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.

L-shaped exterior of a barn conversion surrounded by open fields.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Ty Newydd is an impressive, large rural cottage with stunning views of the Conwy Estuary. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in Colwyn Bay sits on the vast Bodnant Estate. It offers guests a truly luxurious property with extensive gardens, period features and a chance to connect with nature and the outdoors.

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A large thatched cottage overlooks spacious, freshly-mown lawns.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Magna Cottage is a 300-year-old cottage with a thatched roof, abundant character, a large mature garden, and many homely comforts. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in a secluded corner of Dorset near Shaftesbury boasts an inglenook fireplace, contemporary style and beautiful views.

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A barn conversion with Velux windows in the roof overlooks a large lawn.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Visitors to Harvest Moon, a converted threshing barn near Honiton, Devon, can relax on the patio while watching the wildlife in the fields near Honiton in Devon. Guests can also run their dogs in the generous gardens before retiring to a modern rural cottage that seamlessly blends contemporary comforts with traditional charm.

  • Active Holidays
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Behind a hedge is a large L-shaped contemporary cottage with a conservatory.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
5

Hunter Court spoils guests with its lovely mature gardens and refined, luxurious interior. The large rural holiday cottage in Clanfield, Oxfordshire, offers seclusion on multiple acres and boasts a large conservatory, spacious light-filled rooms and the promise of a memorable holiday in the heart of the Cotswolds.

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Stylish  bay-windowed lounge with seafront views.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

'Sea You There' is a chic seafront cottage with incredible ocean views in Redcar, Yorkshire. The pet-friendly cottage boasts bay windows that capture the view, open-plan spaces with a distinct coastal vibe, and sleek modern furnishings. Relax to the sound of the waves and the sea breeze.

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A lighthouse with a sweeping clifftop lawn and sea views.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Book an Isle of Wight holiday cottage with superb sea views at Landward, a beautifully renovated ex-Lighthouse keeper's cottage at St Margaret's Lighthouse. Near Ventnor, a few minutes walk from the beach, this attractive cliff-top rural holiday cottage sleeps 4. Pets welcome.

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A country cottage in an elevated position overlooks a quiet country lane in North Devon.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Discover Ford Hill, a luxurious 3-bedroom North Devon holiday cottage sleeping six on the fringes of Exmoor and just a brief drive from the stunning North Devon coastline. With its beautifully decorated interior and charming garden, Ford Hill offers easy access to the area's top attractions, including the renowned, award-winning Woolacombe Beach.

  • Active Holidays
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A large Devon farmhouse overlooks a lawn and drive with a picnic table.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Dating back to the 17th-Century, Higher Mullacott Farmhouse near Ilfracombe is a large and luxurious 5-bed holiday cottage in North Devon which has been tastefully renovated for style and comfort, all set in a beautiful countryside location with sea views on the North Devon coast.

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A large rural cottage with 3 terraces, gardens and a hot tub.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Watersend is a quiet and luxurious holiday home with a hot tub located in Watergate Bay on the stunning Cornish coast. With bi-fold doors that provide breathtaking views of the sea, a cinema room, and four en-suite bedrooms, this spacious vacation rental is perfect for family holidays and short getaways. Additionally, it offers ample, off-road parking space, making it convenient for multiple guests with vehicles. Book now for an unforgettable coastal retreat in Cornwall!

  • Active Holidays
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  • Large Holiday Cottages
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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.