A surfer traverses a large wave. Find holiday cottages for active holidays in the open air.

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 restored windmill stands in the middle of a field of ripe wheat.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

This luxuriously furnished windmill in the countryside near Usk in Monmouthshire was built in 1813 and lovingly restored to create a large, quirky holiday cottage sleeping 12 close to the Brecon Beacons National Park. Pets welcome.

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A large L-shaped Gwynedd holiday cottage house with a deck and rockery garden. garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can use Llety’r Bugail, a country cottage with mountain views located in the small market town of Dolgellau, Gwynedd, as their home base to explore scenic Snowdonia National Park by foot or mountain bike or make a day of it at nearby Fairbourne Beach. Sleeps 6.

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A chalet bungalow with a large fenced-in deck is surrounded by open countryside.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Creag-na-Sanais is a detached rural cottage on the owner’s working farm outside the village of Laggan near Newtonmore in the Northern Highlands. It is close to cycling trails and ski fields and offers guests modern accommodation in a cottage boasting sun-drenched living areas and an open fire.

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A semi-detached Cornish cottage overlooks a block-paved courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Curlew's Cwtch offers country charm within reach of the ocean. The pet-friendly holiday cottage lies moments from the beaches of Polzeath. It boasts views of the Cornish countryside from its ample garden, a pastel palette with local art, open-plan design, picture windows and a wood-burning stove.

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Chairs around an outdoor dining table offer beautiful sea views.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

The Crag is a unique, secluded seaside cottage near Housel Bay near Helston, with spectacular ocean views from its cliff-top position. It offers an open fire, luxury fittings, an expansive patio, space for children, artistic design features and access to sandy beaches on the Cornish coastline.

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Exterior and front garden of a 3-storey Georgian town house.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

A historic Georgian property offering self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 12, Derwent House provides six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a panelled dining room and a large, superbly equipped kitchen. It is an excellent holiday cottage in Derbyshire for special occasions and meeting with friends and families, ideally for exploring the Peak District.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

This serene countryside eco-lodge is a perfect spot for a romantic getaway. It is pet-friendly and has a private hot tub, making it all the more delightful. Thistledown is located in the coastal village of Georgeham, near Braunton, and is just a short drive away from some of the most stunning beaches. The rural retreat offers beautiful views and is situated in North Devon.

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Exterior of a row of terraced houses with potted bayleaf trees aside the front doors.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Perfectly situated for couples and small families hoping to explore the Norfolk Broads, Valentine Cottage in the heart of the Norfolk market town of Aylsham, offers cosy and welcoming accommodation, a pet-friendly cottage with wood burning stove, Freeview TVs, and a brick-built summerhouse.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Barn Cottage, a truly romantic getaway, is a stone-built Cornish holiday cottage in Dobwalls near Liskeard. The cosy rural retreat features contemporary fittings paired with traditional features, a four-poster bed and beautiful rural views of the hills and valley beyond.

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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 direct to check that what you want to do on holiday is precisely the activity accessible at the cottage.