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 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.

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

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Small Cottages
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote 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.