmhouse is a beautiful stone-built rural cottage within Castel Howard Estate in Coneysthorpe, Yorkshire. The pet-friendly cottage promises seclusion and access to the Centenary Way, generous grounds, a lovely furnished patio, tasteful antique furnishings and a cosy log fire.

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A wide 2-storey gable end of an Isle-of-Wight holiday cottage with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Starboard is a beautiful Isle of Wight coastal retreat located on a shingle beach in charming Yarmouth. Starboard is a dog-friendly, small and romantic open-plan studio apartment sleeping 2.

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Cotswold Barn conversion surrounded by trees and shrubs.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Discover Buckland Wood Barn, a tranquil Broadway holiday home in The Cotswolds. The Cotswolds. This secluded property offers breathtaking views of the valley and a peaceful atmosphere. The property is spread over 50 acres and is surrounded by a private wood and stream, providing the perfect setting for serenity and escape. The charming village of Broadway, also known as the "show village of England," is just a short distance away, with its historic charm and delightful shops. The barn is tastefully furnished and boasts two spacious bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and modern amenities. The large patio with garden furniture and barbecue is perfect for al fresco dining. Book now for an inspiring Cotswold holiday!

 

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A 2-storey Lynton apartment building overlooks a shrub-filled front garden
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

C S Lewis Balcony is a stylish, two-storey Lynton holiday apartment overlooking the sea. The impressive property sleeps four and enjoys beautiful views from its furnished balcony. It offers an interior with dual-aspect windows, sophisticated décor, sunlit spaces, and luxurious details.

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A  restored country cottage overlooks a shaded courtyard.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Squirrelled away in the North Devon countryside, less than half an hour from the coast. Somers Hiscott-6 is beautifully spacious and sits right in the middle of the private estate (40 acres). There will be more than enough room for you to spill out and make this home your own – inside and out!

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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.