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.

 

Exterior of a Dunster holiday cottage with a pave courtyard and sun loungers.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Grist Mill is a large and characterful rural holiday cottage in Dunster, a medieval village on the West Somerset coast. It is a charming semi-detached cottage that can accommodate up to eight guests. It boasts a spacious leafy garden with furnished areas, a brand-new sunroom, unique decor and furnishings, an open-plan design, a modern style, and a warm and inviting wood-burning stove.

The large semi-detached cottage sleeps eight and features a large leafy garden with furnished areas, a new sunroom, quirky décor and furnishings, an open-plan design, a contemporary style, and a cosy wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A semi-detached, 4-storey holiday home with a full-width shaded balcony overlooks the waterside.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover La Follie, a premier Cornish coastal cottage offering luxurious self-catering holidays in Fowey. With stunning estuary views, three elegant bedrooms, and stylish interiors, it's the perfect retreat. Enjoy spacious living areas, a well-equipped kitchen, and outdoor spaces, including a courtyard and roof terrace. Book now for an unforgettable escape on the south coast of Cornwall.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

A charming traditional seaside cottage located on the coast at Marazion has been refurbished to offer you a comfortable stay. The property boasts stylish decor and open-plan living area that offers magnificent views from the elevated private patio. Moreover, you will find an enclosed courtyard garden, where you can unwind and sip your morning coffee.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A holiday apartment overlooks a long sandy beach in South Devon.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Discover a waterfront retreat for self-catering holidays for two in Torcross at Lower Reeds, a charming beach apartment. Situated on the seafront, it offers a romantic escape with panoramic ocean views. The well-equipped kitchen, comfortable living room, and a rear double bedroom with en suite provide a cosy haven for couples. Enjoy a front terrace overlooking the sea and off-road parking. Two well-behaved dogs are welcome. Explore Torcross and nearby coastal gems, making Lower Reeds ideal for a tranquil beach getaway.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A grand Victorian Manor House with two turreted wings overlooks a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 20
  • Bedrooms 10

Manor House, located on Osea Island, offers a remarkable escape. Accessible via a Roman tidal causeway, this exclusive Essex holiday cottage is an extraordinary retreat. Explore a range of activities, including an outdoor pool, saltwater lido, tennis court, cinema, and 4.5 miles of coastline. The grand Edwardian house boasts ten bedrooms, most with four-poster beds and en-suite bathrooms. It's an ideal celebration venue, with reception rooms, a country kitchen, and captivating water views. Book this extraordinary destination for a minimum of 2 nights, with flexible arrival days.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Waterside Cottages
A wooden deck with lounge furniture sits in front of a contemporary 3-storey waterside holiday home.
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Mossgara is a captivating waterside cottage in South Devon. With a large layout, private quay, and direct water access, this large luxury property offers stunning views from all levels. Well-appointed interiors include a spacious kitchen, dining area with bay windows, and a comfortable lounge with a gas fireplace. Four bedrooms, each with waterside views, add to the charm. Enjoy nearby beaches, coastal paths, and excellent pubs. Mossgara ensures a delightful retreat for those seeking a unique waterside holiday in Noss Mayo. Discover more about this exceptional property!

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
An estuary view from a deck of a waterside holiday apartment in Salcombe.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Enjoy a taste of luxurious living at 'Quarterdeck,' a Salcombe holiday apartment with a pool. This 2-bedroom waterfront retreat boasts a large balcony with panoramic estuary views, perfect for al fresco dining. Enjoy exclusive amenities like a private mooring, communal gardens, and a heated outdoor pool. The open-plan living area, well-equipped kitchen, and stylish bedrooms make it an ideal getaway. Explore the charming surroundings, with pubs, restaurants, and sandy beaches just steps away. Discover the allure of South Devon living at 'Quarterdeck.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Riding Through the Clouds is a stylish converted fishing warehouse in Newlyn on the Cornish coast. The chic coastal cottage boasts exposed stone walls, local art, geothermal heating, open-plan design, and a spacious terrace that captures the sun and leads to the nearby Coombe River.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Riverside Farm Cottage sits on 12 acres by the River Dove and offers guests a luxurious escape. The rural cottage in Kirby Mills sleeps eight. It boasts impressive views of the Yorkshire countryside, a furnished garden, an interior with ample windows, contemporary styling & a wood-burning stove.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A thatched cott`ge lings to the foot of a steeply wooded hill right above a pebble beach.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 4

Seagulls Rest offers water frontage and fantastic sea views from multiple vantage points. The stone-built Victorian cottage sits a hop and skip from the sand in Minehead, Somerset and welcomes families and pets to a property with contemporary styling, a lovely private courtyard and a clean sea breeze.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
An Exmoor farmhouse overlooks a large lawn surrounded by trees.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

The Victorian Wing of Stockham Farm is a self-contained rural holiday cottage within a traditional farmhouse. It offers ample grounds, a wood-burning stove, a bespoke kitchen, subtle elegance and wonderful countryside views. The pet-friendly cottage lies in an easily accessible remote rural location above Dulverton in the heart of the Exmoor National Park.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A countryside bungalow with a view of the sea in the background.
  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

A sandy beach sits on the doorstep of Swn y Mor, a large seaside holiday cottage with a hot tub in Pembrokeshire which welcomes families. Outdoor entertaining areas and generous windows capture the ocean views and complement the luxurious décor of the pet-friendly holiday home. Sleeps 8.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterpark Nearby
  • Waterside Cottages
A North Devon riverside cottage with a large lawn.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

A romantic riverside holiday cottage in Bratton Fleming perfect for celebrating any of life’s special occasions, The Folly lies on the fringes of Exmoor in North Devon, tucked away on a private lane, with large glazed double doors opening onto a beautifully furnished pet-friendly studio cottage.

  • Active Holidays
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A wooden 2-storey Essex holiday cottage overlooks a lawned garden, shaded by tall trees with four sun loungers on the grass.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

"The Limes" is a charming Island holiday cottage located on private Osea Island on the enchanting Essex Coast. It is perfect for a cosy and inviting escape for up to five guests. The cottage features a warm lounge with garden access, two spacious double rooms, and an additional single room. It also boasts a well-equipped kitchen, two elegant bathrooms with roll-top baths, and a private garden. Osea Island is a private island that offers a lot of attractions, including a private beach, saltwater lido, outdoor pool, cinema room, games room, gym, and 4.5 miles of coastline to explore with bikes. If you're looking for a tranquil getaway, "The Limes" is the perfect place to discover and plan your next seaside escapade.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • 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.