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 cosy stone-built cottage in Danby on a sunny day with a garden bench and patio.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Daffodil Cottage offers couples on self-catering holidays in North Yorkshire spectacular rural views and cosy accommodation in the remote hamlet of Houlsyke, near Danby. This romantic cottage for couples exudes warmth and character, a perfect rural retreat for weekends and walking holidays on the North York Moors.

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2-storey, stone-built, Georgian country house overlooking spacious lawns.
Sleeps
17
Bedrooms
7

Live like a lord or lady of the manor with a stay at Wuthering Heights, a lovely Grade II-listed Georgian home on 2½ acres of private grounds near the West Yorkshire village of West Bretton. This large, pet-friendly holiday cottage features seven bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and majestic moorland views.

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Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Bryn Cemllyn is a large rural holiday cottage in Gwynedd that sleeps 12. Located in the Coed-y-Brenin Forest near Dolgellau, it lies inland from the coast at Barmouth and just south of the Snowdonia National Park - a fabulous location for holidays in the Great Outdoors. Pets Welcome.

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A semi-detached cottage with a secure front garden nestles into a tree-covered bank
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoying an elevated position above Bridgetown, this Exmoor holiday home has wonderful views of the village and this beautiful national park. The pet-friendly cottage boasts a cosy wood-burning stove and multiple outdoor areas for fun and relaxation. It is close to Dulverton and the many attractions in West Somerset.

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2-storey Victorian town house with bay windows and small front garden
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
3

A charming and cosy family- and pet-friendly getaway in Marske-by-the-Sea, Victoria Cottage is a delightful balance of historic touches and modern convenience with room for four. This cottage makes the most of its excellent seaside location, offering a family holiday in a warm, comfortable environment.

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Large lawns surround a ground-floor barn conversion in remote, open Northumberland countryside
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

This beautiful 3-bedroom Northumberland holiday cottage in the Cheviot Hills lies in the stunning Northumberland countryside just outside the village of Akeld near Wooler in the Northumberland National Park. The cottage is lovingly decorated and perfect for walking holidays in Northumberland.

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A lounge with a feature fireplace between two armchairs.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
4

Set just minutes from the seafront is Calathea, a charming coastal townhouse in Ramsgate, Kent. The Georgian property boasts original features  stylish sophistication, light-filled spaces, standout art pieces and a sun-trap patio, plus access to many cafes and seaside attractions. Holiday in style.

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The exterior of a double-fronted house with a patio containing dining furniture
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Combe Lane Cottage is a holiday cottage in Exford, a picturesque Somerset village with gorgeous rural views from its generous enclosed garden. The pet-friendly cottage boasts tranquillity, a wood-burning stove, and a light and airy design. Guests enjoy access to the picturesque hills, valleys, and wild moorland of Exmoor National Park and a hassle-free holiday.

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A holiday bungalow with off-road parking in a remote rural location.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Ghyll Bank Bungalow is a gorgeous traditional cottage nestled among farmland near Staveley in Cumbria and The Lake District. The cosy, pet-friendly property enjoys breathtaking views of the fells and features charming details, furnished outdoor spaces, contemporary comforts and an open fire.

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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.