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.

Converted barns overlook a courtyard garden bordered by a low stone wall.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Visitors coming to discover the delights of the Derbyshire Peak District can do so in style at Tagg Cottage at Endmoor Farm, a family-friendly luxury holiday cottage on a working farm near Bakewell that sleeps 4 in a superb and secluded rural location. Pets welcome.

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Cloistered extrior of a single-storey barn conversion with a creeper-covered pergola.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Garden Barn is a gorgeous rural cottage situated on a farm, which spoils guests with endless rustic charm, an open fire, contemporary comfort, a sun-drenched summerhouse and expansive views to Billingsley and the Shropshire region from its generous garden, where children and pets can run free.

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Exterior of a 3-storey townhouse on a quiet lane in Looe.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

On the edge of the old part of East Looe and a short stroll from the seafront and sandy beach nestles The Den, a roomy and contemporary ground-floor apartment in a 100-year-old building. It has its own parking and a rock-face enclosed courtyard, ideal for enjoying barbecues on sunny days.

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A holiday cottage bay window overlooks a lawn surrounded by flower beds.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Pip’s Corner is a spacious Edwardian holiday cottage in Lynton, close to the sea in North Devon. It sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys an ideal village location and boasts tiled floors, a log fire and modern comforts, multiple outdoor spaces and a sun-drenched conservatory. Enjoy Lynton and trips down the Lynton-Lynmouth cliff railway, and the Exmoor National Park.

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A remote 2-storey barn conversion in a moorland location.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Meadows Edge once saw life as a reading room, and the detached cottage still offers couples a tranquil, romantic getaway in Holwick. Skilfully converted and boasting modern comforts, the pet-friendly, old stone barn features an upside-down design to capture the views of the Yorkshire Dales best.

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A weatherboard barn conversion with a patio having a small table and chairs.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Larch Barn sits amidst a large meadow on the edge of the South Somerset village of North Perrott, a pretty child-friendly cottage offering comfortable accommodation for couples and young families, boasting two bedrooms and a light, airy open plan living area with exposed beams.

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A stone-built terraced cottage with a front garden behind a picket fence.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

1 Heath View, a New Forest holiday home, oozes charm and tranquillity. Nestled opposite the open Forest, it offers stunning heathland views and direct forest access. Relax in the comfortable lounge with a wood-burning stove, perfect for cosy out-of-season breaks. Enjoy a modern kitchen, conservatory, and two double bedrooms with forest vistas. It is ideal for walking and cycling holidays in the New Forest National Park. Book now for a delightful countryside getaway.

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Exterior or an old 3-storey country cottage in Norfolk overlooking a large lawn bordered by mature trees.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Laylands is a grand old house just moments from the beach in Well-next-the-Sea. As one of the original houses in the region, this large Norfolk holiday cottage boasts numerous original features, such as an open fire, which blend seamlessly with the modern décor. The expansive gardens make for a perfect holiday.

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L-shaped single-storey exterior of a Warwickshire holiday cottage overlooking a courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Cider Press is a light, warm and spacious semi-detached rural cottage in Ilmington, Warwickshire. The Cotswold stone barn conversion welcomes pets and is situated on a quiet lane in an AONB. The cottage offers lovely views, modernity, walks from the door, a garden with a small stream, and a log fire.

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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.