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.

Front exterior of a stone-built barn conversion in Cumbria with a small, paved courtyard.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Hill Side Barn is a spacious Lake District barn conversion with a hot tub that sleeps six guests seeking a high-quality rural retreat in a quiet rural corner of Cumbria that’s not too far from the best bits of the Southern Lake District and the Cumbrian coast.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A modern house with a vine covered 1st floor balcony overlooks a shrub-filled front garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Nutwood is a delightful detached cottage perched near Lake Windermere in Lakeside. The pet-friendly cottage is well-positioned for a holiday in Cumbria and the Lake District. It features a spacious furnished deck, lovely grounds, an interior with modern furnishings, an open fire and ample light.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
3-storey stone-built Cumbrian farmhouse in a remote rural location
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

In a secluded rural location, Groffa Crag is a large holiday cottage in the Lake District near Ulverston. This spacious, pet-friendly cottage in Cumbria sleeps 12 in 6 bedrooms, perfect for a large family or group holidays within easy reach of the Cumbrian coast, Coniston Water and Windermere.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a single-storey Cornish cottage surrouded by a tree-lined garden.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Millstream is a Tintagel holiday cottage for couples in the picturesque St. Nectan’s Glen along the North Cornwall coast. This romantic rural retreat for two is in a former corn mill and retains its character, with a quaint arched door and sofa that converts into a full-size double bed.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Frontage of a large 3-storey, Devon country house overlooking an outdoor pool and tree-lined lawns.
Sleeps
38
Bedrooms
18

Discover the ultimate South Devon holiday rental at Alston Hall, a luxurious country retreat with a pool designed for large gatherings. With 18 bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, and extensive facilities, including indoor/outdoor pools, a tennis court, and more, it promises an idyllic stay for up to 38 guests. Immerse yourself in comfort, grandeur, and fun; perfect for family reunions or group getaways. Explore the stunning surroundings and enjoy easy access to Mothecombe Beach and Plymouth. View this luxury holiday home with a pool now.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Stone built exterior of a Victorian, terraced holiday cottage with a fenced-in paved courtyard garden and sea views.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Salty Sea Dog lies just a few steps from the beach in Trebarwith Strand and the ground-floor, pet-friendly beach apartment in North Cornwall lives up to its name combining joyful beach-themed décor with refinement and modern comfort plus views of the beautiful Cornish coastline. Sleeps 4.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
2-storey, granite-built cottage with many windows overlooks a mature garden.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Miller’s House is a stone-built miller’s residence restored with modern comforts, providing a restful haven for families and pets near Tintagel in St Nectan’s Glen. Gorgeous gardens and a babbling stream in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty surround this rural holiday home in North Cornwall.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large Regency cottage with large sash windows overlooks a flower-filled garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Courthaye is a luxury East Devon holiday cottage with Wi-Fi in Sidmouth, within an easy walk of the beach. It is set alongside four other luxurious cottages, which once formed a Regency house for the Duke and Duchess of St.Albans. It is Grade II listed and sleeps 4.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Seating on a beach apartments terrace overlooks a large sandy beach at low tide
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Devon Beach Court is a charming and spacious modern seaside holiday apartment located in the picturesque town of Woolacombe. This family-friendly holiday lets you experience a perfect blend of comfort and style, making it an ideal choice for your next seaside getaway. This warm and inviting property atmosphere can comfortably accommodate up to four people in two beautifully decorated bedrooms - one with an ensuite bathroom. Whether you're looking to spend quality time with your family or enjoy a romantic holiday with your loved one, Devon Beach Court has everything you need to make your stay memorable.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Managed by My Favourite Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages

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.