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 4
  • Bedrooms 2

With fabulous waterside views across the beautiful River Dart and the Marina beyond, the 2-bedroom apartment at 40 Dart Marina is in a fabulous South Devon location within walking distance of central Dartmouth within a designated National Landscape.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
A lighthouse and cottages stands on a cliff edge.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Ariel is a stylish coastal cottage offering a unique getaway in Nash Point Lighthouse near Marcross on the South Wales Coast. The pet-friendly cottage sleeps 5. It provides uninterrupted ocean views and a sea breeze, lovely grounds with furnished spaces and an interior boasting contemporary chic, natural light and comfort.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Double-fronted cottage with large lawn surrounded by mature trees.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Ball Cottage is a charming holiday home located in Winsford, Somerset. Nestled within a lush garden, it boasts a beautiful stream that adds to the picturesque scenery. The cottage is perfect for those looking to go on walking holidays in Exmoor, as it is ideally located. Inside, you'll find many original features, including a lovely open fire that creates a cosy ambience. Additionally, you can explore the charming village and Exmoor National Park or head to the coast for a day trip.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Beach Lodge is an impressive detached holiday cottage in Woolacombe with spectacular sea views. The seaside cottage sleeps six opposite the beach in the award-winning resort town. It offers a spacious, sophisticated interior, an open-plan design, a balcony, a sea breeze, and natural light.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Stone-built terraced Minehead holiday cottage on a quiet village street.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Beachside Cottage sits just moments from the beach. The pet-friendly, 3-bedroom holiday cottage in Minehead offers guests a contemporary style. Its outdoor space is ideal for al fresco dining, while its interior promises true comfort with a light and airy design.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a North Devon mill cottage surrounded by gardens in a valley floor.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Set amongst mature waterside gardens in a gorgeous secluded location, Bratton Mill Cottage is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage near the medieval village of Bratton Fleming in Devon, is a pet-friendly 17th-century cottage. It has been recently redecorated yet retains much of the character and charm of the original mill.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A large old mill cottage nestles in a wooded Exmoor valley.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Bratton Mill Farmhouse near the North Devon village of Bratton Fleming offers the perfect escape for large families and groups on holiday in the South West. A 17th-century former mill, It has been transformed into a child-friendly, large North Devon holiday cottage alongside a babbling trout stream.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
An Exmoor holiday home on the banks of the calm River Barle flowing under a stone bridge.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

ridge Cottage is a pet-friendly holiday cottage located in Withypool, featuring river frontage, a beautiful garden, and authentic rural charm. The cottage includes exposed beams, tiled floors, antique furnishings, a log fire, and limewashed walls. Additionally, it offers a sunroom with lovely views and access to Exmoor.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A terrace of thatched cottages overlooks a road and beachfront at low tide.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Captain’s Cottage in Minehead, Somerset, offers beachfront charm with sea views. This thatched seaside cottage sleeps four in two bedrooms. Period features include an inglenook fireplace, a modern kitchen, and a rear terrace for sea gazing. The dog-friendly cottage has no garden. It is close to the harbour and the South West Coastal Path. Limited mobility is cautioned. It is an Ideal Exmoor coast retreat.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
The exterior of a stone-built country cottage overlooks a pretty garden.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Cascade Cottage is a gorgeous holiday home in the heart of the Exmoor National Park near the moorland village of Exford. It is an ideal child-friendly holiday retreat and can be accessed by a footbridge. The cottage features a spacious kitchen, exposed beams, and a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover the secluded luxury of Chapel House One, an Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island, surrounded by the Blackwater Estuary. Revel in the exclusive tidal island, a 90-minute escape from London, with private beaches, an outdoor pool, tennis court, cinema room, games room, and more. This dog-friendly waterside cottage offers flexible accommodation, ideal for family get-togethers—Book Chapel House One for a unique, beautiful getaway with stylish living areas and mezzanine space. Explore the island, visit The Puffin Pub, and enjoy EV charging facilities.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
An L-shaped, wood-panelled Essex holiday bungalow with a wooden deck containing a table and sunlounger, all overlooking a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 2

East Village No.2 is a luxurious coastal retreat located on Osea Island in Essex. This ground-floor gem is perfect for families or groups, featuring an open-plan living area that is ideal for gatherings. With two stylish bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, it can accommodate up to 5 guests. The garden is a lovely spot to enjoy, complete with a fire pit and BBQ. Osea Island offers a private beach, outdoor pool, cinema, and more, making it a unique getaway. East Village No.2 is the perfect escape for celebrations or a family break.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

One Manor Beach Cottage is a picturesque, four-bedroom Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island. Nestled by the shingle beach, this spacious coastal retreat provides tranquil, family-friendly accommodations. Unwind in the cosy living spaces with an original wood-burning stove. The cottage is just steps from the water's edge, offering splendid sea views. Enjoy communal facilities, such as an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, cinema room, games room, and more—a remarkable place for special celebrations or family vacations.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
A two-storey Essex holiday cottage overlooking a lawn with a parasol on Osea Island
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Garden House is a warm and inviting Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island located near the waterfront, boasting a charming and cosy atmosphere. The interior is tastefully decorated, radiating comfort and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for a luxurious holiday retreat. This holiday home is situated in the central village area of the island, providing convenient access to all the island's attractions while also offering a private and secluded refuge.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • 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.