Dog-friendly Hotels Aberdeenshire

Alford is a large village in Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland, lying just south of the River Don. It lies within the Howe of Alford which occupies the middle reaches of the River Don. The place-name is thought to come from the Scots auld ford; its original position being on the banks of the Don. Close to some of Scotland’s largest ski centres, the town is also great for perfecting your skill all-year round on the dry ski slope at the Alford Ski Centre Located in the centre of the town is the renowned Grampian Transport Museum, boasting climb-aboard vintage vehicles, interactive exhibitions as well as special collections – enjoyed by adults and children alike.
For adventure seekers, the town can also act as a base for walkers and cyclists hoping to explore Royal Deeside. The property is set out all on the ground floor and comprises separate living, dining and kitchen areas, as well as two bedrooms and a bathroom. Outside is a private lawned area to enjoy, the garden and drive are not enclosed so please be aware if you have young children or pets.

This charming stone cottage has been carefully and lovingly renovated from an original 1800’s bothy, right in the heart of the quaint fishing village of Johnshaven. Tastefully decorated to a very good standard, in keeping with the nautical charm of the village, the owners have taken every care to ensure you have a wonderful holiday.

In a fantastic location, the property is warm, comfortable and very well equipped with everything you need for an enjoyable stay. This includes modern appliances, complimentary Nespresso coffee, Scottish Fine Soap toiletries, fine linen and a supply of logs. Cosy up to the wood burner on cooler days or enjoy the sunshine in the quaint private courtyard at the side of the cottage. With garden seating, this little suntrap provides the perfect space for families and dogs to enjoy, and is an idyllic relaxation spot, particularly on summer evenings.

The harbour, pub, tearoom, convenience store, and Lobster Shop, are just a moments’ walk from the cottage. There is also a well-known pub/restaurant specialising in locally sourced seafood as well as offering a fantastic, varied menu of food and drink. There is a highly renowned tearoom, offering a generous selection of refreshments, pastries, and cakes, with an outstanding view of the harbour.

The village is also home to a giftshop specialising in local arts and crafts; and the Johnshaven Heritage Museum which is brimming with maritime history about the local area. As well as a beautiful coastal trail for walkers and cyclists, the area is also within distance of several golf courses, castles, distilleries, museums, hills, and facilities for water sports.

Within easy commuting distance to nearby villages, towns and further afield; there are roads, cycle paths and regular buses which all run in and out of the village daily. Inland, the Angus Glens are a mecca for walkers or for a more cosmopolitan day out, the cities of Aberdeen and Dundee, each with their own attractions, are within an easy drive. This really is a year-round destination and a cottage you will want to visit again!

The Stables is a two bedroomed steading conversion sleeping up to 4 people. It is all on one level with no steps inside or out. Located just outside the village of Lumsden which still retains a small shop and garage, it also has a large children’s playpark and is home to a Sculpture trail. The two bedrooms both have en-suite shower rooms. One bedroom has a kingsize zip and link bed that can be split to make two 2ft 6in singles; the second bedroom has a double bed. Through the hallway, enter the open plan kitchen, living/dining room with sofas and a dining table to seat 4 where you can relax and look out onto the views of the stunning countryside. The property is double glazed with a wood burner and underfloor heating with thermostats in each room to give you your optimum temperature. Outside is a patio area with a small lawn where you can relax and enjoy the fields of animals and wildlife on the farm.

Nearby is the small town of Alford with a supermarket as well as a number of independent shops and local amenities. It is also home to The Grampian Transport Museum and The Alford Heritage Museum. There are many leisure activities nearby including walking, fishing, go-karting, and golf. The Cairngorm National Park is a 20-minute drive away and if you enjoy skiing, the Lecht and Aviemore ski resorts are open in the winter months. Situated just off the castle trail, the nearest castle being 5 miles away, and the whisky trail, with the nearest distillery 13 miles away and another five within 20 miles. Visit beautiful coastal towns including Portsoy, Cullen and Newburgh and enjoy the stunning beaches and scenic fishing villages of north east Scotland.

The Stables can be booked together with The Byre (UK40441) to accommodate up to 10 guests.

If you are looking for comfort, quality and relaxation in a wonderful location, this stylish self-contained lodge on two floors is a great choice. Set in peaceful woodland surroundings of the Inchmarlo Golf Club, the property is set in an elevated position and has been furnished with flair and attention to detail. The elegant open plan living space on the first floor has French doors leading to a balcony which is perfect for al fresco dining or a drink with views over the surrounding woodland. Downstairs are three very comfortable bedrooms and contemporary bathroom with shower over bath.

An ideal base from which to explore Royal Deeside or enjoy a round or two on the Queen’s Course, a neat parkland course amongst stunning surroundings, and a haven for wildlife and fauna. Enjoy the facilities of the clubhouse and restaurant or practice your swing at the on-site driving range. The property is just a short drive or a 15-minute walk from Banchory, which boasts numerous good shops, eating places and leisure facilities. Beautiful Royal Deeside is a mecca for the walker, climber, or wanderer. The majestic River Dee offers excellent salmon fishing and the beauty spots of Linn of Dee and the Bridge of Feugh both offer the opportunity to see salmon jumping. Slightly further afield is the delightful village of Ballater and Balmoral Castle, with skiing at the Lecht or Glenshee, or walking in the beautiful scenery, just two of the many outdoor activities available in abundance in this magical area.

A large countryside holiday house situated in Rhynie near Huntly in Banffshire, Scotland. Pet-friendly. Large groups. Family-friendly. Huntly 9.8 miles; Aberdeen 38.4 miles; Lossiemouth 40.9 miles.

An attractive, traditional property enjoying a fantastic setting close to Braemar in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Enclosed gardens. Woodburning stove. Family-friendly. Easily accessible. Braemar 0.5 miles; Glenshee 9.6 miles; Ballater 17.3 miles; Perth 50.1 miles.

This charming detached cottage is set in an elevated position with panoramic views from the grounds towards the sea at St Cyrus. A steep meandering walk down the hill to the beautiful beach starts from the cottage, and there are fine views over the bay towards Montrose Basin as you go down. The cottage is in a secluded position yet next to two other properties and has its own private, enclosed rear garden. The cottage is bright, fresh and welcoming with a wonderful living room with vaulted ceiling and beams where you can relax in front of the wood burner after an energetic day out.

St Cyrus’ beach is a renowned conservation area and visitors will love the wide sandy spaces, rock pools at one end and the opportunity to spot whales, dolphins, seals and otters which frequent the clear waters. Ornithologists are also well catered for, with the nearby Montrose Basin home to thousands of pink footed geese in winter as well as many other wading birds and seasonal visitors throughout the year.

Montrose itself has plenty of facilities including two golf courses, tennis and bowls, as well as being the venue for Mofest, an annual music festival which attracts big names as well as lesser known acts. Dundee is within easy reach for the culturally minded and a visit to the V&A Museum is a must, as well as the RRS Discovery or a trip to the theatre. Beach ½ mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

After a day out exploring the dramatic coastline of Aberdeenshire and Moray, come back to this lovely, detached holiday home in the historic fishing village of Inverallochy. A former fisherman’s cottage, it is stylishly furnished with contemporary décor in soothing tones, with a spacious kitchen leading to an enclosed garden area at the front of the house and private parking. Just a very short walk to the seashore, the quiet streets, narrow alleys, and rows of cottages can easily carry you back to a very different time when every cottage had a boat pulled up, and the entire community made use of the seashore washing lines to dry their laundry.

The nearby Inverallochy Golf Club, with its backdrop of rolling dunes, rocky shores and beautiful beaches (there is a sea view from every hole), is a challenge for any golfer. For those without clubs, take the 6km walk from the harbour through the village to Whitelinks Bay, before returning behind the course. Visit Maggie’s Hoose at the end of the street, a mini museum chronicling life in a traditional ‘but n’ ben’ fisherman’s cottage.

Take a trip south along the coast through St Combs and visit the RSPB reserve at Loch of Strathbeg and beyond to one of the best stretches of beach in the country. Inland, the castle trail takes you through the heart of Aberdeenshire with some fine examples well worth a visit. Fraserburgh has plenty of shops nearby, while the city of Aberdeen is just an hour away. Beach 3¾ miles. Shop and restaurant 300 yards, pub 400 yards.

Nestling in a secluded, wooded position overlooking the River Dee valley, this superior stone house has been totally restored to offer the finest facilities and provide every comfort to ensure an enjoyable stay. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and fine views, and the drawing room has an open fire making the property ideal for all year round holidays. Herds of red deer, stags and hinds, graze by the river during the evenings giving a feeling of tranquillity amidst the beautiful Highland scenery. It is situated in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, within the Cairngorm National Park and offers access to some of the best walking and climbing in Scotland, with the challenging Cairngorm mountains within easy reach. Fishing, stalking and shooting may be arranged through the estate. Winter sports are also catered for with skiing at Glenshee only a 20-minute drive.
For the less energetic a visit to the 16th-century Crathes Castle and Gardens at Banchory (40 miles) offers an exciting day out. The gardens provide a wonderful display at any time of the year with great yew hedges and a fascinating presentation of the art of topiary dating from 1702. There is also a children’s adventure playground. Closer to Mar House is Balmoral Castle – the Royal family’s Highland residence which offers the opportunity to pony trek and the chance to view various exhibitions, including one on the local wildlife. Golf is available at Braemar only 4 miles away and there are also excellent courses at Ballater and Aboyne.
Inverness is within easy reach and offers many attractions for all the family. Unusual places of interest include the Kiltmaker Centre, where a small visitor centre explains the whole process of making tartan, and the novel Balnain House, which explores the development of Highland music. Inverness Castle, perched above the river, offers the Castle Garrison Encounter, an entertaining interactive exhibition in which the visitor plays the role of a new recruit in the 18th-century Hanoverian army. Shop and pub 3 miles.

A spacious and very well-equipped traditional stone house, sitting in a woodland area on Mar Estate at Inverey. Offering magnificent views across the Upper Dee Valley to Ben Macdui, the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, here you will find mountain activities which have made this part of the Highlands a famous tourist area. It is an ideal area for those who simply wish to wander through idyllic scenery and perhaps see a glimpse of an osprey, golden eagle or capercailzie.
Braemar village nestling amongst heather covered hills, is the setting for the annual Highland Gathering, also Braemar Castle with its barrel-vaulted ceilings, underground prison and central tower with spiral staircase, has much historical interest. The area abounds with castles, including Balmoral, the Scottish baronial mansion which has been a royal residence since 1852. The Royal Family traditionally spend their summer holidays here, and the grounds are ideal for walking and pony trekking. Dunnottar Castle is one of Scotland’s finest ruined castles, a huge 9th-century fortress set on a three-sided sheer cliff jutting into the sea, with dramatic views out to the crashing sea.
Well worth a visit is the Cairngorm Whisky Centre in Tomintoul (1 hour), with its tasting room offering more than 1,000 brands of whisky.
There is extensive hill walking and challenging mountain climbing opportunities from the door and in the winter months if sufficient snow, good skiing at Glenshee (20 mins). For those who do not wish to climb the mountains but still want to see the awe inspiring views, take the chairlift at Glenshee to the observation point a short distance from the top of the Cairnwell mountain. Braemar golf course (18 holes) is a gem. Fishing on the River Dee (for information see caretaker). Roe and red deer are present and stalking can be arranged (in advance) through the Estate. Shop and pub 4 miles.