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.

A stone built cottage overlooks a large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by wide terraces
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Waterfall Cottage is a charming stone cottage with two bedrooms and a terrace that leads to an outdoor heated swimming pool. It is situated in the beautiful South Devon near Ivybridge and surrounded by 26 acres of woodland and lakes. Waterfall Cottage is conveniently located for those wishing to spend days on the beaches of South Devon and those looking to explore Dartmoor National Park.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a 2-storey contemporary home with twin floor-to-ceiling French windows opening onto the garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Bucket & Spade is a beautiful coastal cottage in East Devon, just a stone's throw away from the pristine white sands of Seaton. The pet-friendly holiday home boasts a spacious garden with an outdoor relaxation area, a cosy log fire, and an open-plan design with a chic coastal feel.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A light and spacious, lavishly furnished open-plan living area, with original artwork on the walls.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

A distinct coastal vibe permeates Fish and Ships, a contemporary coastal cottage in the heart of Whitby in North Yorkshire. Whitby’s harbour is a short walk from the apartment, which offers light and airy spaces with abundant natural light, as well as relaxed sophistication and open-plan design.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Stone-built exterior of a Peak District Cottage with flower-covered flagstone terrace.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Jasmine Cottage is a charming countryside retreat in Derbyshire's Peak District, blending traditional features with modern amenities. The child-friendly cottage features an en-suite bathroom with a waterfall shower and a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Escape to the idyllic Duck Street Cottage, a charming hideaway nestled in the heart of Dorset. Perfect for couples or friends, this cosy cottage boasts a traditional inglenook fireplace, providing the perfect setting to unwind after an exciting day of exploration. Nestled in Symondsbury Village, you'll be perfectly placed to explore the village's delightful artisan shops, café and pub, all within a short walk from your doorstep. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the quintessential British countryside charm of Duck Street Cottage.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Cottage Discounts
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a Cotswold stone cottage behind a gated front garden.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

The Chestnuts is a large, Eco-Luxe, 5-star Gold Cotswold holiday Cottage in Shilton, an unspoilt village near historic Burford in Oxfordshire. Sleeps 8. This award-winning cottage has been beautifully renovated and furnished to create a relaxing and child-friendly rural retreat in the Cotswolds.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A large thatched cottage overlooking a spacious lawn near Bridport.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Eagles Nest is a classic grade II listed thatched cottage in Dorset, sleeping 6 in 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms. The property is rurally located near Symondsbury, close to the Jurassic Coast. Enjoy peace and quiet with a private garden, hot tub and games room. Dogs welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
1930s-style detached chalet bungalow with a paved deck surrounded by lawns and the Dorset countryside.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

This large shooting lodge is located in Dorset with peaceful rural views in a secluded location, only a short walk to Symondsbury. Axen Lodge sleeps eight over four bedrooms. This property accommodates a large garden with a hot tub, trampoline and gas BBQ. Dogs are welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Cottage Discounts
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a old holiday cottage overlooking Porlock Weir harbour at high tide.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Situated in the heart of the seaside village of Porlock Weir, Somerset, Harbour House Apartment once housed the harbour master but now makes an idyllic holiday home along the Exmoor coast, a waterside cottage featuring two cosy bedrooms and French windows offering gorgeous views of the bay.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic 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.