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
17
Bedrooms
7

Wheelbarrow Castle is a large Herefordshire holiday cottage, partly dating back to the 16th Century, that lies in rural surroundings near Leominster in the pretty village of Stoke Prior. This well-maintained and nicely furnished dog-friendly holiday home sleeps 17 in 7 bedrooms.

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A stone built holiday cottage in Ampleforth with a deck and courtyard containing outdoor seating option.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Ford End Cottage is a delightful rural cottage in the lovely village of Ampleforth in the North York Moors and Coast. Ideally situated for an enjoyable holiday, the pet-friendly cottage offers an open fire, a pleasant garden, light-filled spaces & reminders of its 18th-century origins.

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Comfortable cotton sofas in an open-plan living area
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Part of the brand-new Byron Apartments complex on the ground floor of a block of apartment homes, 2 Putsborough in the heart of Woolacombe, Devon, offers a luxurious coastal holiday for up to four guests, a pet-friendly apartment with an en-suite master double and access to indoor pool and gym.

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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

A superb coastal holiday cottage in Beesands, South Devon. Beautifully designed to make the most of its excellent position on the coast, you'll find a luxurious interior and fantastic sea views. Three spacious bedrooms and loads of outdoor space mean plenty of room, and it even has a cinema!

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Carpeted lounge area with large windows in a Kingsbridge holiday cottage with sofa, large cupboard and coffee table
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Discover serenity in South Devon at Printers Grange, a stylish Kingsbridge holiday home. This newly built retreat features elegant furnishings, an open-plan living space, and an enclosed terrace for relaxation. Enjoy the comfort of Hypnos beds in two bedrooms and modern amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen and Smart TV. The property's central location allows easy exploration of the picturesque Kingsbridge/Salcombe Estuary and nearby beaches. Perfect for couples and small families seeking coastal charm and privacy by the sea. View the full description for an enchanting getaway.

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A stone-builkt cottage overlooks a garden with mature trees and shrubs.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy self-catering holidays in the Lake District comfort and style with a stay at 2 Beacon High, a coastal cottage nestled in a quiet locale in the traditional south Lakeland village of Lindale, Cumbria, featuring a spacious sitting room, well-equipped kitchen and beautiful enclosed garden.

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2-storey holiday cottage in Beer  built with limestone blocks
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
4

Craft Cottage successfully blends luxury with charm. The pet-friendly, stone-built holiday cottage in Beer sleeps six and promises a seaside holiday in style. A delightful garden offers space to relax, while the interior features exposed walls and rustic charm, plus elegant décor & stylish furnishings.

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Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Gently Down the Stream is an impressive riverside cottage in Horstead by the banks of the River Bure in  Norfolk. The pet-friendly holiday home in Norfolk features exposed beams, character, sophistication, and views. Fishing, tennis, kayaking and relaxation are also available, and the coast is nearby.

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An outdoor table laid for dinner on a deck overlooks a boat-filled Falmouth esturary.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

The Watch House is a holiday cottage in Falmouth located right on the waterfront in the heart of this fabulous Cornish resort. Through its windows, guests can enjoy the most amazing 180-degree views across all of Falmouth Harbour. It sleeps up to 8 guests with reserved parking, and well-behaved dogs are 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.