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On the waterfront: best stays by rivers, lakes & lochs

Published 8th April 2026

Why are waterside getaways so good?

Is it the peaceful sound of the river, or the stillness of the lake? Or the fact that your biggest decision of the day is whether or not that passing blur was a kingfisher.

These are the places where you can step straight from your door and be by the water. Places for sipping a morning cup of tea with your toes in the river, and for evenings on the jetty watching the sunset.

A stroll to a riverfront pub is probably involved somewhere too.

You'll find beautiful lake houses in the Lake District, riverfront properties in Wales and loch-side cabins in the Scottish Highlands.

Dive in and take a look at all our river and lakeside stays.

And for exrtra inspiration, here's our guide to the UK's most beautiful locks, lakes and rivers.

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Romantic waterfront stays for two

Romantic waterside hideaways for two in the UK, from cosy riverside cabins to secluded lakeside retreats.
The Boathouse

The Boathouse

South Cerney - Gloucestershire

Sleeps 2
Nestled in The Cotswolds, The Boathouse offers a romantic waterside break with floor-to-ceiling windows, underfloor heating and a lovely private decking area.
Treeopia

Treeopia

Tenbury Wells - Worcestershire

2 per treehouse
Step into a fairytale at award-winning Treeopia, two gorgeously, luxurious and romantic treehouses on the borders of Worcestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire.
The Snug & River Hideaway

The Snug & River Hideaway

Gartness - Stirlingshire

Sleeps 2
Peaceful riverside stone cottage near Loch Lomond offering a private garden hideaway and cosy fireside living.
Boat House Lodge

Boat House Lodge

Shrewsbury - Shropshire

Sleeps 2
Tranquil riverside lodge in Shropshire for couples with panoramic views, enclosed garden and walks to the pub.
Mayfly Cabin

Mayfly Cabin

Barnstaple - Devon

Sleeps 2
Wake up to life on the lake in this stunning cabin for two in North Devon, a tranquil retreat ideal for anglers and nature enthusiasts.
Kabn

Kabn

Cairndow - Argyll & Bute

Cabins sleeping 2
Two multi award winning architect designed cabins for two with loch views, wood-burning stoves and private beaches in West Scotland
Little Wren

Little Wren

Colchester - Essex

Sleeps 2
A dreamy cabin for two on the shores of a lake in peaceful rural Essex.
Treetop Hideaways

Treetop Hideaways

Woodhall Spa - Lincolnshire

Treehouses sleeping 2
Self-catering treehouses set within gorgeous Lincolnshire woodland overlooking a private lake - each with its own docked paddle boats.
The Boathouse on the Lake

The Boathouse on the Lake

Thakeham - West Sussex

Sleeps 2
Enjoy a fabulous couple's retreat in this beautiful lakeside home in West Sussex, complete with a hot tub, private deck, tennis court and cosy interior.
Fronteifi Nature Lodges

Fronteifi Nature Lodges

Cardigan - Ceredigion

Sleeps 2-4
Spellbinding riverfront eco lodges for two with private hot tubs immersed in incredible wildlife on the Teifi Marshes near Cardigan.

Off-grid and glamping spots by the water

Glamping by the water in the UK, from cosy lakeside domes to riverside shepherd’s huts, perfect for getting close to nature without giving up your comforts.
Lilypod

Lilypod

Lewdown - Devon

2 per pod
Unique floating glamping pods on a farm in the Devonshire countryside near Dartmoor, perfect for romantic rural escapes.
Pritchels

Pritchels

Bideford - Devon

2 +2 kids
Romantic vintage yurt retreat in North Devon with lake views, sunken hot tub and peaceful wildlife-filled setting.
The Snug at Logie Farm

The Snug at Logie Farm

Newburgh - Fife

Sleeps 2
A pair of romantic, luxury snugs tucked away on a peaceful slice of Fife countryside with hot tubs, fire pits and amazing views of the River Tay.
Windmill Cabin

Windmill Cabin

Newdigate - Surrey

Sleeps 4
Relax and enjoy the tranquil views from this stunning lakeside retreat in the heart of the Surrey Hills.
The Raft at Chigborough

The Raft at Chigborough

Chigborough - Essex

Sleeps 4
An exceptional way to experience life on the water, with room for four in this floating lake cabin on the Essex coast. There’s a hot tub, a boat and an inviting covered deck
The Lake House

The Lake House

Arundel - West Sussex

Sleeps 4
Charming lakeside lodge with a hot tub, offering groups of up to four an idyllic and peaceful break in the West Sussex countryside.
The Lost Garden Retreat

The Lost Garden Retreat

Hintlesham - Suffolk

6 per tent
Gorgeous safari tents with fabulous private decks, luxurious hot tubs and a warming fire pits in wild Suffolk.
Re:treat Glamping

Re:treat Glamping

Pulloxhill - Bedfordshire

Sleeps 7
A luxury, safari lodge in the glorious Bedfordshire countryside, with its own pondside veranda

Family-friendly stays by rivers and lakes

Family-friendly waterfront stays in the UK, including spacious riverside homes and lakeside retreats.
Oyster

Oyster

Acharn - By Kenmore

Sleeps 4
Glass-fronted lochside boathouse on stilts at Loch Tay with hot tub, sauna and dreamy Highland views.
Darach

Darach

Pitlochry - Perthshire

Sleeps 4
Charming and homely stay amidst stunning greenery on the edge of a picturesque loch, with beautiful decor and a private lochside beach.
Forest Cottage

Forest Cottage

Aviemore - Cairngorms National Park

Sleeps 2+2
This beautifully restored fairy-tale cottage in the heart of the picturesque Cairngorms National Park is the perfect romantic getaway.
Luxury Cocoons at Clawford Lakes

Luxury Cocoons at Clawford Lakes

Holsworthy - Devon

Sleeps 5
These unique and modern Cocoons offer an incredible lakeside retreat in Devon with expansive decks and amazing fishing opportunities.
Cormorant

Cormorant

Stirling - Stirlingshire

Sleeps 6
Beautiful and modern lodge on the edge of a picturesque lake offering groups of up to six a modern, luxurious base in Stirlingshire.
Ty Hedfan

Ty Hedfan

Brecon - Powys

Sleeps 6
Natural beauty and stunning modern design work harmoniously in the Welsh hills at Ty Hedfan.
Carsaig

Carsaig

Callander - Perthshire

Sleeps 6
Contemporary lodge on the banks of a loch in the heart of the Trossachs with a private beach, three acre garden and a hot tub.
Mirrors Edge

Mirrors Edge

Somerford Keynes - Gloucestershire

Sleeps 8
This beautiful retreat in the Cotswolds offers spacious lakeside decks, a private hot tub, stunning views of the water and luxurious interiors.
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!
Hunsett Mill

Hunsett Mill

Stalham - Norfolk

Sleeps 9
Jaw-dropping and award winning holiday home incorporating a former mill keeper's cottage that recently featured on Grand Designs: House of the Year.

Large waterfront homes for group getaway

Large waterfront houses in the UK for groups, from sprawling lakeside homes to riverside retreats, perfect for bringing everyone together by 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.
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.
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.
Lakefield Boathouse

Lakefield Boathouse

Watermillock - Cumbria

Sleeps 14
Spectacular lakeside boathouse on Ullswater with cinema room, glass floor and breathtaking panoramic views
The Lady of the Twizzle

The Lady of the Twizzle

Walton-on-the-Naze - Essex

Sleeps 14
A floating maritme retreat with its own private quay, complete with a bubbling outdoor hot tub and a luxurious interior.
Nor67

Nor67

Little Witley - Worcestershire

Sleeps 16
Exclusive Worcestershire estate with a hot tub and deluxe interiors overlooking an eight-acre lake, offering space, calm and seclusion for groups.
Edgar House

Edgar House

Chester - Cheshire

Sleeps 16
Grand regency townhouse overlooking the River Dee in the heart of Chester with exquisite interiors, games room and amazing home cinema room.
Silverholme Manor

Silverholme Manor

Ulverston - Cumbria

Sleeps 18
Luxurious lakeside Georgian manor house and separate cottage in a beautiful Lake District estate, perfect for big groups of family and friends.
The Island in Oxfordshire

The Island in Oxfordshire

Witney - Oxfordshire

Sleeps 22
A spectacular private island retreat with indoor games and an Arctic spa hot tub.
Plas Pantyderi Manor

Plas Pantyderi Manor

Boncath - Pembrokeshire

Sleeps 23
Live like Lord or Lady of the Manor at a grand Georgian wedding house in rural North Pembrokeshire.

  1. What are the top waterfront stays in the UK?
    Discover stunning properties along tranquil rivers and serene lakes across the UK, including locations like Lake Windermere, the River Thames, and Loch Lomond.

  2. Can I find pet-friendly waterfront accommodations?
    Yes, many of our waterfront properties welcome pets, allowing you to enjoy nature with your furry friends by your side.

  3. Are there family-friendly stays near lakes or rivers?
    Absolutely. Explore family-friendly retreats with activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking right at your doorstep.

  4. Do you offer luxury stays on the water's edge?
    Experience luxury on the water's edge with our selection of upscale lodges, boathouses, and villas featuring premium amenities.

  5. Which waterfront stays have the best views?
    Our curated collection includes properties offering panoramic views over shimmering lakes and peaceful riverbanks for a truly picturesque retreat.

  6. Can I book a romantic getaway by a lake or river?
    Certainly! Find secluded cabins and charming cottages perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape by the water.

  7. What activities are available near waterfront accommodations?
    Enjoy activities such as sailing, canoeing, bird watching, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge during your stay.

  8. Are there eco-friendly waterfront options available?
    Yes, explore our range of sustainable accommodations built with eco-conscious practices in mind without compromising on comfort or style.

  9. How do I book a group stay near a river or lake?
    Large groups can choose from spacious houses and lodges designed to accommodate gatherings while providing access to beautiful waterways.

  10. What dining options are available at these locations?
    Many properties offer fully equipped kitchens for self-catering as well as proximity to local eateries serving fresh regional cuisine by the water.