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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 leafy courtyard with a table and chairs in front of a stone-built Somerset coastal cottage.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Yellow Gate Cottage is a gorgeous stone-built Porlock holiday cottage set in the heart of this small town on the West Somerset Coast town within Exmoor National Park. The pet-friendly property sleeps four and lies just minutes from beautiful beaches. It features exposed beams, a galley-style kitchen, an open-plan design and a delightful furnished courtyard.

  • Active Holidays
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A large stone-built Exmoor cottage surrounded by trees and open fields.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Yenworthy Cottage is a stone-built Exmoor holiday cottage set on a working farm in Countisbury, near Lynmouth. The pet-friendly cottage promises lovely ocean views, gorgeous gardens, and contemporary comforts and elements such as a wood burner, beams and slate floors.

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  • Walking Holidays
A stone built Exmoor cottage  faces a lawn containing a sheltered hot tub  and a two outdoor chairs around a tea-table.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Hartford Cottage is a beautiful romantic Exmoor holiday home in a moorland village near South Molton in Devon. The pet-friendly cottage with a hot tub enjoys tranquillity, far-reaching views, a generous sunroom, traditional character and access to a tennis court, games room and Exmoor.

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Exterior of a thatched Exmoor cottage overlooking a large lawn.
Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
5

Discover Thorn Cottage, a Winsford holiday home, nestled in the Exmoor National Park. This Grade II listed period cottage offers modern comforts for up to 8 guests, including pets. Enjoy a well-equipped kitchen, cosy living spaces, and a charming cottage garden. Ideal for exploring Exmoor on foot or by car, with picturesque walks and wildlife sightings such as deer and ponies. Don't miss out – explore the full description today!

  • Active Holidays
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A luxuriouly furnished lounge with open fire in a Dartmoor holiday let.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover true luxury at Fingle Bridge, a 5-star countryside lodge on the Bovey Castle estate. This peaceful retreat offers laid-back lounges, an indoor pool, tennis courts, and more. The triple-height sitting area with a stone fireplace creates a captivating ambience. Enjoy alfresco dining on the terrace or cosy up by the fire. With three ensuite bedrooms, Fingle Bridge provides a perfect escape for families or groups. Explore estate walks, golf, and spa treatments for an unforgettable stay in Dartmoor.

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A row of two terraced holiday cottages in North Devon
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Stag Cottage is a lovely farm cottage with a swimming pool and games room resting in a quiet corner of Little Torrington. The rural North Devon holiday cottage boasts a garden and woodland views and treats guests to experiences with farm animals.

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A farmhouse lounge with large sofas and a widescreen TV
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

James’s Parlour is a spacious converted Georgian barn set on lush green fields in Alkington, Shropshire. The large rural cottage offers an open-plan design, exposed beams, trusses and brick pillars, and extensive furnished grounds with an indoor swimming pool, multi-sports court and play area.

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Exterior of a bushy, ivy-clad Dartmoor farmhouse.
Sleeps
9
Bedrooms
4

Explore The Farmhouse, a delightful Dartmoor holiday let in Lydford. With rustic charm and modern comforts, it offers a spacious retreat for up to 9 guests. Relax by the open fire in the traditional dining room or bask in the sunlight in the bright sunroom. Enjoy four peaceful bedrooms, an enclosed garden, and a shared outdoor pool. Perfect for family getaways and exploring Dartmoor's beauty, book now for an unforgettable Lydford experience.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cottages With Games Rooms
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  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a stout North Devon farm cottage overlooking a garden.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Duck Cottage is a large luxury barn conversion in North Devon, nestling in a quiet corner of Little Torrington. The rural cottage boasts commanding views over its generous gardens and woodlands. It features an open fire, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a library, a games room and access to farm animals.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large 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.