Splashing in streams, sniffing out new smells and soaking up the sun on the riverbank; a day out by the river is heaven for dogs.
And, whether you want to enjoy long walkies along the water, spend a day on the river with your fishing rod and your furry fishing mate, or soak up the tranquil sights and sounds of the watery landscape, a riverside break is the perfect way for humans to unwind.
Take a look at some of our favourite dog-friendly cottages by rivers across the UK to find the perfect base for your next getaway with your furry best pal, or click the button below to view our entire cottage collection.
Rivertide Retreat, Bere Alston, Devon | sleeps 2 dogs + 8 humans
Sat right on the tranquil River Tavy, you couldn’t get much more of a riverside property than this one. Combining period features such as an inglenook fireplace, ceiling beams and latticed windows, this is a charming home for a dog-friendly getaway to Devon. But the cherry on top is the riverfront garden where you can sit and soak up the views, drink in hand and dog at your feet.
Why your dog will love it: There’s a roaring wood burner for fireside naps after long walks by the river, plus dog-friendly Dartmoor is nearby for epic tor adventures.
Reedham Riverside, Reedham Norfolk | sleeps 2 dogs + 4 humans
We can’t round up the best dog-friendly cottages by rivers without heading to the Norfolk Broads – the gently meandering network of man-made waterways. This lovely home sits right on the banks of the River Yare between a boat hire service and a dog-friendly pub. Wander the long-distance Wherryman’s Way trail or take a trip to the famous Reedham Ferry before enjoying a glass of something special back in the garden, soaking up the marsh views.
Why your dog will love it: Your pup can get his sea (or river) legs with a trip aboard a dog-friendly Broads boat cruise before snaffling a few chips from the village takeaway after.
The Weir House, Ludlow, Shropshire | sleeps 2 dogs + 12 humans
Gather the pack for a trip like no other, staying at this breathtaking home on the banks of the River Teme in Shropshire. With six en-suite bedrooms, a former Michelin-starred kitchen with a chef to hire, and a hot tub available, the humans are well-catered-for; pups will love paddling their paws in the river and dozing around the firepit listening to the laughs of their humans.
Why your dog will love it: There’s a dog-friendly pub and a large park within half a mile of the property, so they’ll be in doggy heaven!
Blue Lins River Barn, Llandrindod Wells, Mid Wales | sleeps 2 dogs + 8 humans
Set on an idyllic farm and close to a babbling river in Wales, this beautiful barn conversion has luxurious accommodation for a riverside break with your hound. Humans will love the four en-suite bedrooms and the bubbling hot tub while your pups will love lounging by the wood burner-effect electric fire or trying to steal a sausage from the BBQ in the enclosed garden.
Why your dog will love it: There are 300 acres of farmland, just perfect for zoomies!
River Lodge, Inverness, The Highlands | sleeps 1 dog + 14 humans
If your highfalutin hound is used to the finer things in life, take a riverside holiday to this magnificent lodge in the Highlands. Tartan, warm wood tones and lots of stag detailing set the tone for a truly Scottish break. Your pup can keep you company while you fish on the banks of the River Ness (by arrangement) before dozing by the grand open fire after days out exploring the Highlands.
Why your dog will love it: They’ll love trying to sniff out Nessie at nearby Loch Ness.
River Aeron Barn, Aberaeron, West Wales | sleeps 2 dogs + 4 humans
Boasting luxurious accommodation a stone’s throw from the trickling River Aeron in North Wales, this riverside retreat is a stylish idyll that your four-legged friends will adore. Lazy hounds will love lounging in the cosy space inside or sprawling out on the patio in the sunshine while humans soak in the hot tub. They can also be your furry fishing mate by the river, accessed via some steps and across the owner’s field.
Why your dog will love it: They can make friends with the resident pigs on the owner’s 2-acre smallholding.
Spinnaker, Polruan, Cornwall | sleeps 2 dogs + 7 humans
With views that both hounds and humans will go mutts for, Spinnaker is a gorgeous riverside home perfect for a dog-friendly holiday in Cornwall. In an elevated position above the River Fowey, this home offers vistas in abundance as well as plenty of social spaces for relaxing. Sit and soak up the views or explore Fowey across the river with a trip on the dog-friendly ferry.
Why your dog will love it: They can sit out on the balcony and sniff the brackish air to their heart’s content.
River View Retreat, Cinderford, Forest of Dean | sleeps 1 dog + 4 humans
Perched high above the River Severn, this appropriately named abode offers some of the finest views in the Forest of Dean. Inside is homely and bright accommodation with large picture windows to maximise the vistas, while outside is a beautiful garden with plenty of spaces for Fido to nap – including a plush summer house!
Why your dog will love it: Between the Wye Valley AONB and the River Severn, this location offers walkies and squirrel-chasing opportunities in abundance.
Lodge by the Tay, Perth, Perth and Kinross | sleeps 2 dogs + 6 humans
Soak up the waterside views from the balcony at one of Scotland’s finest riverside dog-friendly cottages. With direct access to the River Tay, which is on the Burnmouth fishing beat, this riverside retreat is a delight for keen anglers, outward-bound hounds and anyone looking for a quiet getaway surrounded by nature. After days out in the great outdoors, humans can soak in the hot tub, perhaps with a wee dram, while pups enjoy a well-deserved doze.
Why your dog will love it: They’ll enjoy unlimited walkies along the riverside and can practise their doggy paddle at the small beach along the river.
Dukes Bath House - Beaulieu, Hampshire | sleeps 1 dog + 2 humans
This wonderful property, built in 1760, sits on the banks of the Beaulieu River in New Forest National Park. It’s the perfect riverside bolthole for two, plus one loyal pooch. With comfy seating and a wood burner-effect electric fire, the lounge provides the perfect spot to relax and unwind on cosy evenings in. When the weather is good, the enclosed garden means the doggo can play safely. The garden wraps around the cottage and offers delightful river views.
Why your dog will love it: Your canine companion can pick up all sorts of scents as you meander along the footpath that runs alongside the cottage to the river and beyond. If they enjoy life on the water, you could all enjoy a river cruise from nearby Buckler's Hard, running April to October.
Storybrooke Cottage, Spalding, Lincolnshire | sleeps 1 dog + 2 humans
Perfect for a romantic retreat with your four-legged third wheel, this cute-as-a-button home is sat on the riverbank in the picturesque Lincolnshire countryside. A roll-top bath, underfloor heating and a cosy wood burner add touches of decadence but, when the sun shines, all three of you will likely want to sit by the water’s edge listening to the relaxing sound of the gently lapping water.
Why your dog will love it: The pub up the road is extremely dog friendly, and has even been known to dish out doggie treats to good boys and girls… which is your dog all the time, right?!
River Lyd House, Coleford, Gloucestershire | sleeps 2 dogs + 8 humans
Another of our fantastic dog-friendly cottages by rivers, this Forest of Dean home is this time close to the beautiful River Lyd in the veritable playground of the Wye Valley. Blessed with an interior scheme that combines character charm with modern touches, and with more than enough space for eight and two extra-special canine guests, this home ticks all the boxes for a riverside getaway.
Why your dog will love it: The outside space is a smorgasbord of scents, with trees, lawn, plants and, of course, the gently flowing Lyd to tingle your pup’s olfactory system.
Enjoy a riverside holiday with your hound
From the salmon-rich rivers of Scotland to the waterways of Cornwall that run free into the wild Atlantic, we have a huge collection of dog-friendly cottages by rivers across the UK. Click the button below to browse your favourites and start planning your next riverside retreat with Rover.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.