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.

Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Bar Harbour is a spacious coastal cottage with a generous lawned garden and contemporary open-plan spaces just moments from the beach in Northumberland. This large Beadnell holiday cottage enjoys natural light and offers an enclosed garden with a furnished area, plus the chance to enjoy a sea breeze.

  • Active Holidays
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Ocean view from the glass-windowed deck of a clifftop holiday cottage in Downderry
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Lookout represents a contemporary split-level detached property, gracing an elevated position that offers captivating vistas of the enchanting southern Cornish coastline. This exceptional self-catering accommodation in Downderry accommodates up to 6 guests within its three generously proportioned bedrooms, each thoughtfully equipped with en-suite bathrooms. Every room within Lookout provides sweeping panoramic views of the sea, ensuring a serene and picturesque experience, even from the comfort of the bathtub!

  • Active Holidays
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Comfortable cotton sofas in an open-plan living area
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Part of the brand-new Byron Apartments complex on the ground floor of a block of apartment homes, 2 Putsborough in the heart of Woolacombe, Devon, offers a luxurious coastal holiday for up to four guests, a pet-friendly apartment with an en-suite master double and access to indoor pool and gym.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

View this traditional coastal cottage in Northumberland; Lyndhurst Cottage is a stone-built semi-detached property, a relaxing and easygoing Northern getaway enjoying the best of the Northumberland Coast and countryside a short stroll to the harbour and beach at Beadnell Bay.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cycling Holidays
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  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Shells Cottage is a gorgeous, thatched rural Somerset holiday cottage with a hot tub on beautiful grounds near Washford and the coast. The detached, pet-friendly cottage promises seclusion and sophistication, an open fire, exposed beams and stone walls, wooden floors, a large garden and beautiful views.

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A stone cottage with a large porch overlooks a walled lawn and flower beds.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

Cowstonegill is a magnificent, detached, listed farmhouse with panoramic views over seventeen acres of private land. This four-bedroom Yorkshire Dales holiday cottage near Wet Burton offers four spacious bedrooms and large gardens. The property boasts authentic features, including an open fire and even a games room.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Cycling Holidays
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Exterior of a row of terraced houses with potted bayleaf trees aside the front doors.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Perfectly situated for couples and small families hoping to explore the Norfolk Broads, Valentine Cottage in the heart of the Norfolk market town of Aylsham, offers cosy and welcoming accommodation, a pet-friendly cottage with wood burning stove, Freeview TVs, and a brick-built summerhouse.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Fishing Holidays
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  • Walking Holidays
A deck with a hot tub and sun beds overlooks a surfing beach.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

For many people, especially previous guests, Memory House is Woolacombe's most prestigious holiday cottage. It enjoys uninterrupted views of Woolacombe beach across to Putsburough. The large ground-to-ceiling windows across the entire ground floor mean you can watch the surfers over breakfast or magnificent sunsets over the sea in the evening.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Family-friendly Pippenwell Cottage at Farditch Farm is a luxury Peak District holiday cottage amidst beautiful rural surroundings in Derbyshire. This dog-friendly cottage sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms (1 en-suite) in a high-quality barn conversion.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Independent 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.