Set Sail: The Best UK Boat Trips & Stays by the Water

Its calming rhythm, expansive views, and restorative effects offer an escape from modern chaos, aligning perfectly with the blue health trend. This growing movement highlights the wellness benefits of being near, on, or immersed in water. Whether it’s a lakeside stroll, a riverboat adventure, or an oceanfront retreat, water’s therapeutic qualities are undeniable. From reducing stress to improving focus, it’s a natural remedy for the mind and body.

For UK travellers, embracing this trend comes with an added bonus: the country’s rich maritime heritage and diverse landscapes. Whether it’s thrilling sailing holidays, serene UK river cruises, or a UK coastal stay, there’s something for every taste. The UK’s waters provide endless opportunities for connection, from adrenaline-fueled races to tranquil mornings by a secluded loch. Combine these with a stay in one of the country’s luxurious waterside hotels, and you’ve got an escape that revitalises and inspires.

This guide brings together the best of British boating experiences and waterside stays. From iconic events like The Boat Race and Henley Royal Regatta to staying onboard exquisite floating hotels or by serene rivers, the options are as varied as they are extraordinary. Discover curated activities like private yacht tours, wildlife spotting, and gourmet dining on the waves. Whatever your preference, the UK’s finest boating destinations are waiting to reconnect you with the restorative magic of water.

The UK’s boating events are a cornerstone of its cultural heritage, blending history, sport, and spectacle. The Boat Race is among the most iconic, set for Sunday, 13th April 2025. This legendary rowing contest pits Oxford against Cambridge along a 4.25-mile stretch of the Thames. Dating back to 1829, it attracts over 250,000 riverside spectators and millions more on TV, embodying British tradition and athletic excellence.

Another summer highlight is the Henley Royal Regatta, held from 1st - 6th July 2025. Located on the Thames near Henley-on-Thames, this event offers world-class rowing paired with a quintessentially British social experience. Expect elegant picnics, champagne toasts, and chic outfits as spectators cheer from the riverbanks.

For a more inclusive and spirited affair, the Great River Race on 20th September 2025 is perfect. Known as the “River Marathon,” this 21.6-mile course stretches from Millwall to Richmond, featuring a dazzling array of traditional boats. This lively event celebrates endurance, camaraderie, and the simple joy of being on the water.

These events go beyond sport, offering a unique way to immerse yourself in the energy and charm of Britain’s waterways and UK boat trips. Whether you’re soaking in the atmosphere, admiring the craftsmanship of the vessels, or celebrating the thrill of competition, the UK’s boating events offer something truly special.

Staying on the water combines adventure and luxury, creating an unforgettable experience that connects guests with the magic of the sea. In Edinburgh, Fingal redefines maritime luxury. This former Northern Lighthouse Board ship is now a five-star floating hotel, moored in Leith’s vibrant harbour. With just 23 cabins, each meticulously designed, Fingal offers an intimate retreat. Guests can indulge in the grand ballroom, perfect for special occasions, or enjoy serene evenings on the deck, surrounded by Scotland’s capital.

For a true sailing holiday, the Hebridean Princess offers intimate cruises departing from Oban. With just 50 guests aboard, this ship feels like a private yacht, navigating Scotland’s dramatic Highlands and Islands. From rugged coastlines to remote bays, each voyage is tailored for exclusivity and immersion - and gourmet dining onboard makes every journey unforgettable.

Meanwhile, Glenapp Castle presents the extraordinary Hebridean Sea Safari. This bespoke expedition takes travellers aboard a luxury vessel, guided by marine biologists and local experts. By day, explore hidden castles, ancient ruins, and vibrant wildlife; by night, retreat to a luxury glamping site, where fine dining under starlit skies awaits. This experience is the epitome of the blue health trend, the idea that being in or around water can vastly improve physical and mental health.

For those seeking curated boating experiences, the UK’s luxury hotels offer exceptional adventures on the water. The Nare, located on Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula, provides serene excursions aboard its private boat, Alice Rose. This elegant vessel cruises the Fal and Helford Rivers, offering stunning views and tranquil anchorages. Guests can enjoy seafood picnics, nature spotting, and the beauty of Cornwall’s waterways, designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

In Scotland, The Torridon elevates the UK coastal stay experience with private charters aboard the 40-foot SeaflowerSkye. Departing from Shieldaig, guests can explore the rugged coastline of the Isle of Skye, visiting remote islands and charming distilleries. Freshly prepared seafood served onboard transforms this journey into a feast for the senses, making it both an adventure and a culinary delight.

For a historic touch, Essex’s Talbooth House offers tranquil boat rides on the River Stour aboard the Kathleen. Operated by the River Stour Trust, this charming vessel takes visitors on peaceful 30-minute tours. Along the way, you might spot kingfishers, otters, or even water snakes. Pair this with a meal at the hotel’s riverside restaurant for a perfectly idyllic day.

In Dorset, The Priory invites guests to charter sleek yachts like the Moonraker De Antonio with their partnership with The Boat Club. From their private moorings, explore the Jurassic Coast in unparalleled style. Whether savouring a bespoke picnic or soaking in the coastline’s dramatic beauty, these tailored experiences offer an extraordinary way to connect with the water.

Overlooking the stunning South Devon coastline, Thurlestone offers elegant sea view suites for those who love waking up to the sight of the waves, as well as tranquil inland suites for a peaceful escape. For those drawn to the water, the nearby coastline provides opportunities for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, allowing guests to embrace the spirit of the sea. After a day on the water, the Voyage Spa Ocean Escape offers the ultimate way to unwind. This 90-minute ritual is designed to revitalise the skin, relax tired muscles, and soothe the mind, beginning with an Atlantic sea salt and herbal body polish to refresh the skin, followed by a seaweed mask and relaxing back massage. The ritual is completed with a firming facial, leaving guests refreshed and ready for another day of coastal exploration.

At The Relais Henley, the timeless allure of the River Thames inspires every detail. This boutique riverside hotel immerses guests in nautical charm, with river-themed decor, stunning riverside rooms, and the stylish Quarterdeck Bar for post-adventure relaxation. Relais Henley partners with trusted providers to offer an array of experiences, including self-drive rentals for those seeking a personal adventure and guided UK river cruises that showcase the Thames’ rich landscapes. For a standout experience, the hotel’s exclusive rowing getaway invites you to explore the river with Toby Garbett, Olympic oarsman and two-time world champion.

For an island escape, The Atlantic Hotel in Jersey delivers with indulgent rooms, award-winning dining, and private yacht charters. Through Go-Sail, guests can charter a luxury yacht to explore Jersey’s stunning coastline or head to Les Minquiers reefs. Customisable charters include powerboats for water toys, paddleboards, and kayaks, along with a picnic for the perfect day at sea.

In the Lake District at Armathwaite Hall, set on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, guests can immerse themselves in a range of boating activities, from serene canoeing and paddleboarding to exhilarating kayaking and sailing, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding fells. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, nearby Ullswater Steamers provide a scenic cruise across one of the region’s most picturesque lakes, offering a unique perspective of the Lake District’s dramatic landscapes.

At Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, the experience is even more intimate. Nestled within a private estate, the Lake House boasts its own secluded seven-acre lake, where guests can take out a traditional rowing boat for a peaceful glide across the water. Whether enjoying a quiet morning row with mist rising over the water or an afternoon escape surrounded by nothing but birdsong and rustling trees, this exclusive setting offers a truly tranquil retreat, perfect for reconnecting with nature.