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.

A whitewashed cottage with a stone-built porch overlooks a lawn lined by mature shrubs and flowers.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

The Harber Scar is a traditional 3-bedroom family cottage in the Pennine village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale near Settle, best known as the location of the Three Peaks hills of the Yorkshire Dales. The cottage embraces the charm and character of its rural setting both inside and outside. Pets welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A paved path leads to the side entrance of a brick built, Isle-of-Wight holiday cottage
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

A romantic holiday retreat for two awaits visitors to the Isle of Wight at The Sail Loft Annexe. Just west of the historic harbour town of Yarmouth, guests can easily access a private beach from this delightful ground-floor beach apartment.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A ground-floor countryside cottage with a central gable extension overlooks a large courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

6 Yarmouth Cottages is a sophisticated coastal cottage on the Isle of Wight set on vast grounds in Norton Green. The pet-friendly cottage sleeps 4, enjoys fresh air and expansive views, and boasts abundant natural light, contemporary chic, open-plan design, and a sun-drenched, furnished patio.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A ground-floor rural barn conversion in Cornwall overlooks a shingle-covered courtyard.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
1

Wheal Rose is a romantic cottage tucked away in the hills near St. Newlyn East in Cornwall. The rural cottage boasts exposed beams and a delightful garden, modern comforts and proximity to the Cornish coast. Relax, connect, unwind and sample the delights of this beautiful county.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A double-fronted stone cottage  with a hedged-in lawn to the front and a gated driveway for cars.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Pen-Y-Parc is a delightful 18th-century stone-built rural cottage offering the delights of the countryside and the coast. Situated in peaceful Gwaenysgor in North Wales and Snowdonia, the homely cottage provides seclusion, rural charm, delightful gardens, and views of the surrounding hills.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A long, stone-built Shropshire cottage surrounded by a large hedge-lined lawn
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Make Hillgate House in the hamlet of Hemford, Shropshire, your holiday base in the Welsh Marches, an 18th-century stone-built countryside cottage near Bishops Castle that boasts a wealth of original features, including exposed beams, ornamental Victorian fireplace, and Shepherd’s Hut amidst a large lawned garden.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Singl storey barn convrsion with floor-to-ceiling windows and a flagstone terrace with dining table.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Magnolia Barn is a charming rural holiday cottage in Mark, a delightful village on the Somerset Levels. The pet-friendly cottage boasts exposed stone walls, flagstone floors, and a country-style kitchen, combining this tradition with contemporary comforts. Relax in style by the country and the coast.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a long wooden barn conversion near Shrewsbury
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Black Lion Barn Retreat is a secluded rural cottage on a working farm in Church Pulverbatch in Shropshire. The sophisticated cottage promises tranquillity and views of the surrounding hills, a beautiful garden, an open fire, floor-to-ceiling windows, a games room and Yoga classes.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A modern detached house with large windows and space for off-road parking in front.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Set in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is Gwelfor, a luxurious coastal holiday cottage in Marloes. The large, sophisticated house enjoys access to the highlights of South Wales and Pembrokeshire. It offers a contemporary open-plan design, light-filled spaces, lovely grounds, a sea breeze and a wood burner.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Large 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.