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.

Single storey barn conversion with floor-to-ceiling French windows and a courtyard with raised flower beds.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Located just south of the Cotswolds and set on a farm, The Old Stables at Bradley's Farm is an idyllic rural retreat for two, with south-facing views of beautiful countryside and access to a private arboretum.

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Exterior of a stone-built rural holiday cottage surrounded by lawns.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

Watermill exudes authenticity. The pet-friendly cottage near Bodmin in the quiet little village of  St Breward boasts a stone façade, an interior with exposed beams, timber décor, flagstone floors, modern luxury, and a wood burner. Sitting on the edge of Bodmin Moor, the cottage offers the best of the Cornish countryside and coast.

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Exterior of a single-storey country cottage with a covered porch and fenced front garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Enjoy a lovely countryside holiday at Stable Cottage, situated on 3.5 acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens in the rural hamlet of West End, Norfolk, where guests find a two-storey holiday home from which to launch day trips to the beautiful North Norfolk coast.

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Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
5

Estcourt House is a well-presented Grade II-listed Georgian house with a hot tub in the idyllic Norfolk village of Burnham Market. This stylish and comfortable home-from-home is perfect for family get-togethers, larger groups and special occasions.

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Exterior of an L-shaped holiday bungalow in Hunstanton overlooking a paved courtyard giving level access to the house
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

5a Hideways is a delightful end-terrace holiday cottage within walking distance of Hunstanton’s beaches and centre. The contemporary, single-storey coastal cottage in Norfolk boasts an open-plan design and vibrant décor, light and airy spaces, generous rooms and a breezy, sunny courtyard.

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Exterior of a wisteria-clad cottage-front facing a paved front-garden with outdoor dining table, chairs and parasol.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

This romantic coastal cottage for couples sleeps 2 in the peaceful Norfolk village of Heacham. Built from local Carstone with a lovely private courtyard, Kath’s Cottage is within walking distance of the Blue Flag sandy beach at Hunstanton, and within easy reach of stunning nature reserves and the King’s Sandringham Estate.

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Exterior of a brick-built holiday bungalow in Fakenham with spacious off-road parking.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Country charm defines Honey Buzzard Barn. The stone-built, pet-friendly, rural holiday cottage in Fakenham sits in a quiet space near Fakenham and boasts exposed beams, a woodburning stove, a country-style kitchen and feature brick walls. A pleasant courtyard provides space to relax, and the delights of Norfolk await.

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A multi-turreted Scottish castle in landscaped gardens.
Sleeps
24
Bedrooms
12

Isobel’s Expeditions is an opulent fairy tale castle near Edinburgh in Scotland. The magnificent grand cottage offers groups gorgeous, expansive grounds, a banquet room, a bar, incredible artwork, luxurious detailing, a private tennis court, many entertaining spaces & photogenic scenes

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Sea views from a beach-front villa window in Filey
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

With beautiful sea views, Beach Villa offers a wonderful ocean escape for families and pets in Filey, North Yorkshire. The coastal cottage offers multiple outdoor entertaining areas which capture the view, and the interior boasts contemporary coastal chic as well as a carefree and relaxing vibe.

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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.