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 row of barn conversions are reflected in the surface of a lake.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Braefoot is a North Devon countryside cottage in West Down close to beaches at Woolacombe and Ilfracombe. This child-friendly rural retreat at Lower Aylescott Farm is ideally located for family holidays exploring the North Devon coast.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Managed by My Favourite Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Barn conversions are reflected in the waters of a lake.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Duror is a pretty, three-bedroom holiday cottage at Lower Aylescott near Woolacombe in North Devon. The child-friendly cottage is within easy reach of award-winning beaches and the Exmoor National Park. Sleeping 2-6, guests can access onsite fishing and a children's play area.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Managed by My Favourite Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Two rows of cottages converted from stables line two-sides of a courtyard.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

This charming holiday cottage in Enniskillen is decorated to a high standard. It features period furnishings and a wood-burning stove. The cottage also has a small outdoor patio, a sitting area, a kitchen, a twin bedroom, and a bathroom.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A lighthouse complex with a squat tower perches on a clifftop.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Rowena Cottage is uniquely positioned inside a converted lighthouse near Swanage. It enjoys superb ocean views from Anvil Point. The pet-friendly cottage features ample grounds to soak up the views of the Dorset coastline. It boasts luxury and a rare chance to get away in a spectacular location.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A modern single storey lodge stands in front of trees overlooking a hedge-lined field.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This delightful lodge on Wakes Hall Farm is a haven of peace on 500 acres of private land. Recently awarded a five-star AA rating, it features an open-plan kitchen/dining/sitting area, a verandah, and a hot tub. The historic town of Colchester is 40 minutes away.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
L-shaped exterior of a barn conversion surrounded by open fields.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Ty Newydd is an impressive, large rural cottage with stunning views of the Conwy Estuary. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in Colwyn Bay sits on the vast Bodnant Estate. It offers guests a truly luxurious property with extensive gardens, period features and a chance to connect with nature and the outdoors.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large thatched cottage overlooks spacious, freshly-mown lawns.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Magna Cottage is a 300-year-old cottage with a thatched roof, abundant character, a large mature garden, and many homely comforts. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in a secluded corner of Dorset near Shaftesbury boasts an inglenook fireplace, contemporary style and beautiful views.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A barn conversion with Velux windows in the roof overlooks a large lawn.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Visitors to Harvest Moon, a converted threshing barn near Honiton, Devon, can relax on the patio while watching the wildlife in the fields near Honiton in Devon. Guests can also run their dogs in the generous gardens before retiring to a modern rural cottage that seamlessly blends contemporary comforts with traditional charm.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
Behind a hedge is a large L-shaped contemporary cottage with a conservatory.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
5

Hunter Court spoils guests with its lovely mature gardens and refined, luxurious interior. The large rural holiday cottage in Clanfield, Oxfordshire, offers seclusion on multiple acres and boasts a large conservatory, spacious light-filled rooms and the promise of a memorable holiday in the heart of the Cotswolds.

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