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 nicely refurbished two-storey, terraced townhouse with a small front garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Escape to the seaside! Colours Borrowed from the Sea is a sophisticated coastal cottage just moments from the beaches of Marske-by-the-Sea in Yorkshire. The pet-friendly cottage boasts coastal chic with light and airy spaces and a pleasant outdoor area that catches the sea breeze and the sun.

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Lawns surround the exterior of a large rural holiday cottage.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Thatch Barn is a charming holiday home in Acle on the edge of the picturesque Norfolk Broads. This inviting retreat can accommodate up to eight guests, making it the perfect choice for families or groups looking to escape to the country. The cottage has been lovingly restored to retain many original features, while also offering a modern and comfortable atmosphere. With its scenic countryside location, Thatch Barn provides a peaceful and relaxing base for coast and countryside holidays in Norfolk.

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L-shaped single-storey exterior of a Warwickshire holiday cottage overlooking a courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Cider Press is a light, warm and spacious semi-detached rural cottage in Ilmington, Warwickshire. The Cotswold stone barn conversion welcomes pets and is situated on a quiet lane in an AONB. The cottage offers lovely views, modernity, walks from the door, a garden with a small stream, and a log fire.

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Large single-storey stone-built barn conversion half-hidden by tall shrubs.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

This stylishly converted threshing barn is a large holiday cottage located in beautiful West Anstey, an attractive Exmoor village just inside the North Devon border. This luxury holiday home offers a spacious and secluded retreat for up to 6/8 guests. Enjoy stunning views of the gardens and surrounding countryside from the light and airy circular living room. Relax and unwind while taking in the tranquil atmosphere of The Roundhouse. With all the comforts of home, you’ll feel right at home in this homely setting. Enjoy easy access to many of the local attractions in Devon and Cornwall.

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Exterior of The Old Power House converted to a large, 2-storey holiday cottage with two rows of five double windows.
Sleeps
17
Bedrooms
6

This large and pet-friendly North Yorkshire coastal holiday cottage near Saltburn-by-the-Sea stands just 800m from the beach and comes with a hot tub, sauna and BBQ. It has been created through a stylish upmarket conversion of a former Victorian powerhouse. The Powerhouse sleeps 17 in 6 bedrooms.

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Luxury seafront apartments overlook a sandy beach in Falmouth.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Sand-n-Sea is a superb ground-floor apartment in the 5-Star Endcliffe development overlooking Gyllyngvase Beach. Located on Falmouth promenade, this luxury beach apartment features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a beachfront terrace and reserved parking. This is beachside Cornwall at its best!

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Circular exterior of cottage created within the base of a Suffolk windmill.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Harvey's Mill is a centuries-old Suffolk windmill near Saxmundham lovingly converted into a picture-perfect holiday cottage for two. It's a perfect rural bolthole for self-catering holidays and weekend romantic escapes, walking or cycling in the beautiful Suffolk Heritage Coast, and pets are welcome.

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A large old mill cottage nestles in a wooded Exmoor valley.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Bratton Mill Farmhouse near the North Devon village of Bratton Fleming offers the perfect escape for large families and groups on holiday in the South West. A 17th-century former mill, It has been transformed into a child-friendly, large North Devon holiday cottage alongside a babbling trout stream.

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Exterior of a 2-bedroom, semi-detached holiday home with parking spaces.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

For self-catering holidays in Lyme Regis, explore Anchor, a ground-floor haven just a 10-minute walk to the bustling seafront. This pet-friendly cottage offers comfort within easy reach of the town. Modern amenities, two bedrooms, and a private patio make it ideal for mobility-challenged guests. Off-road parking, stunning beaches, and local attractions create a perfect coastal retreat. Discover the charm of Lyme Regis and plan your Dorset self-catering escape at Anchor.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • 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.