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
6
Bedrooms
3

Explore the enchantment of Ingle Tor, a luxurious holiday cottage situated on the Bovey Castle Hotel estate in Devon. This cottage is surrounded by tranquil woodlands and is an ideal base for walking holidays on Dartmoor. Experience a sophisticated and well-equipped retreat with an open-plan living space, three en-suite bedrooms, and private terraces.

Relax in the hotel's 5-star lounges, enjoy dining in the on-site restaurants, and indulge in leisure facilities such as an indoor pool and tennis courts. With EV charging facilities, pet-friendly accommodation options, and a wide range of activities, Ingle Tor promises an unforgettable getaway for families or friends looking for self-catering holidays near Bovey Tracey.

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Stone-built bungalow exterior overlooking a paved courtyard in Robin Hoods bay
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Abbey View Cottage is a charming stone-built barn conversion on a working coastal farm near Robin Hood’s Bay, which offers couples the peace and seclusion of a romantic cottage. The pet-friendly holiday home provides beautiful views across farmland to Whitby Abbey and proximity to the North York Moors.

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A thatched country cottage on Dartmoor overlooks its front hedge
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Thorn Cottage, a secluded Chagford holiday let in Dartmoor, beckons with charm. Nestled in a tranquil hamlet, this pet-friendly country cottage features a captivating granite fireplace and a wood-burning stove. Three cosy bedrooms under the thatch offer countryside views. A fenced paddock with a summerhouse adds allure. Chagford's vibrant village, with shops and dining, is nearby. Explore this inviting retreat—your ideal pet-friendly getaway for a truly secluded Dartmoor holiday.

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Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

The Old Farmhouse is a luxury, family-friendly cottage set on a working farm in Lowick south of Berwick-upon-Tweed for a family of up to seven to enjoy a lovely and relaxing holiday in the Northumberland countryside within easy reach of the coast and Hadrian’s Wall. Sleeps 7.

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Double-fronted exterior of a rustic, terraced holiday cottage in a Mid Devon village street with a flowery-creeper overhanging the front door.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Sausage Cottage in Oakford is a large and charming Mid Devon holiday cottage that can accommodate up to eight guests. It offers four delightful bedrooms, an inviting sitting room with an art deco fireplace, and a separate Snug/TV room. The cottage is situated within walking distance of the village pub and is an ideal base for exploring the idyllic moorland surroundings. It promises a unique and memorable stay for its guests.

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A Somerset stone barn conversion overlooks a large lawn lined by flower beds and shrubs.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
4

Tradition defines Ryecroft Barn, a large, elegant Yorkshire Dales holiday cottage in Glusburn. It is surrounded by rolling green hills and manicured gardens. The pet-friendly property boasts a spacious sunroom, outdoor entertaining areas, exposed beams, a fireplace, oak furnishings and stained-glass windows.

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Exterior of a 3-storey Georgian Townhouse and Garden.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
6

The Normans is an imposing Georgian townhouse in the heart of Wells-next-the-Sea, promising groups elegance and sophistication. Perfect for marking special occasions, the luxury holiday cottage on the North Norfolk coast boasts a games room, a unique cinema room, gardens, ocean views and an open fire for out-of-season holidays.

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Exterior of a 2 storey detached house overlooking a garden and driveway.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

This spacious holiday home in Torbay offers stunning views of Brixham Marina and the bay towards Torquay. The open-plan living space is bright and inviting, and the enclosed garden with seating makes it an excellent choice for families or friends looking to spend a memorable break in Brixham.

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Exterior of a stone-built house overlooking a lawn surrounded by a stone wall and small trees.
Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
4

A Grade II listed semi-detached farmhouse in Parwich, Orchard View, is full of charm and character and situated in peaceful rural surroundings. This large and spacious dog-friendly holiday home in the Peak District sleeps up to nine people.

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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.