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 white-rendered holiday bungalow with a large forecourt for parking
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Perched atop West Pentire headland, Cormorant enjoys uninterrupted ocean views and a short walk to the beach. The pet-friendly Crantock holiday cottage in Cornwall boasts beautiful gardens, a sun-trap conservatory, an open fire, and an open-plan design with contemporary elegance and a sea breeze.

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A hot tub bubbles away in in front of an elegant Pembrokeshire holiday cottage surrounded by  a patio and lawns.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Copybush Cottage is a sophisticated and secluded rural holiday cottage in Pembrokeshire, offering beautiful countryside views. Situated in a peaceful corner of Lawrenny, the pet-friendly cottage provides spacious grounds, a hot tub, an open fire, and modern and elegant décor.

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Exterior of a large 2-storey barn conversion surrounded by lawns.
Sleeps
18
Bedrooms
8

Stay at The Roundhouse, a large holiday cottage in South Devon. Seven bedrooms and a private annexe offer flexible accommodation for gatherings. The grand central hall of this luxury holiday home boasts a well-equipped kitchen and a wood-burning stove. Enjoy countryside views from the mezzanine or relax in the shared indoor pool and play area. Perfect for pet-friendly holidays, this rural cottage provides peace and privacy. For a detailed experience, view the fuller description and book your stay at this extraordinary barn conversion near Halwell.

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A wood and slate Cotswold holiday cottage overlooks a terrace with a dining table and lawn.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Couples seeking a relaxing getaway will enjoy a stay at The Sycamore, a delightful romantic Cotswold holiday cottage for couples near the historic village of Arlington in Gloucestershire. It's the perfect weekend retreat featuring plenty of natural light streaming from double-height windows, beamed ceilings, and wood floors.

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Sleeps
17
Bedrooms
9

This delightful pair of Shropshire Holiday Cottages in Bishop's Castle can be let independently or together. Between them, The Old School House and Cottage sleep 17 in 9 bedrooms. They comprise a large Georgian house with an adjacent detached cottage and hot tub, offering large and characterful accommodation.

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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Keltie is a former fisherman’s cottage now offering contemporary accommodation in Portnockie in Moray. The sizeable coastal cottage in Aberdeenshire offers a south-facing patio, sea views and lovely décor. It sits in the seaside fishing village of Portknockie, close to the little harbour, beaches and the Moray coastal trail. Pets welcome.

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Sleeps
15
Bedrooms
5

The Old Robin Hood is a Grade II-listed rural cottage near Holmesfield with beautiful Peak District views and Derbyshire Dales. The large, pet-friendly cottage possesses country charm and modern comforts and includes a spacious garden, a hot tub, a games room, exposed beams, and an open fire.

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
4

Becks Fold is a large Lake District holiday cottage with exquisite decor and a modern style. Double-height ceilings, original vaulted beams, and underfloor heating create a sense of charm at this genuinely warming and inviting secluded rural retreat close to Lake Coniston in Cumbria. It sleeps 10.

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A countryside bungalow with a view of the sea in the background.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

A sandy beach sits on the doorstep of Swn y Mor, a large seaside holiday cottage with a hot tub in Pembrokeshire which welcomes families. Outdoor entertaining areas and generous windows capture the ocean views and complement the luxurious décor of the pet-friendly holiday home. Sleeps 8.

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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.