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 wooden eco-lodge with a hot tub stands in an open field.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

11 Horizon View is an impressively furnished and equipped 2-bedroom holiday lodge with a hot tub. It stands in a secluded rural location amidst the beautiful Cornish countryside near Dobwells with, as its name implies, superb views. It also welcomes pets.

Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Stunning views of the River Yealm await visitors to Elphinstone, a large, luxurious holiday cottage in Newton Ferrers, Devon. Situated close to the sea, the impressive cottage offers a spacious deck, outdoor entertaining areas, an open-plan design, abundant natural light, a neutral palette and tranquillity.

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A large contemporary holiday cottage overlooks fields dipping down to a beach and ocean views.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Discover Owlscombe, an Exmoor coastal cottage offering panoramic sea views and luxurious accommodations. Located in picturesque Porlock Weir, this 6-bedroom seaside holiday home sleeps 12 and is pet-friendly. Enjoy spacious living areas, eco-friendly features, and a games room for entertainment. Step outside to explore nearly an acre of expansive gardens, complete with seating areas and BBQ facilities. With its stunning location and modern amenities, Owlscombe is the perfect choice for your Porlock Weir holiday.

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A brick-built barrn conversion overlooks a garden with a pond.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Cae-Caled Cottage is an award-winning romantic cottage lying on a farm at the foot of the Clwydian Hill Range. The pet-friendly cottage in Bodfari, North Wales, promises contemporary chic and country charm, a swimming pool, private fishing, a delightful garden and an open fire.

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Exterior of a contemporary house with  a built-iin garage, smal front garden and a palm treein Weymouth
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Sea Pebbles is a beautifully presented house only a few steps away from the front door to breathtaking sea views and the coastal path in Weymouth. Whatever you decide to do on your Dorset holiday, Sea Pebbles offers the perfect base from which to explore the Jurassic coast.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

This romantic coastal cottage for couples sleeps 2 in the peaceful Norfolk village of Heacham. Built from local Carstone with a lovely private courtyard, Kath’s Cottage is within walking distance of the Blue Flag sandy beach at Hunstanton, and within easy reach of stunning nature reserves and the King’s Sandringham Estate.

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Exterior of a stone-built holiday home in Dunster surrounded by a stone wall..
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Withycombe Cottage is a charming rural holiday cottage in the Exmoor National Park near Dunster. The pet-friendly property sleeps six with an indoor pool, a swimming pool, a tennis court and children’s playground, a games room, and an interior combining tradition and style.

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Exterior of a honey-coloured Cotswold holiday cottage with a spacious lawn with topiary.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Little House is a cute romantic cottage in the Cotswolds, boasting unique features. The luxury holiday cottage for couples in Stroud epitomises rustic chic. It offers a beautiful garden with a tipi, spa bath & views of the Cotswolds, while the interior features a fireplace with an open fire.

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2-storey exterior of a stone-built, large Dorset holiday cottage
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

Explore West Perry Hay, a charming Jurassic Coast holiday let located on the edge of North Chideock village. This spacious, stylish, and well-appointed semi-detached property is surrounded by countryside. It's perfect for family getaways with a multi-game table, a grand kitchen, and three cosy bedrooms. Enjoy alfresco breakfasts with farm views on the large lawned area. It is ideally situated to discover the Jurassic Coast's scenic wonders. This seaside holiday home in Dorset is your gateway to a delightful coast and countryside retreat. Click for a fuller description and book your escape.

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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.