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 wisteria-clad, double-fronted Georgian House and front garden.
Sleeps
17
Bedrooms
8

Crepe Farmhouse is a large luxury farmhouse in Symondsbury surrounded by stunning scenery. Guests have exclusive access to the swimming pool, sauna, games room, cinema room, and large garden. It is ideal for extended families, celebrations, and large groups. Dogs are welcome.

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Contemporary wood and glass bungalow with floor to ceiling French windows
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

Cowslip is a sophisticated coastal cottage in Bamburgh, surrounded by green hills and open space on the Northumberland coast. The pet-friendly holiday let benefits from an urban style and boasts expansive views of the surrounding countryside and Bamburgh Castle from its generous deck and ample windows.

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Exterior of a large whitewashed Welsh farmhouse and garden.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Situated in an elevated rural location just outside the walled market town of Conwy, Cymryd Uchaf is a large and pet-friendly cottage. Its four lush gardens overlook lovely Conwy Bay and offer views of the nearby Snowdonia National Park. This 4-bedroom coastal cottage sleeps 8.

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A Large stone-built Lake District lodge overlook a drive and large lawn.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Located in a 5000-acre country estate in the Lake District, Cunsey Lodge is a large and impressive holiday cottage near Hawkshead in Cumbria, sleeping eight guests in four bedrooms. Guests can access a communal pool, games room, fitness centre, and kids' play area - and walk from the doorstep.

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A semi-detached cottage overlooks a stone-walled front garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The quaint Grade-II listed Croft Head Cottage boasts exposed beamed ceilings, flagged floors, and a wood-burning stove in a converted coaching inn near the village of Wrelton in the North York Moors. The pet-free property welcomes families with two bedrooms and cast-iron furnishings.

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Stone steps led up to the front door of a Victorian houe iin Skipton. An iron-barred gate stand at the bottom of the steps flanked by an ivy hedge.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
7

Craven House is a large, dog-friendly Victorian House in Skipton with Wi-Fi. It offers spacious self-catering accommodation for up to 14 guests in the Yorkshire Dales, perfect for walking and touring holidays in North Yorkshire.

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Entry arch and adjoining granite-built cottage overlook a castle courtyard.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The National Trust for Scotland offers Courtyard Cottage, a romantic apartment inside Drum Castle in Drumoak. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in Aberdeenshire dates back 700 years and boasts antique furnishings in keeping with its history, as well as an open fire, contemporary comforts and beautiful grounds.

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A single-storey Dorset holiday cottage overlooks a large lawn surrounded by a wooden fence, trees and rose bushes.
Sleeps
11
Bedrooms
5

Situated amidst the splendour of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and boasting amenities suitable for all ages, Court House Farmhouse is a large holiday cottage on the edge of the Dorset village of Whitchurch Canonicorum. This a child-friendly cottage with five bedrooms, a private hot tub, and a shared games barn.

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A single storey, stone barn conversion overlooks a lawned garden with outdoor table and chair.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Cosy Cottage offers compact yet comfortable accommodation for couples on holiday in the West Country. It is a delightful romantic country cottage situated on the edge of Dobwalls in Cornwall. It features a lovely double bedroom, a modern kitchen, and a small garden with rural views.

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