Lone kayaker paddling down a beautiful and quiet stretch of river in the sunshine

Best Cottages for Water Sports

If water sports are part of what makes a holiday special for you, or simply if you fancy trying some out, we have a range of cottages for water sports that are sure to tempt you. Whether it’s the appeal of surfing in Cornwall, canoeing on a loch in Scotland or jet-skiing on the Llŷn Peninsula that appeals, read on to discover more.

Surfer at Three Mile Beach in Devon

Water sports at Gwithain Beach

Cornwall

Cornwall is a fantastic destination for all kinds of water sports and if you book one of our featured beach houses you will be perfectly placed to try them all. Choose from a Salt Water Two Bedroom Beach House, Sunset Three Bedroom Beach House or a Seashell Four Bedroom Beach House that are all part of a beach resort that’s set on a beautiful and quiet stretch of coast in North Cornwall.

About a 5-minute walk from the resort, you will come to some steps that lead to the gorgeous Gwithian Beach and other fantastic beaches beyond. The area is ideal for enjoying fun and invigorating water sports, with something to suit a range of ages and abilities.

However, it’s a brilliant place for surfing and you can learn in a private lesson or a small group, perfect for family bonding. There’s even the option to have the whole experience recorded with water photography or video.

The resort also hires out bodyboards, surf boards, stand-up paddleboards, fins and wetsuits, as well as beach equipment including cool boxes and parasols so you can really make a day of it. If all that isn’t enough, how about trying coasteering locally too? It’s a fun and energetic way to explore the coast’s caves and gullies.

The river next to Riverside Retreat, Devon

Kayaking on the River Torridge

Devon

Riverside Retreat (sleeps 6) is a fantastic cottage for water sports, in particular canoeing and kayaking. As the name suggests, it sits right on the banks of a river – the River Torridge in Devon – so a stay here means direct access to the water from the garden. And what a beautiful stretch of river it is. This tranquil spot is a haven for birdlife including herons and the soothing sounds of nature will be with you as you take to the water.

For confident and experienced kayakers and canoers, it’s a fantastic place to be. Canoes, kayaks and life jackets are available to hire too. If you feel like mixing things up a bit, head to the beaches of the North Devon coast. It’s a fantastic destination to surf or learn the skill, with surfing schools at Westward Ho!, Croyde Bay and Woolacombe.

Back at Riverside Retreat, you can relax and admire the beautiful river views from the house or garden, or head to the local pub for a bite to eat.

Paddle Boarding On Loch Lomond

Paddleboarding at a lakeside estate

Cotswolds

You’re in exactly the right place for water sports when you stay at Lakeside Manor, The Reserve (both sleeping 10), Alder Grand Suite (sleeps 6) or Barn Owl Cabin (sleeps 4). These exquisitely designed properties are located on a private estate in the Cotswolds with lakes and lush green spaces to explore. Each property also comes with a stunning lake view.

Take to a canoe, kayak or a paddleboard and savour the peace of the surroundings as you listen to the sounds of nature and enjoy the fresh air. Watercraft can be hired from April to September and each craft comes with a life jacket.

The estate also features a host of leisure facilities that include a spa, swimming pool and restaurant, plus a wealth of pursuits for all the family, to offer the ideal mix of activities and relaxation.

Abersoch Beach North Wales

Jet-skiing on the sea

Llŷn Peninsula

The Ynys Lodge (sleeps 20) is a shooting lodge-style property on the stunning Llŷn Peninsula, where a large group can relax and enjoy a host of adventure activities. It’s situated in the idyllic North Wales countryside, but within easy reach of beautiful beaches. Plus, the owners have a passion for water sports and own a company that offers jet-ski training and boat trips.

A range of other water sports are available locally and there are two places in particular that are worth making a trip to. Pwllheli, with its renowned marina, is ideal if you’re interested in sailing. Or head to the popular resort of Abersoch which also has great facilities for sailing and water sports.

Back at The Ynys Lodge there’s a host of country pursuits available too, such as clay shooting at the owners’ shooting school nearby, so you’ll have the best of coastal and country pursuits to choose from.

The exterior of Munro Cabin, Loch Lomond

Canoeing on a loch in Scotland

Scottish Highlands

Munro Cabin (sleeps 8) is a contemporary lodge on a private estate near Crianlarich in the Scottish Highlands. It’s perfect for dipping your toe into water sports with a paddle in one of the Canadian canoes that are free to use on the estate’s loch. From the water, you can admire the gorgeous Highlands scenery in all its glory.

If you have the bug to try more, the estate is within reach of 21 other lochs including Loch Lomond which is about a 20-minute drive away. Between them they offer a range of boating and sailing activities, windsurfing and paddleboarding.

A person running into the sea with a surfboard

Surfing at Fistral Beach

Cloud 9 is located about 500m away from Cornwall’s surfing hotspot, Fistral Beach in Newquay. The beach is renowned for the reliability of its quality surf that keeps surfers coming back year after year. Paddle boards, longboards and wetsuits can be hired from Fistral Beach Hire, while the Fistral Beach Surf School offers surf lessons for everyone from those that are curious to advanced surfers looking to perfect their skills.

Back at Cloud 9, you can enjoy unwinding in the back garden or admire the sea views from the front patio, while the cinema room is perfect for cosy nights in. Should you wish to venture out, Newquay town centre, with its selection of pubs and restaurants is not far.

Need help finding a cottage where you can enjoy water sports?

Contact Us

If you have any questions about any of our cottages or if you’d like some help with your booking, you are very welcome to get in touch with us.

We are always happy to help and go out of our way to tailor your perfect UK holiday.

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