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 long, 2-storey farm cottage overlooking a spacious lawn.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Set on the vast grounds of Melmerby Hall, Stag Cottage is an award-winning, self-contained, 17th-century, Grade II-listed sandstone cottage in Melmerby, Cumbria. The pet-friendly, 5-star Gold cottage promises 20 acres of grounds, a private garden, an open fire, mullion windows, and beams.

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1.slade-house,ashbourne,derbyshire-exterior
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Located near Ashbourne on the edge of the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire Slade House is one of three large, charming properties at Slade House Farm offering ideal large accommodation for family holidays, reunions and short breaks set in an idyllic, rural location. Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms.

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A single storey Northumberland barn conversion surrounded by a large, tree-fringed lawn
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Find peace at the gorgeous Drovers Rest stone cottage on the edge of the Northumberland National Park and close to Otterburn. This cosy and remote Northumberland holiday cottage offers tranquillity and access to outdoor pursuits, National Trust homes and Hadrian’s Wall.

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A single-storey clapperboard barn conversion with a patio and well-kept lawn.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Broomers Barn is a beautifully appointed single-storey, wooden-clad barn located in a very pretty and peaceful setting. Full-length bi-fold doors open up from the living space onto a private decked area and lawns with uninterrupted views over the surrounding countryside.

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Front exterior of a thatched Devon longhouse on a quiet Devon lane.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

A historic, romantic holiday cottage in Stockland nestled in the heart of the Devon countryside, Kites Holt makes the perfect Blackdown Hills rural retreat, part of a 15th-century thatched Medieval Hall House with a private entrance, open fire, underfloor heating in the bathroom, and quaint mid-floor kitchen.

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Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Sitting on the edge of the village of Carrog near Corwen in Denbighshire, The Mill House is a lovingly maintained Edwardian farmhouse overlooking the River Dee. This pet-friendly five-bedroom home is ideal for a large group or family trips to Snowdonia.

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Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Wheelhouse Cottage is an authentic Yorkshire cottage near Pickering. It has a four-poster bed, beamed ceilings, and a traditional fireplace. The award-winning property at Keld Head Cottages boasts a stone façade, beautiful views, extensive gardens, and children's indoor and outdoor play areas.

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Barn conversions overlook a courtyard with a central flower bed
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Granary is a charming, detached cottage located in the rural area of Keld Head Cottages, near Pickering in Yorkshire. This award-winning farm cottage features an open fire and beautiful exposed beams, creating a warm and cosy ambience. The cottage also offers large, stunning gardens with indoor and outdoor play areas, perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The beautiful views surrounding the cottage are sure to help you unwind and enjoy a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Exterior ofa barn conversion behind a shrub-filled garden.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

One of nine countryside cottages that make up Keld Head Farm Cottages and nestled near the foot of rolling moorlands, Pigeon Cote near the market town of Pickering, North Yorkshire, retains much of its original charm and features, with open beamed ceilings and traditional stone fireplace.

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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.