ROUND-UPS

26 of the Best Coolstays by the River

Published 1st April 2025

For the ultimate in waterside relaxation you need a river. A sun-dappled spot to sit back and watch the world flow by. Perfect.

You'll be laughing all the way to the riverbank with these beautiful riparian getaways around the UK.

Check out all our properties by lakes and rivers.

Lake and riverside retreats
Riverbank

Riverbank

Hunworth - Norfolk

Sleeps 4
This utterly unique cottage has been lovingly renovated creating a marvellously one-of-a-kind, luxury space in a peaceful North Norfolk setting.
The Boathouse

The Boathouse

Totnes - Devon

Sleeps 4
Incredible stay perched on the scenic banks of the River Dart in Devon offering cosy comfort and incredible views across the water.
Stillwaters at Avington Estate

Stillwaters at Avington Estate

Avington - Hampshire

Sleeps 14
Relax by tranquil waters in an ultra-modern, luxury group escape in Hampshire, in the rolling hills of the South Downs.
Liddel Water Lodges - Millipond

Liddel Water Lodges - Millipond

Carlisle - Cumbria

Sleeps 4
Luxury hand-built cabin on the waterfront surrounded by woodland with stunning scenery and a hot tub on the Cumbria and Dumfriesshire border.
Boscantle

Boscantle

Helford Passage - Cornwall

Sleeps 10
Luxurious six bedroom house with a swimming pool overlooking the Helford River in South Cornwall, perfect for big families or trips with friends.
The Boatshed at Camp Plas

The Boatshed at Camp Plas

Welshpool - Powys

Sleeps 3
Romantic glamping experience in a cosy boatshed, nestled on the banks of the River Vyrnwy in the heart of Wales.
Hunsett Mill

Hunsett Mill

Stalham - Norfolk

Sleeps 10
Jaw-dropping and award winning holiday home incorporating a former mill keeper's cottage that recently featured on Grand Designs: House of the Year.
By the Wye

By the Wye

Hay-on-Wye - Powys

6 per safari tent
Comfy, luxurious eco-friendly safari tents in the woods on the bank of the river Wye in Herefordshire.
North Lodge and River Cabin

North Lodge and River Cabin

Banchory - Aberdeenshire

Sleeps 6
Lovingly renovated remote cabin and lodge nestled in charming Aberdeenshire woodland with hot tub and accommodation for six.
Riverdale Shepherds Huts

Riverdale Shepherds Huts

Ripon - North Yorkshire

2 per hut
Four stunning shepherd's huts with outdoor baths and incredible views, close to the River Ure in North Yorkshire.
Hidden River Cabins

Hidden River Cabins

Carlisle - Cumbria

2-8 per cabin
Built from half-logs, these stunning river-view cabins bring a continental chalet feel to Cumbria, with the beautiful Scottish Borders and Lake District within reach
Otters Holt

Otters Holt

Cardigan - Ceredigion

Sleeps 10
Stunning retreat on the River Teifi offering deluxe furnishings, grand social spaces, a wood-fired sauna and a hot tub overlooking the water.
Nagden House

Nagden House

Faversham - Kent

Sleeps 10
With stunning panoramic views across Graveney Marshes, Nagden House is a stylish and secluded rural retreat in Kent.
Glan yr Afon

Glan yr Afon

Llandysul - Ceredigion

Sleeps 4
Beguiling 18th century thatched cottage with gorgeous original features and a stunning riverside garden near the coast in Ceredigion, Wales.
River Barn

River Barn

Bowland Bridge - Cumbria

Sleeps 2
Utterly charming barn on the River Winster with cosy interior, indoor and outdoor wood burners and fabulous riverside patio for alfresco dining.
Riverside Terrace

Riverside Terrace

Ambleside - Cumbria

Sleeps 4
Three luxurious, eco-friendly properties near Ambleside, perfect for exploring the Lake District with friends or family.
Riverside Lodge

Riverside Lodge

Fordingbridge - Hants

Sleeps 6
Quaint lodge on the edge of the River Avon in Hampshire, with huge windows, comfy furnishings, and great access to the New Forest and Cranborne Chase.
SULA Lightship

SULA Lightship

Gloucester - Gloucestershire

Sleeps 4
Extraordinary two bedroom apartment onboard a historic lightship moored in the Gloucester Docklands.
Whispering Waters Lodges

Whispering Waters Lodges

Gainford - County Durham

2 +2 per lodge
Stylish hot tub lodges perched on the banks of the River Tees in the heart of the Durham Dales, offering a peaceful, eco-friendly escape.
The Harpy Houseboat

The Harpy Houseboat

Tower Bridge - London

8 adults + 2
An historic London floating home with the postcard view of Tower Bridge - The Harpy is like no houseboat you’ve ever seen!
Darcy Mews

Darcy Mews

Richmond - North Yorkshire

2-6 per apartment
Five luxury riverside apartments right next to the Richmond Falls and just moments from the town centre. A superb base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales.
Dinham Weir House

Dinham Weir House

Ludlow - Shropshire

12 +2
Wonderful riverside retreat in an incredible location at the foot of Ludlow Castle – the perfect venue for a special celebration.
Hermitage Cottage

Hermitage Cottage

Lancaster - Lancashire

Sleeps 4
Stylish cottage with a hot tub overlooking a river in Lancashire’s beautiful countryside, perfect for couples or families looking for a quiet escape.
River Cottage

River Cottage

Ashford-in-the-Water - Derbyshire

Sleeps 20
An elegant, country house in the stunning Peak District, with lush, riverside gardens and room for up to twenty people…
Master Shipwrights House

Master Shipwrights House

Feock - Cornwall

Sleeps 8
Stylish creekside home in Feock, Cornwall with private mooring and beautiful garden retreat.