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 coach house conversion with tall trees behind and a lawn in front.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

The Coach House is an authentic rural holiday cottage in Gloucestershire on the beautiful grounds of a Grade II-listed 16th-century Old Rectory. The cottage in the little Cotswold village of Hawling near Cheltenham dates back to the 14th century and boasts stunning views over meadows, an open fire, luxurious décor and perfectly located for walking holidays in the Cotswold Hills.

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A twin-gabled holiday cottage nestles between two tall trees.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6
In the heart of the North Devon countryside lies Somers Hiscott, a luxury six-bedroom holiday home which can comfortably accommodate up to 12. Located in Hiscott near Barnstaple, Somers Hiscott offers its guests peace and tranquillity on a large 41-acre private estate.
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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
6

Once Mevagissey’s first bank, this large, luxury Grade II listed holiday cottage in Cornwall now accommodates up to 10 people within six bedrooms spread across three floors. The well-appointed interior of this large, pet-friendly coastal cottage spoils guests with inner-city chic in a delightful rural location.

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Exterior of a Newtonmore holiday cottage in a restored railway signal box.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Enjoy a holiday in a thoroughly modern property converted from a historic signal box. The Signal Box is a rural holiday cottage for couples in Newtonmore with stunning views of the Cairngorms and all of the comforts of home. It was chosen as one of the 50 best UK holiday cottages by The Times Newspaper.

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A two-storey holiday cottage seen through the branches of a tree.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Heyden Cottage is a delightful rural holiday cottage near Minehead, sleeping five in a quiet location. The pet-friendly cottage lies within the Exmoor National Park near the West Somerset coast. It offers seclusion plus fantastic countryside views. Enjoy adventures by day and relax by the wood-burning stove at night.

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A brick-built Shropshire barn conversion overlooks a shrub-filled courtyard with a picket fence.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Emma’s Dairy is a cosy rural cottage surrounded by the Shropshire countryside. The pet-friendly cottage offers sophisticated accommodation with country charm in Alkington. It features an indoor swimming pool, woodland, a children’s play area, a multi-sports court, and private relaxation spaces.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Woodpecker Cottage is a masterful barn conversion which blends urban sophistication with rural charm. The romantic holiday cottage in Ludlow, surrounded by woodland and a stream, offers couples a lovely garden, luxury furnishings, exposed stone walls, serenity, and access to Herefordshire.

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A detached period housewith a pillared portico entrance is surrounded by a mature garden.
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

Situated amidst the splendour of the Lake District on the outskirts of a Cumbrian lakeside village. Sandown is a child-friendly cottage in Bowness-on-Windermere, perfect for up to seven guests, a two-storey holiday home with four en-suite ground-floor bedrooms and spacious first-floor living areas.

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Sleeps
15
Bedrooms
7

Bearwood House and Cottage are half-timbered rural holiday cottages in Leominster. Sleeping 15 people, the pet-friendly cottages in Herefordshire boast undeniable charm, beautiful views, indoor and outdoor games, a hot tub, loggia, a sunken garden, an arboretum, log fires and a tennis court.

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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.