A surfer traverses a large wave.

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.

Exterior of a 2-storey, wooden A-Frame eco lodge surrounded by oprn countryside
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Comraich, which means sanctuary and protection in Gaelic, is a cozy and fully equipped wooden holiday home that can accommodate up to six people. It offers all the necessary amenities for a family to enjoy a self-catering stay. It is located on a remote rural hillside behind the village of Kilchoan and boasts stunning sea views over to the Isle of Mull. Pets are welcome to join the guests.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Todd Hills Hall Farmhouse is a luxurious rural cottage boasting panoramic views of the Pennines. The pet-friendly cottage near Melmerby in Cumbria boasts seclusion and fresh air. It features log fires, exposed beams and Aga, a hot tub, a snooker table, beautiful gardens and ornate furnishings.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The charming property located at Wickmere near Sheringham boasts antique furniture, exposed beams, and a wood-burning stove, surrounded by breathtaking views of the countryside. Cromer, a popular seaside town, is only nine miles away.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a 2-storey contemporary home with twin floor-to-ceiling French windows opening onto the garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Bucket & Spade is a beautiful coastal cottage in East Devon, just a stone's throw away from the pristine white sands of Seaton. The pet-friendly holiday home boasts a spacious garden with an outdoor relaxation area, a cosy log fire, and an open-plan design with a chic coastal feel.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Stone-built exterior of a Peak District Cottage with flower-covered flagstone terrace.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Jasmine Cottage is a charming countryside retreat in Derbyshire's Peak District, blending traditional features with modern amenities. The child-friendly cottage features an en-suite bathroom with a waterfall shower and a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
1930s-style detached chalet bungalow with a paved deck surrounded by lawns and the Dorset countryside.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

This large shooting lodge is located in Dorset with peaceful rural views in a secluded location, only a short walk to Symondsbury. Axen Lodge sleeps eight over four bedrooms. This property accommodates a large garden with a hot tub, trampoline and gas BBQ. Dogs are welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Cottage Discounts
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A reed-fringed lake sits in front of a 2-storey Shropshire barn conversion.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
6

Buttercups Haybarn is a detached 5-star rural cottage set amidst woodland and green fields in Alkington, Shropshire. The luxurious Georgian cottage blends tradition with urban chic, with shared use of an indoor swimming pool, multi-sports court, an Under 5's play area, plus wonderful rural views.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Cottage Discounts
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Annexe is one of 12 Exmoor Holiday Cottages at Duddings Country Cottages in the beautiful Avill Valley near Dunster and Minehead. It sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms. Facilities include an indoor pool, spa bath, games room, tennis court, trampoline, and play centre. Families and dogs are welcome. The Annexe is 4-star rated by Visit England.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Spacious, open-Plan interior of a modern seaside holiday apartment.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

A modern luxury apartment home in a brand-new North Devon coastal complex, 5 Putsborough in the heart of the seaside resort village of Woolacombe, Devon, offers a family-friendly holiday stay, a pet-friendly home with a master bedroom having a  king-sized bedroom and an en-suite bathroom, private balcony, and access to indoor pool and gym.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays

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 directly to check that what you want to do on holiday is precisely the activity accessible at the cottage.