Our best lakeside cabins for relaxing by the water

Off-grid lakeside cabin – Woodland walks – Wild swimming 

Ramble through ancient woodland along the Jubilee Trail, then unwind on the sunny deck of this secluded lakeside cabin. Perfect for a summer cool-off, just slide straight into the water. 

Off-grid and powered by solar and gas, Buck's Coppice is set within a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It’s rare, wild and completely relaxing. The smart, minimalist interior and chef-worthy kitchen make this anything but basic. Nature is right outside, with the lake shimmy shimmering at your feet.

Wildlife cabin retreat – Lake views – Handcrafted interior 

Hand-built from local Norwegian Spruce, this lakeside cabin in Herefordshire is a peaceful, wildlife-rich hideaway on a 200-acre organic dairy farm. Spot deer and buzzards, relax by the water, or swing on the covered bench with sunset views over the lake.  

Inside, expect a frontier feel with modern comforts and cosy sheepskin lined touches. The nearby Brecon Beacons offer endless hiking opportunities if you can tear yourself away from the stillness of your private lake.

Trout fishing lake – Private sauna – Rowboat adventures

Perched right on the edge of a six-acre stream-fed lake, Otby Lake Boat House is a beautifully designed off-grid cabin, complete with a rowing boat. Out on the water, try your hand at fishing trout for your dinner, or just take in the peaceful surroundings.

Days here can be as energetic or as gloriously lazy as you like. Paddle the private rowboat under the cabin, steam away your troubles in the sauna, or take a ramble along the Viking Way, which starts practically at your doorstep. The Lincolnshire Wolds, the coast, and even Cleethorpes are within easy reach.

Lakeside fishing cabin – Slow living – Microbrewery on-site 

Set beside a tranquil lake in the South Downs, this peaceful fishing cabin by the lake is perfect for casting off from the private jetty or watching kingfishers flash past. A tree even grows through the deck. You can’t get much closer to nature than that. 

Enjoy wild swimming in the separate lake opposite or sip a beer from the on-site microbrewery. Whether you're lakeside or off hiking the Downs, Furnace Brook Lodge is made for slow living.

Riverside cabin retreat – Hot tub – Wildlife watching 

Perched on the wooded banks of the River Eamont, The Lodge is a dreamy lakeside cabin in the Lake District. Spend your days exploring Edenhall Estate, fishing, or stargazing from the bubbling hot tub. 

Inside, it’s cosy and characterful, with a log burner, spiral staircase, and a luxury wet room. With high-speed wifi (should you need it), this cabin strikes the perfect balance between remote and connected.

Secluded cabin stay – Private lake – Dark Sky stargazing 

Tucked away beside a tranquil, flooded quarry, this remote lakeside cabin offers complete seclusion. After a swim, shower off al fresco then watch the stars emerge in Bodmin’s Dark Sky Reserve. 

A repurposed shipping container turned stylish hideaway, The Lake is for those who want nothing but moorland, water, and space. Rent the rowboat, hike to the tors, or just float and forget time.

Luxury lakeside Cabin – Steam room – Wild swimming 

Part architectural gem, part nature retreat, this luxury lakeside cabin has it all. It’s kitted out with a steam room, sunken outdoor tub, spring-fed swimming pond, and even a dropped-in deck bathtub. 

Inside, the design stuns with a huge bed, sleek kitchen and lounge, and panoramic glass doors that let nature in from every angle. A short stroll down the jetty brings you to the water's edge for a morning dip.

Tranquil lakeside escape – Fishing-friendly – Near AONBs 

Set beside a five-acre lake and fringed with forest, Mayfly Cabin is your gateway to adventure. Fish from the edge, dine on the patio, or head for wild surf and sandy beaches nearby like Woolacombe and Ilfracombe. 

When the sun dips behind the hills, cosy up by the wood burner or stargaze from your waterside perch. With several AONBs nearby, this is a lakeside cabin in the UK that’s big on views, nature, and outdoor fun.

Secluded lochan cabin – Outdoor bath – Alpaca walks 

Escape to total peace and privacy at this Scottish lakeside cabin, sat beside its own lochan on a 1600-acre working farm. Built from a bale trailer and surrounded by wildlife and red deer, Tiny Home Borders is the definition of wild seclusion.  

Relax in the outdoor bath, fire up the pizza oven, or paddle out on the water. You can walk with alpacas, enjoy venison from the farm, or simply unwind with nothing but birdsong and open sky.

Lakeside cabin with hot tub – Wild swimming – Firepit evenings 

Hidden among lush jungle gardens at Pengelly Retreat, this beautiful cabin by the lake in Cornwall offers everything you need for the perfect lakeside escape. Dip into the outdoor bath with views of the lake, take a turn in your own rowboat or go wild swimming straight from the shore.  

By night, watch a film indoors or stargaze by the firepit. On-site wellness experiences include yoga by the lake and spa treatments delivered to your deck, all part of this award-winning retreat.