There’s something quietly magical about staying by water, whether it’s the still, mirror-like beauty of the lochs of Scotland or the storybook landscapes of the Lake District. From sunrise mist to golden evening reflections, these waterside settings have a way of slowing everything down.
Our collection of lakes and riverside stays brings together handpicked retreats set along some of the UK’s most beautiful rivers and tranquil shores. From cosy cabins to characterful cottages, each one offers a chance to switch off, unwind, and reconnect with nature at its most calming.
Lake and river stays by property type
Why book a lake or riverside stay with Coolstays?
- When you make a booking enquiry using our message system, you'll be chatting directly with the property owner, and you will book directly with them too.
- Coolstays do not charge commission or booking fees, so you know you are getting the best possible price.
- You'll also be supporting small business owners across the UK as every penny goes towards a booking with them.
Lake and riverside stays by location
More about Coolstays
Here at Coolstays we showcase a huge array of unique and unusual places to stay here in the UK, across Europe and around the world!
If you and your loved ones are fed up with spending hours looking for your next stay, then Coolstays really is the place for you.
Take some time and browse our growing portfolio of over 3,000 hand-picked, outstanding places to stay, each of which offers something truly quirky, noteworthy or stylish.
Our accommodation options are as wide and varied as you can imagine, including glamping options, like gypsy caravans, shepherd’s huts, tipis, yurts, tents and cabins; idyllic staycation choices, such as quirky treehouses, quaint cottage and rustic barn conversions; and a whole host of unique offerings, from windmills to lighthouses and buses to boats. You can even head to the continent with a number of fabulous, deluxe villas and outstanding city-break apartments.
So, if you want to escape the mass market and get off the beaten track, finding somewhere chic or unique, then you need to look no further than Coolstays!
Frequently Asked Questions
From cosy cabins and shepherd’s huts to cottages and boutique hotels, this collection brings together a wide range of waterside stays set beside tranquil lakes, lochs and rivers.
Yes, many of these lakes and riverside escapes are perfect for couples, offering peaceful settings, beautiful views and a sense of seclusion that makes it easy to switch off together.
Absolutely. This collection includes waterside stays close to the lochs of Scotland, where dramatic scenery, still water and wild landscapes create a truly unforgettable backdrop.
Yes, you’ll find stays in and around the Lake District, making it easy to enjoy one of the UK’s most iconic destinations for waterside walks, scenery and fresh-air escapes.
There’s something uniquely calming about staying by water, whether it’s the stillness of a lake, the grandeur of a loch or the gentle soundtrack of one of the UK’s most beautiful rivers.
Many are ideal for walking breaks, with easy access to lakeside paths, riverside trails, woodland routes and wider countryside adventures.
Yes, there are plenty of family-friendly options in the collection, including spacious cottages and nature-filled escapes with room to relax after a day outdoors.
Yes, some of these lakes and riverside stays are wonderfully tucked away, offering privacy, peace and a chance to fully reconnect with nature.
Many of the stays in this collection welcome dogs, so you can bring your four-legged companion along for muddy walks, waterside adventures and cosy evenings in.
Yes, depending on the location, guests can enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, wild swimming, fishing and scenic boat trips nearby.
