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 stone barn conversion overlooks an outdoor swimming pool in a shrub-filled garden
Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
8

The Old Byres is a large holiday cottage, bursting with character on the rural West Somerset coast in Washford village between Watchet and Dunster. This tastefully furnished, pet-friendly holiday property sleeps 16 guests who have use of an outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna and hot tub.

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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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Exterior of a Somerset Cottage with large chimney in front of tall trees and overlooking a large courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Set on a working farm near Wheddon Cross, the highest village on Exmoor, Hedgehog Cottage promises serenity and wonderful countryside views. The pet-friendly cottage offers fresh air, spacious grounds, a log fire, country charm, and contemporary luxury.

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Large modern chalet bungalow approached by a spacious block paved drive.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
4

This large luxury holiday cottage in Ventnor lies in the south of the Isle of Wight, a short stroll from the beach at \Steephill Cove. The beach at Steephill Cove is a short stroll away, and Ventnor Botanical Gardens is just a two-minute walk away.

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A vine-clad, stone-built, corner cottage on an empty village street.
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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Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
4

Lees Farm is a large stone-built detached farmhouse surrounded by open countryside It captures stunning views of Priestcliffe and the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales. The pet-friendly cottage features country charm, modern comforts, ample grounds, open fires, and rare rural seclusion.

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A terraced stone cottage with a low wall around the front garden
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The stone walls of Englewood Cottage encase a delightfully appointed, two-bedroom, pet-friendly holiday cottage in Northumberland, replete with contemporary fittings, exposed timber beams, inglenook fireplace, multi-fuel stove, four poster beds and a large garden bordered by a small stream.

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Ward Court holiday cottage isa brick property next to the village shop.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Bright and cosy, Wards Court 1 is perfect for a romantic getaway in Gloucestershire. Updated throughout, this self-catering apartment in Frampton on Severn is a lovely idyllic village retreat for two. The River Severn and nearby countryside offer many delightful options for exploring or simply relaxing together.

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Sliding doors reveal the luxuriously furnished open-plan exterior of a modern holiday cottage.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Kersey Cottage is a beautiful, newly refurbished, family-friendly holiday home in the heart of Flushing village with an open plan living to sleep up to 8 guests in comfort. Dogs are welcome, and the spacious sun-trap garden is a real bonus!

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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.