H2O Heaven: Unusual By-the-Waterside Experiences Across the UK

If you’re a true water baby, you know that seas, rivers and lakes hold the key to untold depths of adventure.

Forget plain old swimming, sailing, or seaside strolls. By “adventure”, we mean unique waterside experiences to pair with your stay at an unusual retreat. Think sea glass safaris, mermaid schools, or deep-water seaweed foraging by full moon tide.

We’ve summarised some of our favourite UK waterside experiences below. Each one comes with a few suggestions of unusual places to stay nearby, for an H2O-inspired holiday you’ll be raving about well into 2027!

Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: ‘On the Rocks’ with East Neuk Seaweed

‘On the Rocks’ with East Neuk Seaweed (Fife, Scotland)

East Neuk Seaweed is the brainchild of Jayson Byles, a forager and wild cook. ‘On the Rocks’ is his flagship sea-to-fork experience: an immersive foraging expedition in the deepest, least accessible parts of the East Neuk intertidal, followed by a five-course tasting menu prepared on an open flame, to be devoured right there on the beach.

Stay at:

The HideAway by Off Grid Travel

St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland

A romantic, dog-friendly eco-retreat, purpose-built for luxurious back-to-nature living and privately secluded on a vast, ancient Fife estate with sublime views to the coast.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£250 / night

Rufflets Woodland Suites

St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland

Luxury, dog-friendly shepherd’s huts for couples and families, peacefully tucked away in the picture-perfect grounds of a historic St. Andrews hotel.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

From

£290 / night

Sauchope Links Park

Crail, Fife, Scotland

Soak up the Scottish sunshine in a relaxing Fife retreat, with a range of activity and accommodation to suit all tastes.

Bedrooms: Varies

Sleeps: 4 per unit

From

£50 /nt beach hut

Sea Glass Safaris with The Sea Glass Company (Northumberland, England)

This full-day experience includes an introduction to (and the history of) sea glass hunting and beachcombing tips, before tucking into a delicious artisan picnic. You’ll finish the day with a wire-wrapping workshop, in which you’ll learn how to create your own sea glass pendant and keyring.

Stay at:

The Iron Chapel

Ryton, Tyne and Wear, England

A unique and authentic retreat, lovingly restored and divinely set in a peaceful Northumberland border conservation area with a nature reserve next door.

Bedrooms: 3

Sleeps: 6

From

£149 / night

Shortflatt Tower

Belsay, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England

Stay in the grounds of a Grade I listed Pele Tower in the heart of Northumberland and experience a unique world of character, history and intrigue.

Bedrooms: 8

Sleeps: 16

From

£2,380 (3nt)

Trafalgar Square

Stanley, County Durham, England

There's nothing quite as iconic as a red London bus, and now you can stay in one at Trafalgar Square! 

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£370 / night

Biofluorescent Night Walks with Reveal Nature (Norfolk, England)

Biofluorescence happens when organisms naturally emit coloured light, and this languorous Norfolk coastal walk will introduce you to the different species – and the different colours! – to be discovered in the darkness. Prepare to be enthralled!

Stay at:

Beach House Mundesley

Mundesley, Norfolk, England

A stunning, sea-facing Victorian house for seriously special group stays in Norfolk, complete with a large garden and a ‘mini spa'.

Bedrooms: 7

Sleeps: 16

From

1800

Hermanus Roundhouses

Winterton-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England

Charming Norfolk roundhouses with thatched roofs providing self-catering accommodation next to the beach at Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk.

Bedrooms: 1-2 per unit

Sleeps: 2-4 per unit

From

£250 (2 night)

Aylsham Windmill

Aylsham, Norfolk, England

A luxury holiday home for six in a former working flourmill, built in 1826 and modernised to welcome guests to enjoy Norfolk's many attractions. 

Bedrooms: 3

Sleeps: 6

From

£552 / week.

Mermaid Party and Seaside Sauna with Sussex Mermaid School (Brighton, England)

If you can swim confidently in deep water, you can swim like a mermaid! Ideal for fun get-togethers with family and friends (including big and little kids aged 7 and over), you can savour a guided two-hour mermaid session in a heated pool, followed by a relaxing seaside sauna.

Stay at:

Looking Glass Cottage

Brighton, East Sussex, England

The oldest house in Brighton curiously re-imagined as Victorian Alice in Wonderland, filled with quirky surprises and sumptuous décor, superbly located in the heart of the Lanes.

Bedrooms: 3

Sleeps: 8

From

£890/wk

Snooze

Brighton, East Sussex, England

An award-winning, super-funky guesthouse that zings with retro character and quirky attention to detail, just a short stroll away from Brighton's iconic seafront.

Bedrooms: 8 rooms/suites

Sleeps: 2 per room

From

£97 / night

The Art Deco Apartment

Brighton, East Sussex, England

An elegant, light-filled apartment that's dripping with old school glamour, perfectly located in a chic Brighton house that faces the sea.

Bedrooms: 3

Sleeps: 6

From

£450 / night

Wild Seaweed Baths with Halen Môn Salt Cote (Anglesey, Wales)

You won’t want to bathe inside ever again, once you’ve sunk into your private outdoor seaweed barrel-bath on the coast. With panoramic sea-and-mountain views for company (you can even order a drink to be brought to your barrel) this is a treat to enjoy in all weathers… with rain being a particular favourite!

Stay at:

The Art Deco House

Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Wales

An elegant, time-travelling retreat with original period features and ornate styling, beautifully set in the town of Menai Bridge where the Anglesey Coastal Path runs almost past the door

Bedrooms: 3

Sleeps: 6

From

£413 / week

The Windmill

Tynlon, Anglesey, Wales

Nestled in the heart of Anglesey is The Windmill - this truly unique holiday home for four boasts unique features, spectacular countryside views, and even a spot of TV fame.

Bedrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

From

£420 / week

Chateau Rhianfa

Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Wales

Star in your very own fairytale, with a stay in an opulent French-styled setting that overlooks the magical beauty of Snowdonia.

Bedrooms: Varies

Sleeps: Varies

From

£144 / night