Best Lakeside Stays in the UK

Lakeside holidays offer so much! Always relaxing, there's plenty to enjoy in these beautiful natural environments, including walking, fishing, birdwatching, wild swimming, canoeing, or simply taking in the peaceful scenery. With that in mind, we've collated a variety of the best lakeside places to stay in the UK. Continue reading for the lowdown.

The Tawny

No ordinary hotel, head to this lakeside stay in Staffordshire and enjoy a deluxe hut, cabin or treehouse. Eating at The Plumicorn – a strikingly modern, glass-fronted restaurant – is a must for foodies!

Blyth Rise Stays

These luxury lakeside lodges and huts are set in beautiful grounds and gardens in the middle of the Suffolk countryside. All come with a private terrace, fire pit and BBQ.

Gravel Farm

Here you have eco-conscious and dog-friendly cottages set in the perfect location to explore the watery landscape of the nearby Cambridgeshire Fens.

The Belsfield Hotel

An elegant hotel in the Lake District that's both classic and contemporary. Enjoy afternoon tea in the restaurant admiring the lake views or hop on a cruise boat!

Elmley Nature Reserve

Relax and enjoy your stay here on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent as you look out over lakes and pools. Take a wildlife tour to see curlews, lapwings, herons and more!

Heath Farm Holiday Cottages

These luxury holiday cottages in the Cotswolds are arranged around a beautiful courtyard. Enjoy boating, trout fishing and swimming in the lake.

Coastal Cabins

Head here for custom-built cabins grouped around a fully stocked fishing lake on the beautiful North Devon Coast – a great place to stay and enjoy the sea, coastline, and countryside.

Westward House

This holiday property is located right on the shore of Lake Windermere and is great for an active, family holiday – whatever the weather, there's plenty to keep you busy!

Crynga Mawr Cottages

These luxury dog-friendly country cottages are close to Cardigan Bay and boast stunning views of the countryside and private lake. Sandy Aberporth Beach is also close by!

Storrs Hall Hotel

This Grade II-listed country house estate on Windermere won 'Large Hotel of the Year' at the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2023 – and well deserved it is too, combining low-key intimacy with contemporary comfort.

Clawford Lakes

From cocoons to lake pods, there's a varied selection of accommodation at this peaceful setting in Devon. Enjoy the on-site bar, restaurant, and spa with an infinity pool!

Blackbird

This narrow boat in Cornwall sleeps two in luxury on a tranquil, serene lake. Or if you prefer to be on land, take a look at the beautiful Tregulland Cottage and Barn.

Mill Farm Devon Holidays

Enjoy a lakeside stay at a lodge in the Devon countryside where you can fish, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and help feed the alpacas! Each self-catering property sleeps up to four people.

Randy Pike

This fab three-room boutique B&B is situated within easy reach of the magnificent Lakeland Fells in Cumbria. Sleep in a hand-carved bed and relax in your huge bathroom!

Kingfisher Lakes

Stay in a luxury cabin, lodge or yurt set between two lakes in this lovely spot in East Yorkshire where you can spot abundant wildlife, including kingfishers! A perfect place to relax.

Eusemere Lodge

A terrific holiday home in the Lake District National Park, with a games room and cinema to enjoy in addition to the fishing, boating and kayaking on offer. 

Idle Waters

This picturesque riverside cottage in Colchester is as idyllic as it gets. If you're too relaxed to cook, just across the water you'll discover a fab restaurant with the best food for miles!

The Lodges at Bovey Castle

Situated between the water and the tennis courts on a private estate in Devon, there's lots to do at this lakeside stay – play golf, visit the spa, try clay pigeon shooting or work out in the gym! 

If lakeside holidays aren't your thing, check out our destination guides for more top places to stay in the UK, ranging from the Scottish Highlands and Snowdonia to the North Norfolk Coast.

We also offer a range of useful filters, including seaside cottages, hostels for walkers and romantic retreats.

And for general inspiration, check out our blog.


What Customers say about Cool Places

Everything I needed for a stay

I'm already looking forward to going again and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the area. It definitely deserves a five star rating!

Nathan, Verified Customer

6 out of 5!!!!

This place was amazing… I could not recommend this place enough, I’ll be singing their praise for many years to come and we are going to book again soon.

Barbara, Verified Customer

Easy to navigate

Great site that offers a really broad range of places to stay across the UK. Easy to navigate and book holidays.

Patrick, Verified Customer

Such a great variety of properties

Found this website when looking to book a staycation for later in the year. Such a great variety of properties and the website is really easy to use. Already shared with my family and friends.

CT, Verified Customer

Great, simple, straightforward

Great, simple and straightforward. I will definitely be using Cool Places again.

SM, Verified Customer