Enjoying a riverside position in the popular Broadland village of Wroxham, Blackfriars provides comfy accommodation for up to four guests and is perfect for families wanting to explore the magical waterways of the Norfolk Broads, along with the Norfolk countryside, coastline and Norwich city. Fabulous sandy beaches within a short car ride away as well as an abundance of attractions including BeWilderwood, Great Yarmouth, Cromer and the Horsey seals. Alternatively, just park the car and enjoy everything on offer on the doorstep including fishing, boat hire, riverside walks, pubs and shops.
This fantastic holiday cottage is less than 200 metres from the beach at Broad Haven and a leisurely stroll to shops, cafes, pubs and other amenities. Markington Cottages sits on a private lane with upstairs sea views and off-street parking and is ideal for families and friends as there is space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms plus a double sofa bed. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is on the doorstep, waiting for guests to explore and enjoy. St Davids, Tenby, Narbeth and Folly Farm are all within easy reach for fun days out.
A versatile holiday cottage well located in the picturesque seaside village of Little Haven on the Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales. With the beach just 150 yards away and pubs on the doorstep, sea lovers and walkers will love this coastal location. A haven for wildlife.
The Isle of Colonsay is located off the West Coast of Scotland in the Hebrides and has stunning beaches, spectacular views, great walks, bike rides and an abundance of wildlife. Overlooking the sea and within walking distance of the islands hotel which serves very good food, this holiday cottage is a perfect Scottish holiday retreat.
Its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful harbour make Mevagissey a favourite Cornish holiday destination. This fantastic holiday cottage, which sleeps eight people in four bedrooms, is a leisurely ten-minute stroll from Mevagissey's pubs, shops and restaurants, and just a few minutes walk to the secluded, sheltered beach. Kittiwake is the families much loved holiday home and is spacious and private, with both the interior living areas and garden perfectly designed for relaxing. With great attractions like the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project nearby, this Cornish cottage is ideal for families and groups of friends.
Exceptional both inside and out, this stylish well presented lodge sits in one of the most enviable positions in the Lake District, with a rural location close to Lake Windermere. Enjoy an alfresco meal on the terrace watching the sun set in the evening, and by day discover the many attractions of nearby Bowness and Windermere.
Pele View is a spacious stone-built holiday cottage in Cresswell, overlooking the Northumberland coastline with sea views to the rear and open fields towards a medieval Pele Tower at the front. Sleeping up to four guests, this welcoming self-catering accommodation features a large open-plan ground floor, wood-burning stove and well-equipped kitchen-diner designed for relaxed coastal living. At the rear, a modest garden leads to the cottage’s own bench above the water’s edge, a favourite spot for watching the tide roll in and out. Druridge Bay’s long sweep of sand begins just beyond, while dog-friendly walks, nature reserves, and friendly cafés are all close at hand.
Fishing on-site, an excellent pub half a mile away, and the spectacular North Norfolk coastline within easy reach make Wensum View Cottage a favourite all year round. It's in the village of Great Ryburgh near Fakenham, conveniently located for popular attractions like Roarr!, Sandringham, and Pensthorpe. The former stable block is now a spacious holiday cottage sleeping eight people in four bedrooms with two bathrooms and a well-equipped kitchen for self-catering. It's an ideal property for big families, extended families and friends who want to fish, walk, cycle and play golf.
This charming cottage is on a family-run farm on the beautiful Northumberland Coast, just across the road from the Annstead Dunes Nature Reserve and miles of beautiful coastline. Seahouses and Beadnell are both just half a mile away. There is an excellent choice of shops and pubs within walking distance in Seahouses, while favourite attractions like Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle, the Farne Islands and Holy Island are all within easy reach. The self-catering cottage sleeps up to two people in one spacious bedroom with a private patio garden and off-street parking.
The Seashells is a seafront holiday home in Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent. It sleeps eight people in four en-suite bedrooms and offers uninterrupted views of the English Channel. The house is modern and spread over four floors, with three balconies facing the sea. There's a large kitchen-diner for shared meals and a top-floor lounge for relaxing evenings. You can walk to Littlestone Golf Club or stroll along the promenade towards St Marys Bay or Dymchurch, with Greatstone's sandy beach a few minutes walk in the opposite direction. The garage doubles as a games room with table tennis, darts, and table football for all ages. The house is dog friendly by arrangement and has secure courtyard parking plus storage for bikes, boards, and golf clubs.
Jacks sleeps 6 in 3 spacious bedrooms. There is a ground floor bedroom with shower room adjacent so it's ideal for a person with limited mobility. A travel cot is available. Jacks is a few minutes walk to Beadnell Bay to the South and the Haven Beach to the north. The village which has 2 pubs and two cafes is a short walk. Smoking is not allowed
The coastal location and exceptional view from this well presented detached holiday home never fails to please. The light spacious accommodation set within large terraced gardens provides everything for a comfortable and relaxing holiday in a particularly beautiful and tranquil area of Exmoor. A great place for memorable stays with friends and family.
In an enviable position, this self-catering holiday apartment is located in the beautiful Broadland village of Horning, on the Norfolk Broads. Tracara apartment has breathtaking views and is just a stones throw from the river's edge. An ideal base for exploring the many attractions and magical waterways that this area is famed for.
Affording a splendid position overlooking Loch Carron in the heart of the picturesque Scottish village of Plockton, Craigview offers a lovely blend of romantic charm and Highland character. A warm welcome awaits when you stay in this comfortable Scottish holiday cottage with fabulous pubs, restaurant, scenery and wildlife on the doorstep as well as easy access to Skye.
Sitting in large gardens (with tennis court!), this welcoming bright and airy holiday apartment is perfectly placed in a tranquil location overlooking lake Windermere, yet within just a mile of Bowness-on-Windermere with its shops and eating establishments. The Loft offers the best of both worlds for those who want to relax and unwind whilst being within easy reach of the areas many attractions.
Have double the fun at Swan Bay Sea View Apartment. The beautiful apartment is beside a river on the shores of Budle Bay and is ideal for families, friends or couples. It comfortably sleeps six guests in three bedrooms, boasts incredible views of Lindisfarne and comes with exclusive use of Jetty Cottage - a well-equipped summer/games room complete with barbecue, outdoor furniture and two adult-sized bikes just metres from the water. As if all that was not tempting enough, guests also have use of the facilities at a nearby health spa, and Bamburgh is just over a mile away, putting guests within reach of pubs, cafes, shops and the famous beach and castle.
Just outside the village of Commondale in the picturesque North Yorkshire Moors, this welcoming holiday cottage provides exceptionally comfortable self-catering and an ideal base for exploring the areas many attractions including Whitby and the lovely bays of Runswick bay, Sleights with in a 20min drive and the beautiful city of York within easy driving distance.
There's nothing between you and sensational ocean views when you stay at Foxes. The holiday cottage sits on the cliff above beautiful Treyarnon Bay with direct access to the South West Coast footpath and the beach. There is space for up to eight people to sleep in five bedrooms, so grab your mates, the kids and even the dog and load up the car! Padstow's pretty harbour, excellent restaurants and amenities are only a few miles down the road, and there's a friendly pub within walking distance. It's the perfect spot for a seaside holiday in Cornwall all year round. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
If you’re looking for a holiday in a romantic retreat for two people, then head down the little lane to Howe Foot and step into the beautifully crafted cottage of Otley Beck. Set over two floors, with an AGA cooker in the kitchen and a log burner in the snug, the cottage stands in an acre of grounds beside a beck. With Coniston Water a few miles to the north, the festival town of Ulverston close by and the southern tip of Windermere only a few miles away, this is a delightful base from which to explore unforgettable countryside.
A stylish riverside holiday cottage in an enviable position in the very heart of the Norfolk Broads sitting within a private garden right on the bank of the River Bure in Wroxham. With miles of magical waterways to explore and being just ten miles from the Norfolk coastline and the City of Norwich, Sandringham Cottage is the perfect self-catering base for up to four guests from which to explore Norfolk. The mooring and private garden area make this the perfect location for those wishing to enjoy all that the Norfolk Broads has to offer from boating, kayaking, fishing in season to bird watching and photography or just relaxing and watching the world go by.
We have properties throughout the UK, meaning there are plenty of waterside cottages to choose from. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat by a lake, or perhaps a secluded getaway near a loch, there is something for everyone with Independent Cottages.
To help get you started, below is a list of some of the most popular spots for those seeking a break by the water.
Waterside cottages in Northumberland
Waterside cottages in the Peak District
Waterside cottages in Cornwall
Waterside cottages in Scotland
Our waterside cottages guide will help you plan for your tranquil getaway. With information on when to book, what to do, and our top tips, you can plan your next break with everything you need to know in mind.
Keep reading to learn more about our waterside breaks and get ready to start planning your next holiday by the water!
When you choose to book a waterside cottage depends on what you want to do during your stay. We have a range of properties that cater to varying holiday itineraries, so things like the time of year and the weather can all impact activities during your break.
If you’re planning to stay in a riverside cottage, spring is an excellent time to book. This is when the surrounding landscapes come to life with a plethora of flora and fauna and the pleasant temperatures provide a comfortable climate to get out and explore. You might even find yourself paddling by the water’s edge, or perhaps simply sitting back and soaking up the pretty scenery.
For those seeking a lakeside cottage, summer is a great time to plan your trip. This is when the temperatures are warmer, days are longer and there is more sunshine throughout the UK. Staying in a property by the lake during this time is ideal for those seeking BBQs by the water, alongside pretty views from your cosy cottage.
Autumn and Winter are also great for those pursuing a waterside holiday. With frosted landscapes and frozen lakes, this is a magical time to get cosy by the fire or enjoy crisp walks in the countryside. Whether you’re planning a break with family, friends or your partner, a festive getaway is the perfect choice for many.
No matter when you decide to make the most of your waterside break, you’re sure to find something to suit a range of holiday itineraries. With properties throughout the UK, there are more than enough to choose from!
Once you have decided on when to go on your waterside break, you’ll next need to plan what to do during your stay. Many of our properties boast ideal locations, near pretty towns and villages, or out in the countryside. This means that guests can spend their days wandering lovely streets or hiking through the wilderness.
If you’re looking to book a waterside holiday with the whole family, you will find plenty to do during this time. Spend some time by the water and enjoy numerous activities such as fishing, paddling, swimming and more. It’s important to check whether the water is safe for swimming and if fishing is allowed, but this information can be found by the owner of the property.
Whether you are looking for a holiday by the sea or a countryside retreat, we have a large collection of waterside properties to choose from. From peaceful creekside cottages where you can be at one with nature. Large beach houses with a hot tub overlooking the sea. Fishermen’s cottages in the heart of a bustling harbour. And romantic, cosy log cabins beside a tranquil lake. The choices are varied with each having something special to offer water lovers.
Some properties may not accept children due to waterside risks. It’s best to speak to the owner before booking to find out the property's suitability if you are bringing little ones and make sure they are supervised at all times around water. If you plan to fish, you may also need a permit on some waters. Plus, don’t forget your binoculars for wildlife spotting. Waterside properties are highly desirable and get booked up quickly so don’t delay!
If you’re planning your next waterside break with your four-legged friend, we have plenty of properties by the water that are also dog-friendly. This is a great way to experience the beautiful surroundings, all while getting out and active with your furry companion.
For those seeking a truly relaxing getaway, be sure to check out our waterside cottages with hot tubs. These provide the perfect place to unwind, all whilst enjoying the luxury of your very own hot tub. Sit out and take in the beautiful surroundings, all whilst soaking in a warm jacuzzi.
We have an extensive range of waterside properties that cater to a variety of holiday itineraries. If you’re pursuing somewhere to relax in utter seclusion, there are plenty of rentals to choose from. This provides the perfect way to enjoy some serenity, all whilst enjoying the exceptional waterside vistas.