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.

 

A modern brick cottage overlooking a lawn with s small millstream running through it.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Lower Mill Cottage is a charming country cottage that was once part of a larger traditional mill. It is situated in the beautiful Cotswold village of Broadway, which is considered one of the most attractive villages in the Cotswolds. The cottage features a lovely garden that is bordered by a peaceful stream, making it a perfect retreat for dog owners. Additionally, the cottage has private parking available.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sea views from a beach-front villa window in Filey
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

With beautiful sea views, Beach Villa offers a wonderful ocean escape for families and pets in Filey, North Yorkshire. The coastal cottage offers multiple outdoor entertaining areas which capture the view, and the interior boasts contemporary coastal chic as well as a carefree and relaxing vibe.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A reed-fringed lake sits in front of a 2-storey Shropshire barn conversion.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 6

Buttercups Haybarn is a detached 5-star rural cottage set amidst woodland and green fields in Alkington, Shropshire. The luxurious Georgian cottage blends tradition with urban chic, with shared use of an indoor swimming pool, multi-sports court, an Under 5's play area, plus wonderful rural views.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Aerial photo of a large holiday home nestling between mature woodland and fields overlooking a wide river.
  • Sleeps 14
  • Bedrooms 6

Craig Alvah Lodge is a luxurious holiday home located near Banff in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. It is perfect for groups and can accommodate a large number of guests. The lodge is situated in a secluded rural location near the Moray Firth and offers many facilities such as a heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, games room, and a trout and salmon fishing beat on the Devoran River.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Aerial view of cottages overlooking a river and surrounded by trees.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Craig Lodge is a beautiful holiday home located near Banff that sits beside the River Deveron, providing a perfect fishing spot for salmon and trout. This secluded holiday home is surrounded by stunning wooded countryside and is an excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts and those who enjoy walks on the Moray Firth Coast in Aberdeenshire. The area offers amazing scenic walks for both two and four-footed guests right from the front door.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a old holiday cottage overlooking Porlock Weir harbour at high tide.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Situated in the heart of the seaside village of Porlock Weir, Somerset, Harbour House Apartment once housed the harbour master but now makes an idyllic holiday home along the Exmoor coast, a waterside cottage featuring two cosy bedrooms and French windows offering gorgeous views of the bay.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

This unique accommodation is part of a historic water mill and retains original features, including exposed beams and huge mill windows. The peaceful Warwickshire village of Tredington is ideally situated between the Cotswolds and Stratford-on-Avon. Fishing is available on-site.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A 3-storey, brick-built mill conversion alongside the mill race.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Puddle Cottage is part of an 18th-century water mill in the quiet Warwickshire village of Tredington, on the edge of the Cotswolds. It is in a charming riverside location with its own secluded garden and steps leading down to the mill stream. Pets are welcome. Fishing is available on-site.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a 3-storey house with a large covered balcony.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

The River Crake lies at the end of the garden at Sawmill Cottage, a large and charming 18th-century rural holiday cottage near Low Nibthwaite in the South Lakes. The pet-friendly cottage spoils guests with beautiful views, a generous garden, an open fire, a games room and modern comforts blended with old-world charm.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Seaspray is the perfect Dorset coastal destination for walkers, families and beach lovers! Seaspray offers a taste of life by the beach in the pretty village of Eype. The beach at Eype welcomes dogs all year round, and the property is dog-friendly.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior and patio of a single-storey, wooden eco-lodge surrounded by trees.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 1

Once a barn in a beautiful rural location, The Kingfisher’s Nest has been lovingly converted to create an idyllic one-bedroom waterside holiday cottage on the banks of Cowesby Beck in North Yorkshire. It is nicely located for exploring the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. This luxury cottage sleeps 4 in one double bedroom plus a sofa bed.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Tiny Islands on the calm Moray Firth are silhouetted against a golden sunset.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 4

The Old Customs House in Banff is a beautiful seafront holiday cottage that boasts a hot tub adjoining the Banff Marina. With its four spacious bedrooms, this luxurious cottage on the Moray Firth provides an unforgettable holiday experience for families and groups of friends.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a large timber lodge with a spacious deck overlooking an equally spacious, secure lawn.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

This is a fantastic, recently-built holiday home near Carbis Bay that is detached and has a reverse-level layout. It boasts five bedrooms and has been finished to an exceptional standard, with stylish and spacious accommodation. The property is situated in a slightly elevated location, offering breathtaking views of the sea and coastline from the front. On a clear day, you can see all the way up the coast to Godrevy Lighthouse and even as far as St Agnes Head.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a large double-fronted Georgian House with bay windows and an adjoining wing.
  • Sleeps 24
  • Bedrooms 12

River Wye Lodge is a spacious holiday cottage in the Forest of Dean overlooking the picturesque River Wye. The cottage can accommodate up to 26 guests, and it is easily accessible. You can spend your days exploring the Forest and theWye Valley or enjoy a variety of activities on the river. Alternatively, you can relax in the cottage's hot tub, games room, or children's playground. Pets are welcome to join you on your holiday.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A cottage lounge with a pine-beamed ceiling and comfortable leather sofas.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Located close to Dorset’s Jurassic Coast near Bridport, The Cider Barn is a newly refurbished family-friendly barn conversion in secluded rural surroundings at Hembury Mil in Askerwell. The Cider Barn sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, appealing to those planning beach or walking holidays on the Dorset coast.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote 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.