Dog-friendly Scotland
Explore Scotland's dog-friendly destinations for an ideal holiday with your four-legged friend. Whether it's a quaint hotel, cosy cottage, B&B, or a charming country house, find the perfect spot for a short break with your pooch. Discover stunning Scottish landscapes and create lasting memories on your next adventure.
Acharacle, ScotlandSeaview Cottage is situated in rural Drimnin on the picturesque Morvern Peninsula and has outstanding panoramic views sweeping over the Sound of Mull. The landscaped gardens, with seating areas, take advantage of the surrounding sea views. A short stroll from the house will bring you to a lovely pebble beach.
The area is famed for its natural rugged beauty and wildlife including red deer, pine marten, wild cats and otters. Bird life including the magnificent golden eagle and sea eagle, and marine life are also in evidence and porpoises are regularly spotted chasing the ferry and other boats. Wildlife tours both sea and land are available in the area.
Lochaline is a small coastal village just over 10 miles away with a shop and restaurant, further facilities and amenities are available in Isle of Mull, Strontian, Fort William and Oban. Its location in this most attractive area of the Highlands means that it is well-placed to take advantage of the many leisure and pleasure activities which the area has to offer. There are regular ferry services from Lochaline over to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull. Beach 50 yards. Shop and pub 10 miles, restaurant ¼ mile.£57From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Dumfries, ScotlandWoodend is a delightful, semi-detached cottage, situated on the fringes of the ancient Royal Burgh of Dumfries, in a semi-rural location, but with easy access to all amenities in the town. This lovely cottage is beautifully presented with all rooms being on the ground floor. The living room is one of the best features of this quaint cottage, with double doors that open right onto the secluded rear garden boasting beautiful views.
Dumfries, the county town of beautiful Dumfries and Galloway, is the ideal place to base yourself. The town itself has much to offer including numerous museums, the Camera Obscura, Robert Burns’ house or mausoleum - Scotland’s most famous poet spent the last years of his life here. Not far from the town, a visit to Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, a spectacular 1400-acre wild reserve, will keep you busy all day no matter what time of year. If you want to explore more of this beautiful area, there are attractions in abundance, from beautiful sandy beaches to dramatic cliff tops along the majestic Solway Coast. With sailing, swimming, horse riding, fishing, golf, boat trips and water sports close by, there is something for everyone. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, there are many beautiful gardens to visit, including National Trust Threave Gardens. Close to the Galloway Forest Park, home to the first Dark Sky Park in Europe, and central to five of the 7Stanes, at Mabie and Dalbeattie Forests, it is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Beach 16½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£81From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Anstruther, ScotlandSet in a picturesque lane, Kirkview Cottage is a traditional semi-detached cottage in the quiet village of Upper Largo, on the southern slopes of Largo Law. This is a perfect location for a romantic escape for a couple and friends or a small family to spend time together and explore this most picturesque area of Fife.
Within walking distance is the local hotel with a restaurant and bar, there are gentle walks out into the surrounding countryside. The beautiful sandy beach at Lower Largo is less than a mile away. This ancient fishing village is famous for being the birth place of Andrew Selkirk, a famous 1700’s explorer whom Daniel Defoe based his book of Robinson Crusoe on and there is a statue of him outside of his original home. This area is steeped in history and there are many historic buildings, castles and gardens to visit, namely Kellie Castle, which makes for a great day out and dates back to the 1300. There are numerous visitor attractions and whisky distilleries including Kingsbarns Distillery offering tours.
For guests who enjoy walking, the Fife Coastal Path is easily accessible from the cottage, you can walk various sections of the coastal path and catch the coast bus back to the bus stop which is 200 yards from the cottage. For days out, along the coast is the bustling tourist harbour town of Anstruther offering a great selection eateries, from a Michelin Star restaurant to award-winning fish and chip shops. From the harbour front there are daily ferries and boat trips, between April and September, departing to the Isle of May Nature Reserve, home to colonies of sea birds such as puffins, and the surrounding waters are the habitat of seal colonies.
For golf enthusiasts, there are over 45 courses in this area including the world famous championship courses at St Andrews, only 12 miles away and the local courses at Lundin Links are regularly selected as the final qualifying golf course for the open championship. Kirkview Cottage is the perfect all year round holiday home, where you can relax in front of the welcoming wood burner in the cosy living room on cooler days, or enjoy al fresco dining in the pretty cottage garden which has wild herbs for you to use in your meal. Beach 1 mile. Shop 2 miles, pub/restaurant 200 yards.£87From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Tain, ScotlandGrieve’s Cottage is a delightful traditional stone cottage situated in its own generous garden grounds with a state-of-the-art hot tub for visitors’ sole use. Situated amidst open countryside, with stunning uninterrupted views in all directions, the cottage is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy its very good quality facilities and accommodation.
This single-storey end terraced farm cottage (whose name derives from the Scottish for farm foreman) has been extensively renovated and refurbished whilst retaining its original charm, including exposed stone walls and dry stone walling. It is set at the end of a quiet private lane on the owner’s working farm. Whilst the main living area is open plan, a sense of luxury is created with deep leather sofa suites and attractive lighting. The kitchen is accessed through an original exposed stone wall. Large canvases of the surrounding area add to the unique charm of this superbly presented cottage. Outside, a gravelled path leads out to the hot tub area, enclosed by fencing and original stone walls, it is private and secluded. A charming summer house overlooking the hot tub has comfortable outdoor dining chairs and there is a table for alfresco dining by the tub.
The charming and historic seaside village of Portmahomack has a good selection of amenities, including a shop, pub, café and two restaurants and is just 1 mile away and less than a mile from the cottage you will find Portmahomack Tarbat Golf Club. With its horseshoe shaped sandy bay and superb mountain backdrop, it is a wonderful place to walk, picnic, swim or kayak. The harbour and pier are ideal for small boats, a spot of crabbing or fishing. The region is noted for its archaeological sites and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pict, Norse and Medieval artefacts. There are lovely walks direct from the cottage. A trip out to the local lighthouse further along the lane is a must, with the opportunity to spot seals, dolphins and numerous seabirds. The nearby town of Tain has further excellent facilities, including restaurants, supermarkets and bars. Grieve’s Cottage is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highland region and will provide a memorable and indulgent pampering break for all. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Grieve’s Cottage can be booked together with The Paddock (ref UK5049) and Sheaf Dale (ref UK5470) to accommodate up to 15 guests.£60From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Newton Stewart, ScotlandThis cosy, detached holiday property, originally the Old Smiddy, is located in Glasserton, close to the lovely former Royal Burgh of Whithorn. This lovely holiday home can accommodate up to four guests and is pet friendly, with a dog run and outdoor hose available in the fenced and gated, secure garden. The town is famed for having the first recorded Christian church in Scotland built by St. Ninian in about 397. The ruins of Whithorn Priory and the museum are well worth a visit. The harbour village of the Isle of Whithorn is nearby, as well as Wigtown, known as ’Scotland’s Book Town’. Why not take a stroll along nearby Monreith Beach.
Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve is the largest local reserve in the UK. It has internationally recognised, significant numbers of pink-footed geese, greylag geese, many species of duck and wading birds visiting in autumn and winter. Visit the Interpretation Centre where you can view by video camera the Galloway ospreys during their nesting season (April to August), or the local wetlands for the rest of the year.
Take a look at the distillery at Bladnoch, established in 1814, which offers a large shop and guided tours, or meander around Wigtown appreciating the high quality gift shops, small gallery, numerous book shops and many cafés. The southern Scotland regions boasts an exceptional number of activities, from spending a quiet afternoon with a rod and reel beside one of the area’s many excellent rivers, or pushing yourself to the limit along a challenging 7 Stanes cycle track. Horse riding, golf, sailing, diving and numerous walks are available in the area, and with its famously mild climate and the balmy influence of the Gulf Stream, Galloway is home to some beautiful and exotic gardens. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.£75From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Oban, ScotlandThis spacious ground floor apartment, underneath the owner’s home, overlooks Loch Shuna towards the South West and The Marina at Croabh Haven, with stunning views to both the south and west over the islands of Shuna, Scarba, Jura and Islay at the far end of the Sound of Jura. The decked area outside offers the most stunning views and amazing sunsets can be enjoyed here, whilst sipping a glass of bubbly.
Enjoy leisurely walks around the beautiful local area and be sure to keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife that can be spotted here. Activities like sea fishing, water sports and golf can all be enjoyed nearby, whilst boat trips from Craobh Haven Marina to the famous Corryvreckan Whirlpool are also available. There are fascinating archaeological sites, beautiful castles and gardens all within easy reach, and they make for great days out. The town of Oban, 19 miles away, offers a plethora of shops, seafood restaurants, bars and ferries to the surrounding islands, including Mull, Staffa and Iona. Beach 20 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 4 miles.£143From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Banchory, ScotlandSet in an enviable position right in the heart of Banchory and across the street from the golf course, West Lodge could not be better placed to enjoy all that this area has to offer. With river and hill walking paths less than a mile away and within walking distance to cafés, restaurants and local shops, there really is so much choice right on the doorstep.
West Lodge is a lovely two bedroom property set all on the ground floor. This property would be perfect for couples or a small family looking to enjoy the delights of the region. An open fire provides warmth throughout the house making it a cosy place to relax and unwind in after a long day of hill walking or fishing.
Less than a mile away you will find the Falls of Feugh. This popular attraction is a great place to watch the salmon jumping upstream. Afterwards, you could sample the local Scottish cuisine at the nearby restaurant. Banchory is also conveniently placed to enjoy the Castle Trail. Crathes Castle, with its stunning gardens is a short drive away. Here you will find the adventure course of Go Ape, sure to delight the daredevils in the family.
Drum Castle and the fantastic Dunnotar Castle are also within easy driving distance. Fishing is a very popular pastime in this area of Scotland as well, with many beats accessible nearby. From Banchory, you are less than 40 miles from Braemar and the stunning Balmoral Castle, summer residence of the Royal Family, another fantastic day out. The diverse city of Aberdeen is around a 30-minute drive from West Lodge, and offers a beach, fun fair, swimming pool, parks and gardens. West Lodge in Banchory really is a fantastic property in a wonderfully convenient location, perfect for all the family. Beach 16 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 550 yards.£101From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Buckie, ScotlandSituated less than a mile from the popular Spey Viaduct Walk, March Brown is a cosy home well suited to families or couples. Benefiting from ground floor living, this property has two large bedrooms and a living room, complete with a wood burner, providing a lovely warmth throughout, and the kitchen over looks the lawned garden. Patio doors in the dining area lead out to a lovely, private decking area were you can enjoy outdoor dining or relaxing with the country sounds. The property also benefits from a well kept front garden with driveway.
The small village of Garmouth is situated in the Moray area of Scotland, approximately 9 miles from Elgin. River walks can be taken all the way over to the Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay, where you can learn about these wonderful mammals and enjoy the shingle beach. The lovely sandy beaches at Lossiemouth are approximately 10 miles away where you can visit the Covesea Lighthouse and RAF base, with its regular aircraft displays. Garmouth is also well placed for the local golf courses, with several in close proximity including the Garmouth and Kingston Golf Club.
With easy access to the A96, you can be in the cathedral town of Elgin in around 20 minutes with a wealth of activities suitable for everyone. From the museums to swimming or go-karting, Elgin certainly provides a fun filled family day out. In the village is a sensory garden, a small batch coffee roastery serving locally roasted coffees and snacks, and a large play park and playing green. Local walks are part of the Speyside Way and Moray Coast Trail. The Speyside Way runs alongside the river and is one of the four official Long Distance Routes in Scotland (the others being the West Highland Way, the Southern Upland Way and the Great Glen Way).
Approximately 3 miles away is the wonderful Baxters Highland Village. Enjoy the restaurant or immerse yourself in the history of the family story. No visit to this area would be complete without taking in the Scottish Whisky distilleries. There are so many to choose from near by, including the stunning Mccallan Estate about 16 miles away. Beach 1 mile. Seasonal catering is available from the Garmouth coffee shop ¼ mile away and the local Golf Club offers an open public bar. Spey Bay also offers a golf resort public restaurant and bar and a seasonal cafe in the Dolphin exhibition centre. Local shops, catering bars, cafes, variety of takeaways and chemist are located within 4½ miles, at Fochabers.£79From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Dumfries, ScotlandEast Lodge is a delightful gate lodge, set just off the New Abbey Road, in the pretty hamlet of Islesteps. It has enclosed gardens, perfect for enjoying at any time of the year. Inside, East Lodge is warm and very comfortable, with a cosy open fire in the living room, two lovely bedrooms with comfortable beds and luxurious bedding, and a well-equipped kitchen. The cottage has everything to make your holiday most comfortable and enjoyable.
East Lodge is just 1 mile from the heart of Mabie Forest, where you can enjoy a variety of activities including many and varied walking trails and some of the world-class 7Stanes mountain biking trails. Your little ones are also well catered for with outdoor play areas nearby, and of course your four-legged friends have masses of walks to enjoy too. Another must for your children is a visit to Mabie Farm Park, which is nestled just below Mabie Forest, where you can feed the animals and see the Belted Galloways, alpacas, llamas and much more.
Further afield, this beautiful area of South West Scotland has so much more to offer, from the quiet sandy coves and cliff top walks to the many castles, such as Caerlaverock and Drumlanrig. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the area has plenty of beautiful gardens to visit, including Threave Gardens (National Trust) and Logan Botanic Gardens, Scotland’s most exotic garden. A stay here would not be complete without taking a drive along the coast and a wander round the little seaside villages of Southerness, Rockcliffe and Kippford. Beach 13 miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£62From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
- Newton Stewart, ScotlandCree lodge with its modern interior boasts stunning views over the Solway Firth and is located close to the village of Creetown and the town of Newton Stewart, with its many shops restaurants, cafés and pubs.
Situated on a working sheep and dairy farm, stabling is also available by prior arrangement, should you wish to bring your horse along too. The lodge is enviably located at the edge of the Galloway Forest Park, Britain’s largest forest park with three hundred square miles of wild beauty just waiting to be explored. The park boasts tranquil valleys, rugged rock faces, forest, moorland, lochs and ancient woodland alongside a huge diversity of wildlife including red and roe deer, wild goats and many birds of prey.
The park has also been awarded the status of one of only four Dark Sky Parks in the western world, and when the sun sets enthusiasts come to wonder at the universe revealed above. Dalmellington at the far end of the park is home to the Scottish Dark Observatory, and for the outdoor enthusiast nearby Galloway offers hill walking, mountain biking and water-sports, with many renowned gardens and ancient woodland to explore with a chance to glimpse the abundant wildlife.
The towns of Castle Douglas, ‘the food town’, Gatehouse of Fleet and Kirkcudbright, ‘the artist’s town’ are all within a short drive. Gatehouse of Fleet offers a wider range of places to eat and drink, and there are many attractions in and around the town including the ‘Mill on the Fleet’ Visitor Centre, Cardoness Castle and the popular Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre, home to one of Europe’s longest zip wires. Kirkcudbright attracts visitors throughout the year drawn by the harbour, its historic high street and the diverse range of annual events and visitor attractions. The popular programme of summer festivities culminates with the spectacular Tattoo, an event not to be missed. Beach 7 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Cree Lodge can be booked together with Willow Lodge (ref UK13637) to accommodate up to 8 guests.£129From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
