10 lovely riverside hotels in the UK
Luxury spa hotels don’t come much better than this irresistible Cotswolds retreat, which matches its pretty surroundings with stylish Scandi interiors and state-of-the-art facilities. At Minster Mill Hotel & Spa, the Garden Spa has a heated plunge pool, rock sauna and aroma steam room, plus an indulgent menu of ESPA treatments.
There are also two restaurants - the relaxed Mill Bar and triple AA Rosette fine dining restaurant - along with a terrace, gardens and a croquet lawn.
For added romance, choose a Feature Room and you’ll have your own private terrace with a firepit overlooking the River Windrush.
(Minster Mill Hotel & Spa)
Wander through rambling gardens down to the River Avon and you'll find this cute pub in Hampshire. Previously a water mill, The Old Mill has been handsomely renovated into a boutique hotel right by the stunning expanse of the New Forest.
Head to the pergola for a quiet place to relax, or for more atmosphere enjoy a pre-dinner drink on the terrace right by the river. As well as fantastic food in the restaurant, you’ll be treated to modern luxuries in the rooms’ trendy ensuite bathrooms - some of which have freestanding tubs.
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Boasting one of the Lake District's best locations at the edge of Windermere, The Swan has a fun, laidback atmosphere and is very welcoming to families, who can book out a whole suite to stay together.
Dog owners who want to make the most of the great walks nearby are well looked after too. As well as the informal pub serving food all day, there’s a fine dining restaurant and a terrace by the River Leven outside, where you can soak up the Lake District’s stunning scenery.
Back inside, there’s a pool and spa to relax in after a day’s walking or exploring nearby towns.
(The Swan Hotel and Spa)
Run by its former head chef, the aptly named Riverside Inn at Aymestrey has two AA Rosettes for its sophisticated modern British dishes, which have a big emphasis on sustainability.
Here, everything - including the honey - is made by the kitchen team. The rooms at this luxurious riverside hotel are equally top notch, with nice touches like Noble Isle toiletries.
For extra space go for the magnificent Hayloft Suite – or choose a garden lodge with a private terrace overlooking the river.
(Riverside Inn)
For those wanting to explore the New Forest National Park, there aren’t many Hampshire hotels more historic than Master Builder’s House, right by the river in beautiful Beaulieu.
It’s in the former home of Henry Adams, a master shipbuilder who worked for Admiral Nelson and made three ships that fought in the Battle of Trafalgar.
There are bags of period features inside and plenty of the rooms have views of the river. Enjoy a drink next to it out on the terrace of the two-AA Rosette Riverview Restaurant, which specialises in fresh seafood. With children and dogs welcome too, this is a fantastic option for a fun UK holiday in the New Forest.
(Master Builder's House Hotel)
One of London’s most beautiful parks is right on your doorstep at Richmond Hill Hotel, as well as the chic shopping streets of Richmond and its atmospheric Thameside pubs. A stay here combines the best of a London city break with the charm of the Surrey countryside nearby, which is easy to explore on a bike.
The hotel looks out across Petersham Meadows, an iconic view immortalised by legendary British painter JMW Turner. Grab a gourmet picnic from sister restaurant 188 on the Hill to enjoy by the Thames, or head into the park to spot wildlife including red and fallow deer.
(Richmond Hill Hotel)
With six rooms in a remote riverside spot in the Welsh countryside, The Newbridge on Usk is a place to enjoy some real R&R without any of the interruptions of the modern world.
A weekend here is best spent going for romantic walks in the absolutely stunning countryside all around you, tucking into the restaurant’s award-winning Welsh food, and relaxing out by the river when the weather’s warm, sipping a cocktail on the hotel’s pretty terrace.
(The Newbridge on Usk)
This riverside hotel is the ideal place to soak up the atmosphere of one of the world’s most famous universities. Oxford and Cambridge’s famous boat race inspires much of the décor inside The Head of the River, with faux bookcases and framed novels continuing the academic theme, and exposed brickwork and wooden floors adding a modern touch.
Kids are welcome, so the whole family can enjoy a short punt up the river to explore the city centre. Once you’ve worked up an appetite try the pub’s tasty seasonal dishes, or head out onto the terrace - one of Oxford’s most popular places for a drink thanks to its scenic location and great selection of beers and wines, plus a full gin list.
(Head of the River)
A former coaching inn on the River Derwent, The Talbot is a great option for a stylish stay in the foodie hotspot of Malton – one of Yorkshire’s most on-trend towns.
You’ll find inviting rooms with some nice extras like Nespresso machines inside, plus bags of space to relax and period features in the highest category Four Poster rooms, while Deluxe Doubles boast freestanding tubs.
It’s a sociable place to stay too, thanks to the beautiful gardens that stretch down to the river, a comfy lounge and two terraces – one looking out across the water. Check out the gin distillery opposite the hotel for a fun afternoon out, and bring your dog along to make the most of the great walks nearby.
(The Talbot)
Experience the Wye Valley at The Saracens Head Inn, a family-run pub with rooms in pretty Symonds Yat. Outdoor activities you can try during a stay here include angling and golf, or just pull on your boots and take a scenic stroll around this popular beauty spot.
The rooms are light and modern, with contemporary bathrooms and smart TVs as standard, and you can dine on the terrace right by the river, choosing from a menu of dishes that draw inspiration from all over the world to show off Welsh and West Country produce.
(The Saracens Head Inn)These are the best riverside hotels in London, the Cotswolds and Lake District. Relax by Britain’s prettiest waterways at these gorgeous riverside retreats.