Waterside and Riverside Holiday Cottages

Find UK holiday cottages by rivers, lakes, canals, lochs, harbours and the coast. From a river-view cottage for a peaceful break to a beachside stay with sea views, this collection brings together self-catering properties with a verified waterside setting.

Waterside can mean different things at different properties. Some cottages are directly beside the water, while others have views, shared access or are a short distance away. Check each listing for its water setting, access details and any relevant safety information before booking.

 

  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 5

The honeypot location of Grassington lies but a pleasant stroll from the grounds of 1 Bridge End, a delightfully restored large holiday cottage in the Yorkshire Dales boasting wooden floors, five bedrooms, riverside views from the pet-friendly garden and guaranteed comfort beside the open fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Pendeen lighthouse holiday cottages in a clifftop location
  • Sleeps 3
  • Bedrooms 2

Argus Cottage is a unique coastal cottage set inside Pendeen Lighthouse atop the cliffs of Pendeen. The pet-friendly cottage boasts stunning ocean views and an abundance of wildlife, as well as a generously sized, furnished garden, contemporary design features, a sea breeze and access to the Cornwall coast and South West Coast Path.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Bayview is a large Cornish coastal cottage in Portwrinkle, a tiny fishing village in Whitesand Bay. Bayview is a pet-friendly holiday cottage with a hot tub. This large property sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms. It's perfect for golfing or family beach holidays.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Stone built exterior of a Victorian, terraced holiday cottage with a fenced-in paved courtyard garden and sea views.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Salty Sea Dog lies just a few steps from the beach in Trebarwith Strand and the ground-floor, pet-friendly beach apartment in North Cornwall lives up to its name combining joyful beach-themed décor with refinement and modern comfort plus views of the beautiful Cornish coastline. Sleeps 4.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A large contemporary holiday home overlooks a beach and St. Michaels Mount in Cornwall
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Captains House, a large holiday cottage in Marazion, enjoys direct, uninterrupted views across crystal clear water to St Michael’s Mount. This luxury waterfront Cornish coast cottage is immaculately presented and enjoys direct access to a sandy beach. Sleeps 10.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
The River Lyn in Lynmouth flows through the village.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Lorna Doone Cottage is a Lynmouth Holiday Cottage enjoying beautiful views of the East Lyn River from its elevated hillside location in Lynmouth. Split over three floors, the coastal cottage is just moments from the quaint village centre and the beach and offers a lovely balcony, contemporary comfort and a warming log fire for those autumn and winter holidays.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

A historic Georgian property offering self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 12, Derwent House provides six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a panelled dining room and a large, superbly equipped kitchen. It is an excellent holiday cottage in Derbyshire for special occasions and meeting with friends and families, ideally for exploring the Peak District.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
3-storey house with a 2-storey wing and a large parking space in front
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 6

The North East Coast of Scotland is adored for its scenic coastal walks all year round. 1 Seafield Street is a large holiday cottage in Cullen, a historic coastal town on the Murray Firth, sleeping up to ten adults and two children in spacious, well-equipped accommodation. One well-behaved pet is welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of an L-shaped apartment building with iron-railings protecting walkwabys and spaced for parking beneath.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

3 Dolphin Court epitomises coastal convenience. The seaside apartment lies just minutes from the harbour and Brixham's attractions. Its location allows families to explore South Devon with ease. This Brixham holiday cottage's sophisticated, light-filled interior carries a nautical aesthetic and catches the sea breeze and the sun.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterpark Nearby
  • Waterside Cottages
aerial view or a beach with a small seaside village overlooking the sands
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Just metres from the beach at Slapton, this chic, beachside apartment is perfect for dog owners looking to enjoy a slice of coastal life. We can't think of a better way to experience this special part of south Devon with a lovely, open-plan layout, two spacious bedrooms, and allocated parking.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages

Choose the right waterside cottage

Your ideal breakLook forCheck before booking
A riverside holidayA cottage beside or overlooking a riverWhether there is direct access, a view only, fishing permission or an unfenced water edge
A lake or loch stayA lakeside or lochside settingWhether the water can be accessed and any property-specific rules
A canal-side breakA cottage by a canal, marina or towpathThe exact location, nearby paths, parking and any shared access
A harbour or estuary escapeHarbour, creek or estuary viewsTides, terrain and the distance to local shops or restaurants
A seaside holidayA sea-view, beachfront or beach-adjacent cottageWhether there is direct beach access or simply a coastal location
A stay with a dogA waterside property that welcomes dogsDog numbers, garden details, water-edge safety and local access rules

What to check before booking

A cottage by the water can be ideal for relaxing, walking, fishing or exploring the coast, but the details matter.

  • Water setting: Confirm whether the property is by a river, lake, canal, loch, harbour, estuary or the sea.
  • Access: A water view does not always mean direct access to the riverbank, shore or beach.
  • Activities: Check whether fishing, swimming, boating, paddleboarding or mooring is allowed before making plans.
  • Children and dogs: If you are travelling with children or pets, look for information about fencing, water edges, steps and supervision.
  • Coastal conditions: For beach, harbour and estuary stays, check tides, local access and seasonal conditions.
  • Practical details: Consider parking, walking routes, local amenities and how close the cottage is to the water you want to enjoy.

Find your kind of waterside break

For sea-focused stays, browse Coastal Holiday Cottages. You can also combine your search with Dog-Friendly Cottages, Remote Holiday Cottages, Walking Holidays and Cottages for Couples.

Frequently asked questions

This collection includes cottages by rivers, lakes, canals, lochs, harbours, estuaries and the coast. Check each listing for the exact setting and relationship to the water.

No. Some have direct access, while others may have views, shared access or be nearby. Check the individual property details before booking.

Only where the property information confirms that this is allowed. Fishing permissions, water access, equipment and local conditions vary.

Yes. Use the Dog-Friendly filter, then check the individual cottage’s pet policy and any water-edge or garden safety details.

Coastal cottages focus on the sea and shoreline. Waterside cottages can include coastal stays, but also rivers, lakes, canals, lochs, harbours and estuaries.

It depends on the property. Check for details about water access, fencing, banks, steps and supervision before booking.