Fancy doing something different this year, or learning a new skill? HomeAway Holiday-Rentals, the UK’s largest holiday rentals site lists thousands of private holiday homes worldwide whose owners can organise different excursions and activities for their guests. So for those travellers seeking a bit more than just sun, sea and sand this summer, www.HomeAway.co.uk offers a wide choice of private properties in amazing locations that are perfect for an active holiday.

Head off to Scotland and learn how to fly fish for free on the banks of the River Tweed, widely regarded as one of the finest salmon rivers in the world. Climb the tors and fly a selection of magnificent birds of prey in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park, one of England's last true wildernesses. Alternatively, if you fancy a more laid-back experience abroad, get private drawing and painting lessons at a beautiful 17th Century farmhouse in Portugal.

Choose from one of the properties below or use the advanced search on the site to search for more activity-themed retreats.

Prices quoted are per property per week and correct at time of going to press.

SCOTLAND

Property # 425733

Three magnificent holiday homes on the banks of the River Tweed

The accommodation consists of three individually-designed properties (a farmhouse, a house and a cottage), located in an idyllic setting on the banks of the River Tweed with fabulous views. The properties are beautifully-presented, having been fully renovated and re-furbished earlier this year. They are extremely well equipped with all mod-cons including Sky TV and WiFi. Each has a garden with magnificent views of the river. The properties are in a secluded area and are ideal for larger groups wishing to holiday together but maintain a degree of privacy.

PRICE: from £400/wk for a 2-bed cottage to £750/wk for a 3-bed farmhouse

SPECIAL OFFER: Guests booking the house between now and 2 August 2010 will receive free fly fishing on a 1.4 mile stretch of the river below the house (worth £100 per day). Beginners can book a an instructor for £50 per day.  Non–fishing guests have plenty to keep them amused including fabulous walks from the house along the river, stunning beaches along the coast and a myriad of historic castles and stately homes nearby.

Scottish Borders farmhouse rental - Hamilton House with River Tweed in backgroundScottish Borders farmhouse rental - View of river from rear garden of No 2 Sunnyside

DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK

Property # 403817

A selection of luxury properties on a Dartmoor farm estate

Holwell Farm Cottage is an ancient farmhouse consisting of three self-catering cottages (sleeping 6 and 8). Holwell is Dartmoor's most prestigious collection of quality holiday cottages on a working farm in an utterly stunning location between the famous landmarks of Haytor and Widecombe in the Moor. Set in over 500 acres of designated 'Environmentally Sensitive Area' farm and open moorland, Holwell enjoys panoramic views that take in the BeckaValley, Hound Tor, Holwell Lawn and Bonehill. There are plenty of activities available for both children and parents, including walking the moors, cycling the byways, riding high in the saddle, fly fishing for sea trout, climbing the tors or flying a wide selection of magnificent birds of prey. You can fly 1-1 with eagles, hawks, falcons and owls in this amazing natural hunting territory.

PRICE: from £600/wk for a 3-bed cottage to £1,100/wk for a 4-bed cottage

Widecombe in the Moor cottage rental - Nestling amongst the famous tors of Dartmoor ....Widecombe in the Moor cottage rental - Typical kitchen with range cooker

PORTUGAL

Property # 55958

Converted 17th Century farmhouse in World Heritage Site, Colares

4 BEDROOMS, SLEEPS 8

Casa do Celeiro was discovered by its owners in 1980 as a ruin which had been the stable and barn of a large 'quinta'. The main attractions of the site were its views of the Serra and the sea and its seclusion and intimacy due to being a courtyard built into a hill. The house today has the same basic format but is now suitable for self-catering groups from 4 to 8.

PRICE: £1,239 per week

Colares farmhouse rental - Pool and seaColares farmhouse rental - Front terrace and sea

Activities: The owners live on site in separate quarters. They work as artists and offer short courses in drawing, painting or etching courses on request.

All information contained herein provided by Homeaway.co.uk