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 semi-detached holiday cottage in East Yorkshire overlooking a quiet road with plenty of parking spaces to the rear.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The White House welcomes couples to Middleton-on-the-Wold and rewards them with an indulgent hot tub. The pet-friendly romantic cottage in the Vale of York and Yorkshire Wolds sits in a prime location for walking and cycling and offers a sophisticated style with exposed beams and an open-plan design.

  • Active Holidays
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Semi-detached cottages with French windows overlook a large lawn.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Views of the working farm and the ocean beyond greet guests at Stephen’s Cottage in Alnmouth, Northumberland. The three bedrooms sit within the stone walls of this pet-free end terrace, which has been delightfully furnished and befitting a charming country property with modern amenities.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

The Farmhouse is a dog-friendly 3-bedroom Yorkshire Farmhouse in Penistone, offering glorious rural views right across to the Peak District. Sleeps 6. Perfect for walking and cycling holidays in The Pennines.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
A 2-storey exterior of a Looe holiday let with bay windows and large garden.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

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  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A Weymouth apartment deck with a table laid for breakfast.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Discover the homely comforts of The Seafoal, a Lyme Regis holiday apartment, perfect for a seaside retreat for two. Enjoy breathtaking sea views, a private roof terrace, and a king-size bed. This contemporary haven, nestled behind Lyme’s main high street, offers a prime location with onsite parking. Immerse yourself in comfort with a well-equipped kitchen, smart TV, and Juliet balcony. Explore Lyme Regis’s charm, beaches, and iconic landmarks from this exclusive second-floor escape. Experience the best of the coast at The Seafoal – your ideal seaside apartment.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
Sleeps
17
Bedrooms
7

Wheelbarrow Castle is a large Herefordshire holiday cottage, partly dating back to the 16th Century, that lies in rural surroundings near Leominster in the pretty village of Stoke Prior. This well-maintained and nicely furnished dog-friendly holiday home sleeps 17 in 7 bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior and front garden of a stone-built Dorset holiday cottage with outdoor dining furniture on its terrace.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Chideock Cottage is a well-equipped holiday cottage which is available all-year-round. Situated in the village of Chideock with stunning views of the hills and just a 20 minute walk to the beach at Seatown. There is a lovely foodie pub just over the road, too!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Gable end of a stone-built Dorset holiday cottage overlooking a shrub-filled front garden.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Discover The Old School House for unforgettable self-catering holidays in Dorset. This converted Victorian school in Piddletrenthide seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comfort. Relax by the wood-burning stove, enjoy a reading room, and savour meals in the bright kitchen/diner. Three well-presented bedrooms include an en-suite double, a twin, and a skylit single. The family bathroom boasts a bath and a separate shower. Charming gardens and proximity to Dorchester and the Jurassic Coast make this pet-friendly cottage an ideal choice. Explore the full description for an enticing getaway.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • 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.