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.

2-Storey cottage exterior with hanging flower baskets.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This is one of five luxurious holiday cottages located in East Devon. The cottage has two bedrooms and can comfortably accommodate four people. It is conveniently situated in Sidmouth, just a short walk from the seafront. The property is a part of a historic Regency house built in 1802 for the Duke and Duchess of St. Albans. This house is Grade II listed, making it a remarkable piece of architecture.

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A double-fronted East Devon holiday cottage in front of a secure lawned garden.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Hamilton House is a large East Devon seaside holiday cottage in Branscombe. The sophisticated cottage boasts a unique dining room and a sun trap garden within easy reach of Branscombe Beach. The large deck catches the sea breeze and invites relaxation. Hamilton House sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms.

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Exterior of a terraced stone-built holiday cottage in Dunster.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Pebble Cottage is a delightful renovation of a traditional cottage for holidays exploring the West Somerset coast and Exmoor. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in Dunster sleeps four and offers a vibrant mature, south-facing, furnished garden, a stylish interior with an open-plan design and a wood-burning stove.

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A row of Victorian town houses leading to the sae in Tenby.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

This elegant Grade II listed, large holiday cottage in Tenby is in a quiet cobbled street within this beautiful seaside town in Pembrokeshire. Walk 80 yards one way to a stunning beach or the other way to the town centre with its medieval walls, harbour and fishing boats.

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Paved path to a front door through a shrub-filled garden and a lawn.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Granary is a charming holiday cottage for couples on a quiet Suffolk farm in Thorndon. It features oak beam ceilings throughout, a cosy wood fire, and a large bedroom with a super-king bed and an ensuite bathroom. Its beautiful decor and tranquil rural setting make it ideal for a perfect romantic break.

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Gable end of a wooden eco-lodge in an orchard setting.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Orchard Cottage is a beautiful timber-clad holiday cottage in Ledbury, Herefordshire, surrounded by lush green countryside. The pet-friendly cottage enjoys wonderful views and offers a sun-drenched deck, generous grounds, light and airy open-plan spaces, an outdoor games area and the chance to truly relax.

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An isolated Pennine farm house is surrounded by empty moorland.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Get away from the bustle of everyday life with a stay at The Retreat, a remote countryside cottage at the head of an unspoilt valley high above the Pennine market town of Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, boasting biomass-fired underfloor heating, three wood-burners, hot tub, and five bedrooms.

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A Cumbria holiday cottage at the foot of a hill surrounded by fields and mature trees
Sleeps
18
Bedrooms
8

A traditional Cumbrian farm converted to a large and comfortable Lake District holiday cottage for groups or sizable families. This pet-friendly cottage in Staveley sleeps 18 guests in 8 bedrooms with glorious views across the Lake District Fells near Lake Windermere.

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A 2-storey, terraced house with a large groundfloor bay window and a shrub-filled front garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

2 West View is nicely located for exploring the scenic Cartmel Peninsula. The pet-friendly terraced cottage in charming Allithwaite sits in a peaceful location and enjoys views of Cumbria and The Lake District, as well as offering a lovely enclosed garden, ample windows, natural light, and a cosy log fire for six guests.

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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.