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.

Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The charming property located at Wickmere near Sheringham boasts antique furniture, exposed beams, and a wood-burning stove, surrounded by breathtaking views of the countryside. Cromer, a popular seaside town, is only nine miles away.

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Exterior of a two-storey Devon holiday cottage with rendered walls and a slate roof overlooking a lawn.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

Overlooking a peaceful country lane with a handful of other pretty cottages and the neighbouring parish church, this beautifully updated chocolate box detached Dartmoor holiday cottage in Mary Tavy is a 4-bedroom home from home for families, friends and family pets looking for a base in the Devon countryside to explore and unwind.

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ATudor farmhouse with timbered beam and overhanging floor overlooks a mature garden.
Sleeps
13
Bedrooms
7

Top Farm House exudes rural charm. The Grade II listed 17th-century farmhouse in Knockin is surrounded by the Shropshire countryside and boasts original beams, uneven floors and antique furnishings, as well as a wood-burning stove, Aga, baby grand piano, four-poster bed, playroom & lovely gardens.

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Exterior of a sandstone cottage with a courtyard lined by flowering shrubs.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
3

Gaze upon gorgeous coastal views or stunning moorlands during your stay at Honey Bee Cottage, a child-friendly holiday cottage in Staintondale. Converted from a former farm building, this charming rural holiday home near Scarborough with exposed timbers sleeps 4. Pets welcome.

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A House with large conservatory is surrounded by a garden with lawns and mature shrubs.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

Chapel Knap is a luxurious Exmoor holiday cottage on the Somerset coast dating back to the 12th century. The pet-friendly cottage in Porlock Weir, Somerset, boasts an impressive sunroom and a sub-tropical garden with stunning ocean views, period furnishings, a log fire, seclusion and access to the delights of Exmoor.

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A large rectory and coach house overlooks a lawn with a table laid for lunch.
Sleeps
20
Bedrooms
10

The Old Rectory and Coach House are large luxury rural properties in the North Norfolk countryside, sitting in lush, mature gardens near Dereham. The 16th-century, pet-friendly cottages possess authentic country charm, seclusion and modern comforts, a tennis court, open fires and a games room.

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A log cabin nestles against a hillside surrounded by trees and bushes on Exmoor.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Welcome to Mole End Annexe, a charming Exmoor holiday home in the heart of Withypool, nestling on the Somerset side of the Exmoor National Park. Positioned along the Two Moors Way walking route, this cottage is an idyllic rural retreat, perfect for couples seeking a tranquil escape in the midst of natural beauty.

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Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
7

This large Welsh holiday cottage in Llanberis stands in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, Sleeping 16, Halford Hill welcomes groups and large families (and their pets) for self-catering holidays exploring, walking or cycling in the North Wales countryside.

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Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Allerford is one of twelve 4-Star Exmoor Holiday Cottages in the beautiful Avill valley near Dunster, sleeping five in three bedrooms. Use indoor pool, spa, games room, tennis court, trampoline, play centre, etc. Families and pets are most welcome.

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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.