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.

Outdoor dining chairs cluster around a table on a tree-lined lawn on Osea Island. Behind them is a cross-timbered holiday cottage on Osea Island.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Introducing The Chase, a charming cottage situated on the tranquil Osea Island. This elegant retreat in Essex features a cosy lounge area with a log burner, spacious bedrooms, and three well-appointed bathrooms. Whether you're looking for quality time with family or some peaceful moments to yourself, this cottage offers the perfect ambience. With its four-poster beds and roll-top baths, you are guaranteed a comfortable stay. During summer, you can relax in the private garden with a fire pit and barbecue. Osea Island provides a range of private amenities, including beaches, a saltwater lido, an outdoor pool, a tennis court, a cinema room, a games room, and much more. So, come to Osea Island and experience your ideal seaside getaway.

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  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
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Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

A modern and attractive pet-friendly lodge with room for three, The Callow Lodge offers access to a private hot tub as well as Beaconsfield Holiday Park’s terrific facilities. Many other attractions are also available in nearby Iron Bridge, Church Stretton, or Ludlow.

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  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Explore coastal bliss at 5 The Lanterns, a stylish coastal cottage in Hope Cove. Perched on the second floor, relish breathtaking bay views from two balconies. This 3-bed retreat, perfect for cottage holidays in Hope Cove, offers sleek interiors, a fully equipped kitchen, and designated parking. Enjoy beach walks just moments away, dine in village restaurants, and discover the charm of South Hams. This pet-friendly gem is ideal for a tranquil escape and invites you to experience the allure of coastal living in South Devon. Discover more about this contemporary coastal cottage.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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 single-storey South Devon barn conversion overlooks a courtyard and a hot tub
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Escape to The Cattle Shed for unforgettable cottage holidays in South Devon. This coastal cottage offers a five-star retreat with a private hot tub, scenic walks, and stunning coastal views. Nestled above Chillington village, it perfectly blends luxury and tranquillity. Enjoy the warmth of a log burner in winter and a spacious decked terrace in summer. With two bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and outdoor amenities like paddle boards, it promises a relaxing getaway. Explore the detailed description for a closer look at this idyllic retreat.

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Exterior of a thatched holiday cottage in Thurlestone.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy self-catering holidays in Thurlestone at Just A Cottage’, an iconic thatched cottage in South Devon. This Grade II listed seaside retreat, dating back to the 17th century, offers stylish comfort for up to four people. Pet-friendly, with a beamed lounge, well-equipped kitchen, luxurious bathroom, and a small patio, it’s an ideal base near local beaches. Perfect for those seeking character, convenience, and a genuine South Hams experience. Discover more about this unique property’s allure in the full description.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Unwind in the heart of Powys countryside with a warm welcome from Hugh, Sarah, and their family at Ty Ceirios, a remarkable eco-lodge with a hot tub in Carno. You're about to embark on a log house holiday like no other, carefully crafted with love and attention to detail, making it the perfect destination for a romantic retreat, a relaxing family vacation, a laid-back reunion with loved ones, or even a cherished honeymoon.

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Single storey exterior of a barn conversion with a hot tub on its terrace.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

A charming terraced Shropshire holiday cottage in Alberbury with original oak beams and trusses and a wood burner in the open-plan living area. It sleeps 6 in 3 delightful bedrooms, all en-suite. Add in the private patio with a hot tub, and this is a perfect country cottage for a family holiday!

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Exterior of a contemporary, slate-roofed holiday age surrounded by a low stone wall.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Introducing Bear Cottage, a charming pet-friendly retreat located near Bigbury on Sea. This beautiful three-bedroom cottage is just a stone's throw away from sandy beaches and the South West Coastal Path. Inside, you can enjoy stylish interiors, underfloor heating, and a cosy log burner. The cottage also boasts a contemporary kitchen fully equipped with Smeg appliances and a master bedroom with an en suite bathroom. Outside, you can relax on the enclosed patio or make use of the private parking. The cottage is also conveniently located near the village shop, making it the perfect base for your seaside holiday in Bigbury. Enjoy comfort and the sheer beauty of the South Devon coast. Book your stay at Bear Cottage now!

  • Active Holidays
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  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
An estuary view from a deck of a waterside holiday apartment in Salcombe.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy a taste of luxurious living at 'Quarterdeck,' a Salcombe holiday apartment with a pool. This 2-bedroom waterfront retreat boasts a large balcony with panoramic estuary views, perfect for al fresco dining. Enjoy exclusive amenities like a private mooring, communal gardens, and a heated outdoor pool. The open-plan living area, well-equipped kitchen, and stylish bedrooms make it an ideal getaway. Explore the charming surroundings, with pubs, restaurants, and sandy beaches just steps away. Discover the allure of South Devon living at 'Quarterdeck.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • 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.