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.

far-reaching view of boating marinas on the Dart Estuary
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Rose Cottage in South Devon, sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms with truly spectacular panoramic views over the Dart Esturary Darthaven Marina, the Britannia Royal Naval College and upstream towards Dittisham. The stone holiday cottage was built in 1880 in a sought after position, A great, peaceful location on the English Riviera close to South Devon beaches.

  • Active Holidays
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Exterior of a stone-built terraced holiday cottage near Fakenham
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Dairy Barn is a charming rural holiday cottage near Fakenham bursting with a traditional character set on 7 acres of grounds in Toftrees, Norfolk. The 18th-century barn conversion welcomes pets and boasts lovely gardens, exposed beams, a swimming pool, and a games room featuring brick walls and a contemporary setting.

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A semi-detached house with a shrub-filled front garden and privet hedge.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Old Malthouse is a sophisticated rural cottage in Monksilver, Somerset, which blends tradition and modernity. Replete with exposed beams and a wood burner, the pet-friendly property once supplied malt to the region and is an ideal place to enjoy a local cider or an ale after a day exploring Exmoor.

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A modern New Forest holiday home overlooks a large shingle drive and a garage.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover Homelands, an exquisite Hampshire holiday let in Brockenhurst, adorned with the prestigious Visit England Gold Award and a 2018 ROSE Award. This luxurious semi-detached cottage, tastefully furnished with a forest theme, offers impeccable comfort and style. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a modern kitchen cater to every need. Enjoy a wood-burning stove, a south-facing garden, and private parking for two cars. Perfectly located for self-catering holidays in the New Forest, with Brockenhurst rail station minutes away for holidays by rail. Immerse yourself in this award-winning property—your gateway to a delightful Hampshire escape.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Within the stone walls of this coastal holiday cottage in Northumberland lie vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and rural charm married with luxury finishes. Croft Cottage offers two bedrooms of contemporary style and undeniable comfort near Newton-by-the-Sea and North East Heritage Coast attractions.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Edmund’s Cottage in the quaint village of Crakehall is one of three holiday homes in North Yorkshire that combine original features with contemporary comforts, a dog-friendly cottage with a garden hot tub, exposed beams, Smart TVs in the lounge and first-floor master, and riverside views of Bedale Beck.

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Large, stone-built farmhouse with a spacious lawn.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Manor Farm is a Grade-II listed Gloucestershire farmhouse set in the hamlet of Grafton, with beautiful views of Bredon Hill and the Cotswolds. The pet-friendly cottage sleeps 10 & offers guests antique furnishings, rustic charm, wood-burning stoves, furnished outdoor areas and style.

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Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

 

Discover Cuckoo Cottage, a historic stone dwelling in Pateley Bridge, offering comfort and charm. With three tranquil bedrooms, a cosy woodburning stove, and modern amenities, it's an ideal holiday home in the Yorkshire Dales. Enjoy leisurely strolls, outdoor adventures, and nearby attractions in Nidderdale's stunning landscapes. Experience the best of Yorkshire Dales while living like a local at Cuckoo Cottage. Explore more about this delightful retreat now!

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A brick house overlooks a large lawn with flower-filled borders
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

Jacob’s Pond is a sophisticated rural cottage on the edge of Exmoor National Park near Monksilver in Somerset. The semi-detached cottage sleeps 7 in spacious rooms. It boasts a beautiful mature garden with multiple furnished areas, fantastic views, a conservatory, elegance, and a log 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.