Whether it’s a restaurant on the riverside, a pub by the canal or a pitstop on the beach, you can enjoy great waterside dining while you’re on a Staycation holiday.

If you like your surroundings to be as appetising as your food, take a look at some of these best waterside dining recommendations from our cottage owners.

1 The River Exe Cafe, Exmouth, Devon

© River Exe Cafe

Sarah, the owner of Elliotts House and Burrows, near Sidmouth, started off the idea for this blog on best waterside dining when she recommended the River Exe Cafe to us. Devon’s only floating gastro shed, the fish served here come straight off the passing boats, so the sea-to-plate interval can be as little as five minutes. There are daily specials, several meat and veggie options and sharing platters of seafood and mezze. With award-winning cuisine, indoor and outdoor seating and ‘quite possibly the best views in Devon’ – what’s not to love? A Puffin water taxi from Exmouth Marina is arranged for you when you book. Booking is essential. Dogs and children welcome.
Find out more: riverexecafe.com
Where to stay nearby: Our East Devon cottages are within a 10 to 16 mile drive.

2 Mud Dock Café, Bristol

One of our own regular local haunts, Mud Dock is perched above a bike shop and has great views of the harbour from the outside deck – one of the best waterside dining terraces in Bristol. The freshly prepared, locally sourced food can change daily and has influences from all over the world. Enjoy tapas or mezze, or paninis and baguettes with delicious fillings. There’s a menu for little ones too. Bristol is one of Britain’s most cycle-friendly cities, and Mud Dock’s Spanish-themed decor includes an assortment of bikes suspended from the ceiling.
Find out more: www.mud-dock.co.uk 
Where to stay nearby: Our North Somerset holiday cottages and our cottages near Bristol are ideally located for discovering Bristol.

3 The Barge Inn, Pewsey, Wiltshire

The Barge Inn by Big Lottery Fund

The owner of beautiful Stable Cottage recommends the pubs in nearby Pewsey. Amongst them, the Barge Inn is a quirky pub with interest ‘cropping up’ all around. This pub has become known – genuinely – as crop-circle central, on the basis that lots of crop circling goes on nearby. Come here for a pint of their own speciality Croppie ale or Alien Abduction beer. Look out for artwork by Ronnie Wood which adorns the walls. Set in a glorious countryside location, the pub’s garden overlooks the Kennet and Avon canal while carved into the hillside beyond is one of Wiltshire’s white horses.
Find out more: www.the-barge-inn.com
Where to stay nearby: Stable Cottage, Milton Lilbourne.

4 Tarr Farm Inn, Exmoor National Park

The owners of our lovely holiday cottages at West Hollowcombe Farm, Peter and Irene, recommend this 16th-century inn. Superbly positioned on the banks of the river Barle, it boasts stunning views of Tarr Steps, a prehistoric clapper bridge at which several footpaths and bridleways intersect. The inn has built itself an enviable reputation for serving ‘fabulous food in wonderful surroundings’ serving only the finest locally produced food wherever possible, sourcing fresh produce from local farms and suppliers in Devon and Somerset. Dogs are welcome.
Find out more: tarrfarm.co.uk
Where to stay nearby: Our four Exmoor holiday cottages near Dulverton are less than two miles way.

5 Crab House Café, Wyke Regis, Dorset

Dorset deserves a gold medal for its fish and seafood restaurants. Treat yourself to the best waterside dining experience at this remarkable rustic beach hut-cum-seafood café. Dine alfresco on its outdoor tables, adorned with pink umbrellas dancing in the wind off Chesil Beach. Sample an abundance of delights that change up to twice a day depending on what’s fresh from the catch. The main attractions are the crabs, lobsters and oysters from the Portland Royal Oyster Farm just beyond the café. The rest of the menu focuses on the freshest of locally caught fish. There’s a children’s menu and well-behaved dogs are welcome in the outside dining area. Booking essential.
Find out more: crabhousecafe.co.uk
Where to stay nearby: Wavecrest, Portland

6 Black Douglas Coffee House, Deal, Kent

Veggie breakfast at the Black Douglas by Andrew Sales

Think leisurely home-made breakfasts, proper coffee, delicious cakes and sandwichy fare. Boasting great sea views, this pretty 17th-century building opposite Deal’s pier has a bohemian atmosphere and lots of art on the walls. Dog-friendly, it has a cosy garden at the rear. There’s an evening menu and a lively crowd on Fridays and Saturdays offering a small menu which changes weekly. Booking recommended.
Find out more: blackdouglas.co.uk
Where to stay nearby: Take a look at our beautiful holiday cottages in Kent.

What else?

Part of the attraction of a Staycation holiday is the flexibility to eat what you want when you want. To help you decide, you will find recommended restaurants, pubs and cafés in the guest information file at your chosen cottage and in the ‘Things to Do & Events’ section for each property listing on our website.