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.

Ground floor, brick exterior of a barn conversion overlooking a shrub-filled garden
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Endless activities greet visitors to Oliver’s Mill, a large converted barn amid the rolling hills of Alkington. The 18th-century rural holiday cottage in Shropshire boasts style and traditional character and offers woodland, an indoor swimming pool, a multi-sports court & a children’s play area, plus a log fire.

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Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Old Church House is a Grade II listed 16th-century rural cottage nestled beside the churchyard at High Bray. Situated between the country and the coast in Brayford, Devon, the gorgeous pet-friendly cottage boasts multi-pane windows, oak beams, stone fireplaces, and a wood-burning stove.

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A Somerset farmhouse overlooks a large lawn lined by shrubs.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Trinity Cottage is a gorgeous detached cottage surrounded by greenery in Roadwater, Somerset. The large, pet-friendly holiday cottage boasts beautiful views over the surrounding valley and offers a log fire and spacious rooms with subtle elegance. A sophisticated escape with access to Exmoor and the coastline.

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Exterior of a stone-built holiday home in Dunster surrounded by a stone wall..
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Withycombe Cottage is a charming rural holiday cottage in the Exmoor National Park near Dunster. The pet-friendly property sleeps six with an indoor pool, a swimming pool, a tennis court and children’s playground, a games room, and an interior combining tradition and style.

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A bungalow sits behind a large lawn with flower-filled borders.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

The Blue Anchor promenade lies just moments from Meadow View, a charming coastal cottage in Somerset with views across a meadow to the ocean and the West Somerset Heritage Railway. The modern family cottage offers comfort, relaxing outdoor spaces, and a prime position in this lovely seaside village.

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An Exmoor farmhouse overlooks a large lawn surrounded by trees.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Victorian Wing of Stockham Farm is a self-contained rural holiday cottage within a traditional farmhouse. It offers ample grounds, a wood-burning stove, a bespoke kitchen, subtle elegance and wonderful countryside views. The pet-friendly cottage lies in an easily accessible remote rural location above Dulverton in the heart of the Exmoor National Park.

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A large country house at dusk.
Sleeps
15
Bedrooms
8

Coulscott House is a luxury North Devon holiday cottage situated in Combe Martin; it's a superb rural retreat for exploring the rugged North Devon coast and its award-winning beaches. With three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and a separate family bathroom, it comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests. Inside, you'll find a well-equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove. Outside, enjoy the beautiful garden and patio area, along with the indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub for ultimate relaxation. Explore the charming village of Combe Martin or venture into Exmoor National Park for outdoor adventures. Coulscott House offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for your North Devon holiday. Book now for a memorable stay

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  A footpath between a lawn and mature shrubs leads to a stone-built rural cottage.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Little Hanger is a delightful seaside holiday home located in Porlock. It can accommodate up to six guests with two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom. The property offers a private terrace, a well-equipped kitchen, and a cozy sitting room with a woodburner. Guests also have access to an all-weather tennis court and a private garden with a barbecue area. Pets are welcome at the home. It is conveniently situated within a short walk from the village and is an ideal base for exploring the entire Exmoor coast from Minehead to Lynmouth.

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The leafy-clad exterior of a stone-built single-storey Exmoor holiday cottage with a flight of stone steps to the front door.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Shippon is a wonderfully converted cow shed on a working farm in the Exmoor National Park, Somerset. Dating back to the 14th century, the pet-friendly holiday cottage near Wheddon Cross sleeps four. It promises beautiful views and tranquillity, exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, authentic style and a log fire.

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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.