Our favourite lake and river stay destinations

The Lake District is perhaps the UK’s most iconic waterside destination. Here, glassy lakes sit beneath dramatic fells, with ever-changing weather adding to the atmosphere. From the vast expanse of Windermere to the quieter beauty of Buttermere or Ullswater, each lake has its own personality.

Staying here means waking to mist rising off the water, watching light shift across the hills, and ending the day with reflections of sunset dancing across the surface. It’s a place where nature feels close and immersive, whether you’re tucked into a secluded cabin or a waterside cottage.

• Windermere cruises – Drift across England’s largest lake, taking in mountain views from the water
• Ullswater steamers – A slower, heritage way to experience one of the most beautiful lakes
• Wild swimming spots – Discover quiet bays and hidden shores for a refreshing dip

• Catbells and Helvellyn – Iconic hikes with sweeping lake views
• Tarn Hows – Gentle walking with postcard-perfect scenery
• Lakeside strolls – Easy paths that hug the water’s edge

• Grasmere and Ambleside – Cosy cafés, pubs and local shops
• Lakeside dining – Restaurants with terraces overlooking the water

• By car - Easily accessible via the M6, with routes into Windermere, Keswick and beyond
• By train - Direct trains to Oxenholme, with connections to Windermere. Penrith station for access to the northern lakes
• By bus - Local bus networks connect key towns and lakes, especially in peak seasons

Just north of Glasgow, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs offer a softer, greener take on Scotland’s wild beauty. Loch Lomond itself stretches wide and serene, dotted with islands and framed by rolling hills that gradually rise into rugged peaks. It’s a place where you can sit by the water in complete stillness or set out into the landscape for gentle adventure. The combination of accessibility and natural beauty makes it one of the most rewarding waterside destinations in Scotland.

• Kayaking and paddleboarding – Glide across calm loch waters
• Boat trips to the islands – Explore hidden corners and quiet beaches
• Wild swimming – Find peaceful inlets for a cold-water dip

• Ben Lomond hike – A rewarding climb with panoramic views
• Forest walks in The Trossachs – Woodland trails filled with wildlife
• Cycling routes – Scenic rides through lochs and glens

• Lochside picnics – Slow afternoons by the water
• Local pubs and inns – Cosy spots with views across the loch

• By car - Around 40 minutes from Glasgow via the A82
• By train - Direct services from Glasgow to stations like Balloch and Ardlui
• By bus - Regular buses run from Glasgow into the national park

The River Wye winds through one of the UK’s most quietly beautiful landscapes. The Wye Valley is all rolling hills, ancient woodland and riverside meadows, with the water itself carving a gentle path through Herefordshire and the Welsh borders. It feels less dramatic than some destinations, but no less special. Staying here is about slowing down, watching the river drift past, and enjoying a sense of calm that comes from being surrounded by nature and history.

• Canoeing on the Wye – Paddle through peaceful stretches of countryside
• Riverside walks – Follow the water along shaded paths and open fields
• Wildlife spotting – Look out for kingfishers, herons and otters

• Tintern Abbey – A striking ruin set beside the river
• Symonds Yat Rock – Elevated views over the winding Wye
• Goodrich Castle – A well-preserved fortress overlooking the valley

• Farm shops and markets – Fresh local produce
• Country pubs – Relaxed dining with riverside views

• By car - Accessible via the M50 and A40, depending on your starting point
• By train - Nearest stations include Hereford, Chepstow and Gloucester
• By bus - Local bus services connect towns and villages throughout the valley

The Norfolk Broads offer a completely different kind of waterside escape. This network of rivers and lakes is defined by its flat landscapes, open skies and slow-moving waterways. Life here unfolds at a gentler pace, shaped by the rhythm of the water. Reeds sway in the breeze, boats drift past quietly, and sunsets stretch wide across the horizon. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to fully switch off and immerse themselves in a calm, expansive setting.

• Boat hire – Explore the broads at your own pace
• Canoeing and kayaking – Quiet routes through reed-lined channels
• Fishing spots – Peaceful locations along the water’s edge

• Birdwatching – A haven for rare and migratory species
• Nature reserves – Walk through protected wetlands and marshes
• Sunset watching – Big skies and glowing reflections

• Riverside pubs – Moor up and step straight inside
• Market towns – Wroxham and Horning for shops and cafés

• By car - Easily reached via the A47 and A146
• By train - Services to Norwich, with connections to towns like Wroxham
• By bus - Local routes connect Norwich to key Broads villages

The Scottish Highlands are home to some of the UK’s most awe-inspiring waterscapes. Here, lochs stretch deep into vast, open landscapes, surrounded by mountains, forests and wild terrain. From the famous waters of Loch Ness to the remote beauty of lesser-known lochs, this is a place where scale and solitude define the experience. Staying beside a Highland loch means embracing the elements, watching mist roll across the water, and feeling completely removed from the everyday.

• Loch Ness – Boat trips and shoreline walks
• Loch Maree and Loch Torridon – Remote beauty and dramatic scenery
• Wild swimming – Brave the cold in unforgettable surroundings

• Mountain hikes – Routes through some of Scotland’s most striking terrain
• Scenic drives – Routes like the North Coast 500
• Photography – Ever-changing light and vast open views

• Highland villages – Small communities with strong character
• Traditional pubs – Warm spaces after a day outdoors

• By car - The best way to explore, especially for remote lochs and regions
• By train - Routes to Inverness, Fort William and Kyle of Lochalsh
• By bus - Limited but available between major towns and cities

From the dramatic lakes of Cumbria to the quiet waterways of Norfolk, and from the winding Wye to the vast lochs of Scotland, the UK offers an incredible variety of waterside escapes. Each destination brings its own atmosphere, shaped by landscape, light and the movement of water itself. Whether you’re looking for adventure, stillness or something in between, a stay by a lake or river has a way of slowing everything down and making space for something simpler.