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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.

Exterior of a large double-fronted Georgian House with bay windows and an adjoining wing.
Sleeps
24
Bedrooms
12

River Wye Lodge is a spacious holiday cottage in the Forest of Dean overlooking the picturesque River Wye. The cottage can accommodate up to 26 guests, and it is easily accessible. You can spend your days exploring the Forest and theWye Valley or enjoy a variety of activities on the river. Alternatively, you can relax in the cottage's hot tub, games room, or children's playground. Pets are welcome to join you on your holiday.

  • Accessible Cottages
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  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
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  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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  • Waterside Cottages
A holiday cottage bay window overlooks a lawn surrounded by flower beds.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Pip’s Corner is a spacious Edwardian holiday cottage in Lynton, close to the sea in North Devon. It sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys an ideal village location and boasts tiled floors, a log fire, modern comforts, multiple outdoor spaces, and a sun-drenched conservatory. Enjoy Lynton, trips down the Lynton-Lynmouth cliff railway, and exploring the Exmoor National Park.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
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Aerial view of a large holiday cottage on the Somerset coast surrounded by gardens.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

Relax in style on the West Somerset coast at Coach House View, a large country house in Porlock Weir. This detached holiday home was completely renovated and reopened as a holiday cottage in 2022. It’s a dream: spacious, light and airy with all modern conveniences from ensuite bathrooms to Wi-Fi and gorgeous gardens; it welcomes up to 8 guests.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A large contemporary holiday cottage overlooks fields dipping down to a beach and ocean views.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Discover Owlscombe, an Exmoor coastal cottage offering panoramic sea views and luxurious accommodations. Located in picturesque Porlock Weir, this 6-bedroom seaside holiday home sleeps 12 and is pet-friendly. Enjoy spacious living areas, eco-friendly features, and a games room for entertainment. Step outside to explore nearly an acre of expansive gardens, complete with seating areas and BBQ facilities. With its stunning location and modern amenities, Owlscombe is the perfect choice for your Porlock Weir holiday.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A waterside patio with sun-loungers overlooking an estuary.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

In a Quayside location and fully refurbished, this beautiful holiday cottage in Flushing has enchanting sea views, a balcony and private parking. Blue Water Cottage sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms with two bathrooms, and is also dog-friendly.

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  • Waterside Cottages
Open-plan living space in a converted horse box in Somerset.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
1

Chill out in the Somerset countryside at Horsing Around, a converted horsebox near Frome. The luxury eco-friendly lodge offers expansive grounds with beautiful views, a spacious deck, and unique décor with modern comforts. Pick herbs from the garden and relax by the wood burner.

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A semi-detached countryside cottage with a secure front garden nestles into a tree-covered bank.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoying an elevated position above Bridgetown, this Exmoor holiday home has wonderful views of the village and this beautiful national park. The pet-friendly cottage boasts a cosy wood-burning stove and multiple outdoor areas for fun and relaxation. It is close to Dulverton and the many attractions in West Somerset.

  • Active Holidays
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A 3-storey, restored barn in Exmoor countryside.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Tower is a unique Exmoor holiday let in Simonsbath, perfect for couples. This converted barn sleeps two and features a modern kitchen with a breakfast bar. The comfortable sitting room is on the first floor, and the king-sized bedroom is on the top floor. Guests can enjoy a private garden with outdoor furniture. The local pub and restaurant are within easy walking distance. WiFi, heating, and electricity are included. Bed linen and towels are provided. The property is non-smoking and pet-free. View the full property description for more details.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Romantic Cottages
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A sweeping drive approaches a twin-gabled Exmoor holiday cottage half-surrounded by mature trees.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Little Folly is a secluded and private dog-friendly Exmoor cottage with great views near Winsford, a pretty village with an excellent pub, a village shop and tea rooms. Direct access to the moor makes this ideal for walkers or cyclists who love the freedom of the open countryside.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • 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.