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 grand Victorian Manor House with two turreted wings overlooks a large lawn.
Sleeps
20
Bedrooms
10

Manor House, located on Osea Island, offers a remarkable escape. Accessible via a Roman tidal causeway, this exclusive Essex holiday cottage is an extraordinary retreat. Explore a range of activities, including an outdoor pool, saltwater lido, tennis court, cinema, and 4.5 miles of coastline. The grand Edwardian house boasts ten bedrooms, most with four-poster beds and en-suite bathrooms. It's an ideal celebration venue, with reception rooms, a country kitchen, and captivating water views. Book this extraordinary destination for a minimum of 2 nights, with flexible arrival days.

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The exterior of a modern Suffolk holiday home with large windows on both floors overlooking a flower-filled garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
2

Welcome to Hillcrest, a stunning Suffolk barn-style holiday home that offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. With accommodation for up to six guests, this property is surrounded by lush fields and verdant gardens, offering a peaceful retreat near Saxmundham. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Hillcrest is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday exploring the picturesque Suffolk coast and countryside. Plus, Hillcrest is pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it an ideal choice for everyone. Book now and experience the ultimate in Suffolk holiday luxury!

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Aerial view of the flat Lincolnshire countryside with a group of luxury stable conversions surrounding a large courtyard.
Sleeps
20
Bedrooms
10

The Dairy at Burghley is a gorgeous, large country cottage on a grand estate near Stamford In Cambridgeshire. The pet-friendly property rewards guests with rural elegance and modern luxury, open fires, outdoor entertaining areas, and access to Burghley House and its many events.

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An open plan living area with a lounge, kitchen and stairs to the 1st floor.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Number 1 The Pier is a two-bedroom luxury holiday apartment in Falmouth situated in a brand new development on the Prince of Wales Pier. This stunning duplex apartment for 2-4 guests enjoys waterfront views, a large terrace, WiFi, and an allocated parking space.

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An extended farmhouse holiday cottage overlooks an expansive lawn.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Bonython Farmhouse is a large luxury holiday cottage on Bonython Estate near Helston. It boasts one of ‘The Great Gardens of Cornwall’, including a hidden valley and lakes. The pet-friendly coastal cottage boasts woodburning stoves plus a perfect blend of rural charm and modern design.

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A large rectory and coach house overlook a lawn with a table laid for lunch.
Sleeps
20
Bedrooms
10

The Old Rectory and Coach House are large luxury rural properties in the North Norfolk countryside, sitting in lush, mature gardens near Dereham. The 16th-century, pet-friendly cottages possess authentic country charm, seclusion and modern comforts, a tennis court, open fires and a games room.

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On the edge of a mature wood, a timber-frame lodge with a spacious deck overlooks an open field.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Brook Lodge is a charming and romantic cottage on 500 acres of Wakes Hall Farm in Essex. This pet-friendly, comfortable cottage with a hot tub for couples is located by a small lake amidst beautiful woodland and tranquillity. The cottage is eco-friendly and sophisticated. It features an enclosed garden and deck to enjoy the stunning rural views. 

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3-storey contemporary seaside apartment block with glass-screened balconies.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The golden sands of Woolacombe Bay beckon guests at 7 Putsborough, a sophisticated seaside holiday apartment in Devon. The pet-friendly apartment in the Byron complex boasts contemporary styling and modern comforts, plus access to a swimming pool and other facilities, all a short walk from the beach.

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Exterior of a sympathetically restored 3-storey farmhouse in County Durham.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Built in 1560, Scargill Castle epitomises country charm. The pet-friendly romantic cottage in Scargill, Yorkshire, emerges from the ruins of an old castle and features exposed beams, oak floors, a wood-burning stove, period furnishings and modern comforts, and seclusion and countryside views.

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  • 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.