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
2
Bedrooms
1

The Brambles is a single-bedroom holiday cottage in Dorset, ideal for couples or lone travellers. It is situated between the seaside town of Weymouth and Abbotsbury, famous for its swans. It is set in stunning farmland which overlooks the Dorset Coast and the Chesil Beach. Fantastic walks straight from the door of the cottage.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
A single-storey holiday lodge overlooks a garden with mature palm trees.
Sleeps
3
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy beautiful views and a sea breeze at Oak, a coastal cottage at Primrose Hill in Somerset that boasts gorgeous gardens, disabled access, contemporary comforts, a games room, and light-filled spaces. Admire the countryside views and spend days exploring Blue Anchor Bay and Exmoor National Park.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
A brick-built holiday home with single storey extensions and a large, tree-lined and well-mown lawn
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
4

Pebworth Cottage is a superb, sumptuously furnished detached Cotswold holiday cottage once owned by the actor Ben Kingsley. It is ideally located in the centre of the pretty village of Pebworth, just a short distance from the historic towns of Chipping Campden and Stratford-upon-Avon.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A 3-storey Georgian House overlooks an open field
Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
7

Upper Mowley promises groups a peaceful holiday in a delightful rural cottage boasting spacious gardens, two fireplaces, a games room, a unique indoor tennis court and privacy. The pet-friendly, large holiday cottage near Kington sits among the rolling Herefordshire countryside and blends modern comforts with rural charm.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A long, stone-built cottage with 3 floor-to-ceiling ground-floor windows overlooking a spacious lawn.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Enjoy the benefits of a coastal cottage situated on a working farm with a stay at Dorothy’s Cottage, located just outside the village of Alnmouth. This child-friendly holiday cottage in Northumberland offers modern, comfortable, spacious accommodation and access to a shared garden and lawn area.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Hammerhole is a unique rural cottage on Lake Windemere's shores on the Graythwaite Estate near Hawkshead. The large, pet-friendly cottage features enviable views, extensive grounds, a private jetty, access to a swimming pool and sauna, and the beautiful region of Cumbria.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A single-storey bungalow with an off-road parking space for two cars.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Take in all the attractions of the Welsh Borders with a stay at Virginia Cottage, a superb barn conversion on a working farm on the edge of the historic village of Burnell near Much Wenlock. The pet-friendly Shropshire farm cottage has two private patios and a modern fitted kitchen.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a stone built cottage overlooking a courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This semi-detached Cumbrian holiday cottage is located near Cark-in-Cartmel and can sleep four people in two bedrooms.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a stone-built holiday cottage with ground fllor extension behind a paveed  garden with dining table and chairs.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Rock Mill Cottage is a perfect blend of contemporary style and rural charm. This 18th-century coastal farm cottage in Northumberland features a contemporary design combined with traditional Northumbrian style. The property is situated near Embleton and is pet-free. It offers a serene environment surrounded by breathtaking countryside and includes an open fire. The cottage can accommodate up to four people.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • 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.