Nothing beats lying in bed and listening to the sound of waves lapping against the shore or sitting out on the balcony watching the sunset over the loch. This provides the icing on the cake for any holiday offering! Browse our range of waterside cottages below and enjoy your next break right by the water's edge. Read more
Whether you want to simply relax by the river or get out and about exploring the magical waterways and Norfolk's many attractions, this comfortable holiday home is a perfect choice. Enjoy a waterside position in the popular Broadland village of Wroxham with pubs, restaurants and shops a short stroll away.
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.
Kingfisher Lure is a riverside holiday cottage in the very heart of the Norfolk Broads in the popular village of Wroxham - an excellent location for fishing, sailing, bird watching and exploring both the magical waterways and areas many attractions.
Sunnyside is a quaint cottage with ample room for 2 or more people. Dogs are welcome but best if only 1 at a time (or 2 very small ones). The kitchen is very well equipped and leads to a separate sitting room/dining room. The porch at the front of the property is a real sun-trap and very popular place to sit regardless of the weather. Wonderful sunsets over the hills of the Kintyre Peninsula can be enjoyed all year round. There is another sitting room where reading a book or watching TV and relaxing can be enjoyed while someone else is doing the cooking!
A 17th Century holiday cottage located in a peaceful position amongst beautiful countryside just three miles from the Cumbrian cobbled village of Dent in the Yorkshire Dales and within easy reach of the Lake District. Ideal for walking, relaxing or visiting the areas many attractions and with a fire for winter nights and pretty garden with glorious views, it is the perfect place to escape away from it all and relax. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Sitting in a tranquil position set up a private road where a stream runs through the grounds, with Private parking (Having an EV Charger) and being dog friendly with an enclosed garden, this welcoming self-catering cottage is only a five minute stroll from the heart of the Cotswolds village of Broadway with its superb independent shops, pubs and restaurants. Lower Mill Cottage Two is a great base for exploring the Cotswolds and Central England.
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.
If you’re looking for a romantic holiday 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 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.
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.
You won't forget your stay at Morocco House. This stylish house has accommodation over four floors and has uninterrupted views of the River Dart from both the house and the garden. It's in the pretty village of Kingswear in the South Hams region of Devon, a short walk from the ferry to Dartmouth, train station, shops and local pubs. The house has two bedrooms plus a double sofa bed and can sleep up to six people, with every room beautifully furnished to ensure a comfortable stay.
Relax by the water in this contemporary architect-designed property with fantastic views over St Just Creek. Sandbar is in St Just in Roseland on the Roseland Peninsula, close to St Mawes and within walking distance of beautiful beaches. It sleeps up to six people in two bedrooms (plus double sofa bed) and is perfect for couples, families or friends, especially those who enjoy walking, cycling and exploring the region's beautiful gardens. These include the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan and National Trust Trellisick Gardens. Falmouth, Truro and St Austell are also within easy reach.
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.
Kingfisher Cottage is a delightful traditional end terrace single storey cottage nestled in the breathtaking Teifi Valley of rural Carmarthenshire. This welcoming holiday home sleeps four in two cosy bedrooms and is one of only four cottages on the picturesque Dol-Haidd Isaf estate near Newcastle Emlyn. Guests can explore 40 acres of beautiful countryside, including a private stretch of the River Teifi perfect for fishing. Whether you’re a couple, family, or friends, this Carmarthenshire holiday cottage offers a serene escape. The Teifi Valley, a designated SSSI, is a haven for birdwatchers, with 72 species already spotted. Enjoy nearby attractions like the Wales Coast Path, Pembrokeshire Coast Path, National Wool Museum, National Coracle Centre, National Botanic Gardens, and the Tregaron Heritage and Red Kite Centre, all just a short drive away.
The Lower Mill Cottages are situated, just up a private road, with private off road parking, also having access to an EV Charger. Set amongst very picturesque grounds with a stream running through, private parking and being dog friendly with an enclosed garden, these two Cotswold Holiday Cottages sit in an enviable idyllic quiet location just a few minutes stroll from the centre of Broadway - one of the Cotswolds most beautiful villages with an excellent choice of pubs, restaurants and independent shops. A great base for exploring Central England or simply relaxing.
You won't want to go home after holidaying in this gorgeous waterfront property in the delightful village of Horning. With a private hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and a large garden that leads down to the river, Whispering Reeds Cottage is the perfect retreat for couples and families looking to explore the Norfolk Broads. Whether you are looking for a new adventure each day, or you simply want to relax in beautiful surroundings, the Norfolk Broads is a fantastic location for a holiday at any time of the year. This impressive self-catering holiday home sleeps six guests in three bedrooms and two well behaved dogs are welcome too.
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.
Located in the New Forest National Park midway between Lymington and Brockenhurst, this spacious holiday home provides a good self-catering base for families and couples to explore the areas many attractions. Spout House Studio is a great choice for walkers and cyclists.
Hele Lane Cottage is a delightful thatched holiday home by the river in the depths of the beautiful countryside of Mid-Devon. An ideal self-catering base to explore this interesting and beautiful part of the South West with Dartmoor and Exmoor within easy driving distance and all the right ingredients to simply relax amongst nature.
Cockley Beck Cottage is a one-bedroom holiday cottage in the Duddon Valley, set deep within the Lake District National Park and sleeping two guests. This ground-floor self-catering accommodation offers a wood-burning stove, enclosed garden, off-road parking and direct access to fell walks from the door. Located between Hardknott and Wrynose Pass, the cottage sits in a remote yet accessible setting with the River Duddon close by. Two well-behaved dogs are welcome. For couples seeking a holiday rental in the Lake District with serious walking, dark skies and genuine peace, Cockley Beck Cottage offers space to properly switch off.
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.
