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.

Open plan apartment interior with a full length floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

5 Challacombe is a luxurious North Devon holiday apartment, just moments from Woolacombe beach. The pet-friendly cottage exudes coastal chic and boasts a spacious deck beside the open-plan living space, and access to an indoor pool, and gym.

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Eterior of a double-fronted terraced cottage overlooking an empty village street.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
2

With views over the village green, Chapel Cottage is an ideal family cottage. The pet-friendly cottage in Exford provides comfort and style and is set inside Exmoor National Park and its endless natural wonders. Set over three levels, the cottage boasts a wood burner plus generous outdoor areas for relaxation.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Devon Beach Court is a charming and spacious modern seaside holiday apartment located in the picturesque town of Woolacombe. This family-friendly holiday lets you experience a perfect blend of comfort and style, making it an ideal choice for your next seaside getaway. This warm and inviting property atmosphere can comfortably accommodate up to four people in two beautifully decorated bedrooms - one with an ensuite bathroom. Whether you're looking to spend quality time with your family or enjoy a romantic holiday with your loved one, Devon Beach Court has everything you need to make your stay memorable.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy holidays at Stable Cottage, a family-friendly holiday home in Sudbury, perfect for self-catering holidays exploring the Essex coast and countryside. Enjoy scenic walks along the River Stour and explore historic Sudbury. With off-road parking, two comfortable bedrooms, and a well-equipped kitchen, it's an ideal retreat. Nearby attractions like Gainsborough's Museum and Kentwell Hall await exploration. Experience the charm of Sudbury from this charming cottage, promising a memorable holiday or weekend break in any season of the year.

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Exterior of a Newtonmore holiday cottage in a restored railway signal box.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Enjoy a holiday in a thoroughly modern property converted from a historic signal box. The Signal Box is a rural holiday cottage for couples in Newtonmore with stunning views of the Cairngorms and all of the comforts of home. It was chosen as one of the 50 best UK holiday cottages by The Times Newspaper.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Fast Car is a contemporary coastal cottage set between the ocean and the countryside of Yorkshire in Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Guests can explore the rugged coastline and return to a cottage boasting an open-plan design with natural light, wooden floors, feature stone walls, and traditional charm.

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Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
8

Once a hop brewery, this 15th-Century Grade-II listed barn has been converted to create a large and attractive Cotswold holiday cottage in an idyllic rural village near Cirencester. Greyhound Barn sleeps 16 guests in 8 bedrooms (all en-suite). Pets welcome.

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Exterior of a slate-roofed barn conversion with patio and lawned garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Nantusi is a charming 17th Century cottage offering pet-friendly self-catering accommodation for 2-6 guests in East Murthill village, 7 miles from Kirriemuir. Facilities include shared use of an indoor swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi. It's a fabulous spot for walking, fishing and golf holidays.

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Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Wheelhouse Cottage is an authentic Yorkshire cottage near Pickering. It has a four-poster bed, beamed ceilings, and a traditional fireplace. The award-winning property at Keld Head Cottages boasts a stone façade, beautiful views, extensive gardens, and children's indoor and outdoor play areas.

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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.