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.
Dumfries, ScotlandThe Moorings is an imposing town house perfect for a large family or group of friends to enjoy a wonderful holiday in this delightful house.
The rooms at The Moorings are spacious; on the ground floor is an impressive dining room where you can enjoy that all important family meal, a living room, a kitchen equipped with everything you can think of, a modern shower room and utility whilst upstairs there are four comfortable bedrooms and family bathroom. The garden to the rear of The Moorings is delightful and offers a lovely private space for you to enjoy on those beautiful sunny afternoons.
Situated on the broad, tree-lined street of this small town of Lochmaben, The Moorings could not be more perfectly placed to explore this beautiful area of Dumfries and Galloway. Being only a 10-minute drive from the M74 it’s the ideal base for exploring the Scottish Borders to the west, south into the Lake District National Park and north to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Whilst the area boasts so much before exploring further take walk from your doorstep and explore the beautiful walks around the three lochs in and around the town - Kirk Loch, Castle Loch and Mill Loch, where you can also sail and fish! Lochmaben offers a few convenience stores, bakery, takeaways and pubs however a few miles away the slightly larger town of Lockerbie has a major supermarket and a variety of some lovely little shops and restaurants.
From here you can also jump on a train if you fancy a day trip to Glasgow or Edinburgh. However, Dumfries and Galloway is so beautiful there is plenty to keep you entertained during your stay at The Moorings. The area boasts rugged coastlines and secluded sandy beaches with many beautiful gardens to explore. Enjoy world-class mountain biking, walking routes, riding, fishing and birdwatching all within easy reach. Beach 12 miles.
Scottish Letting Licence number: DG00348F.£128From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Sandyhills, ScotlandSet in the seaside village of Southerness, these spacious, detached holiday properties (refs 30501 and 26035) are just 500 yards from the sandy beach and make an ideal base for exploring south west Scotland. They stand 30 yards apart and are separated by a fence with an access gate. Both enjoy a sea view to the south and views of Criffel and the Galloway Hills to the north, and are ideal for family and friends to relax and unwind in. They each have a hot tub, and a games room to keep everyone occupied. Located on the spectacular Solway Coast near Dumfries and close to the stunning Galloway Forest Park, Britain’s largest forest park, this is a popular area for walkers and cyclists with world class mountain biking at Dalbeattie 7 Stanes nearby. The area offers unspoilt villages, dramatic coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky coves, magnificent gardens, castles and ancient monuments to explore. Wildlife abounds and the RSPB nature reserve is just along the coast. A championship golf course, Southerness Golf Course, is just 500 yards away, with a further good selection of golf courses within Dumfries and Galloway. Other activities include fishing, riding and sailing. The small village of Southerness with its quaint lighthouse that stands on the Solway Firth is well worth a visit, and 3 miles away is the home of John Paul Jones (founder of the American Navy). The area of Dumfries and Galloway has a lot of border history and many historical attractions including castles and many connections to Robbie Burns. Sweetheart Abbey, Drumlanrig Castle and Gardens and Mabie Farm Park are all within easy reach. Beach 500 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards. Properties 30501 and 26035 can be booked together to accommodate up to 24 guests.£158From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Castle Douglas, ScotlandWelcome to Ceardach, a charming and spacious family holiday home nestled in the quiet village of Gelston, just a mere 2 miles away from the bustling market town of Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway. This enchanting holiday home is the perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity, comfort, and an authentic taste of rural Scotland. As you step into Ceardach, you’ll be greeted by a sense of home away from home. This generously proportioned residence is tailor-made for a large family or a group of friends eager to embark on a memorable vacation. The ground floor is a welcoming expanse with a well-appointed kitchen/dining area offering picturesque views over open fields at the rear. Adjacent to this, a spacious living room beckons you to unwind and relax. The ground floor also features a double bedroom with an en-suite shower, a utility room for added convenience, and a downstairs toilet. Venture upstairs, and you’ll discover three more generously-sized bedrooms, each designed with your comfort in mind. The family bathroom ensures that your every need is catered to with style and grace.
One of Ceardach’s standout features is its exquisite rear gardens. Delight in the serene beauty of the countryside, with rolling hills and fields stretching out before you. This outdoor oasis is the perfect setting for al fresco dining, or simply losing yourself in the beauty of nature. And here’s the best part – your four-legged friends are more than welcome to accompany you on your countryside adventure!
While you savour the comforts of Ceardach, don’t forget to explore the treasures that Dumfries and Galloway has to offer. The area is renowned for its lush landscapes, historical sites, and diverse activities. Head to Threave Castle, a captivating stronghold on an island in the River Dee, or visit Threave Gardens, a National Trust for Scotland property known for its impressive horticultural collection. For those with a penchant for outdoor adventure, the Galloway Forest Park is a haven for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. In Castle Douglas, you can indulge your taste buds with a visit to its renowned food shops and farmer’s markets, earning it the nickname ‘Food Town’. The town also provides a gateway to a variety of local attractions, from the picturesque Loch Ken to the Solway Coast, which offers opportunities for birdwatching and coastal walks. Ceardach is the ideal retreat for those looking to unwind in a picturesque setting, whilst also being close to a range of activities and attractions. It’s time to experience the best that Dumfries and Galloway has to offer, and Ceardach is the perfect starting point for your adventure.£138From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ose, ScotlandHygge, pronounced ’her-ge’ means spending a calm, comfortable time with good friends or loved ones. You will find this at Hygge, an architect-designed house ensuring all your comforts are taken into consideration, eco-friendly with air source heating, patio doors and a wood burning stove. Situated in the crofting village of Ose, near Struan, with views over Loch Bracadale and the Islands of Tarner and Harlosh, you are able to enjoy the fabulous vista from the comfort of Hygge.
The area has much to offer in archaeology sites, all close by including Dun Beag Broch, St John’s Chapel, Feorlig chambered cairns, as well as historic Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, Giant Macaskill Museum, and coral beaches are only a short drive away. It is a good base to explore all parts of the island which has so much to offer for the outdoor enthusiast; hill walking, fishing, boat trips, kayaking, pony trekking as well as the opportunity to discover the many craft/art galleries for a more relaxing time and to be awestruck by the dramatic scenery, so come and enjoy! Beach 200 yards.£99From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Portree, ScotlandCharming detached cottage set on the edge of a crofting community between Portree and Dunvegan. Lawned garden, pet-friendly, two sitting rooms with open fires. Portree 10 miles.£85From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ballindalloch, ScotlandThe Old Boathouse is an exquisite holiday home tucked away in beautiful Highland countryside in the Cairngorms National Park. Situated a stone’s throw away from the River Spey, within the Tulchan Estate east of Grantown-on-Spey, The Old Boathouse is perfect for those wanting outdoor pursuits nearby and generally reconnect with the great outdoors. Renovated to a very high standard, The Old Boathouse is a luxury lodge within its own large enclosed plot. Surrounded by Highland nature, there are many locals that visit the garden throughout the day and night including red squirrels, pine martens, red deer and a wide array of bird life. This luxury property welcomes dogs, and the garden, as well as the local area for walks, is an absolute paradise for them to run around in. The garden also boasts a charcoal barbecue and patio area with garden furniture, but the piste de resistance is the welcoming hot tub.
Entering the property through the front door you’re lured to the right where there is large living/dining room with a wood burner taking centre stage. This living space is set-up round the fire, and is the perfect room to relax in after a meal and a long day either fishing on the river or exploring the national park. There are stairs up to the master suite from the living/dining area, but first there is another room beyond on the ground floor; a large conservatory with a Smart TV.
Up the stairs, the master suite has a super kingsize bed that can also be a zip and link if needed. The former dressing room that links the bedroom to the en-suite shower room has been renovated into a further sleeping area with twin beds, making this a perfect family room for four. Back downstairs to the front door and directly opposite is the kitchen with extra breakfast table. Like the entire house, it is decorated to a very high standard. There are two further bedrooms downstairs, both with en-suite shower rooms and Smart TVs. An exciting feature of the house is the games room which is accessed from the garden. It has a table tennis table and a galleried living area with yet another large Smart TV.
With some of the best fly fishing in Scotland available only a short walk away, permits available through the Tulchan Estate, and other excellent beats only a few miles away, including at Ballindalloch, The Old Boathouse is an excellent choice for fishing parties. Because of its position in the Cairngorms National Park, it also caters for families and groups of friends that want to get outdoors exploring on foot, by bike and also on skis. There’s also the Speyside distilleries to visit only a few miles down river, and many interesting towns and villages to roam around. Stay at The Old Boathouse and you’ll end up visiting year after year. It’s a truly special house in a fantastic part of the world. Shop, pub and restaurant 7 miles.£208From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ballindalloch, ScotlandA warm and friendly welcome awaits you at this gorgeous Highland home, where you will be greeted with beautiful decoration and stylish Scottish touches. Situated in stunning Tomintoul, Hawthorn House is a perfect spot to enjoy this wonderful part of Scotland.
Set in the heart of the village, Hawthorn House can sleep up to eight people in four bedrooms, one of which is downstairs. Benefiting from a lovely wood burner, this home is very spacious, yet still has a welcoming and cosy feeling throughout. A modern and spacious kitchen with large windows overlooking the garden also adds to the attractiveness of the property. A lovely, large garden is the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor family time, and being fully enclosed means the adults can relax while the kids and dogs play.
Hawthorn House is within easy strolling distance of the village square where you can enjoy a coffee or browse through the local gift shops. Stock up on essentials at the village store and newsagent. Treat yourselves to a fabulous meal in the lovely restaurant and there are also a few village pubs in which to sample the locally produced beverages... all wait to welcome you in this picturesque setting.
Tomintoul, sitting in the Cairngorm mountain range, is believed to be the highest village in the Highlands, the perfect location from which to explore the area’s many attractions. You will be well placed for winter sports at the Lecht Ski Centre, or enjoy the activities on offer at the surrounding Glenlivet Estate. Here you can walk or cycle the many paths, all whilst appreciating the stunning Scottish scenery and local wildlife.
From Hawthorn House you can easily access the famous Scottish Whisky Trail, with the Glenlivet distillery only 5 miles away and many other distilleries located in and around Dufftown, approximately 18 miles away. The diverse town of Aviemore, situated in the Cairngorms National Park, is 25 miles away and provides a fun filled family day out. Whether you want to visit the mountains, lochs, the Highland Wildlife Park or the Landmark Forest Adventure Park, you will find something for everyone under an hour’s drive away. The Queens Scottish residence, Braemar in Royal Deeside, is approximately 30 miles away. Explore this historical region and see how the Royal Family live. We cannot forget the dramatic North Coast with the beaches of Nairn and Lossiemouth within driving distance. Shops, pubs and restaurant 175 yards.£156From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ballater, ScotlandThese two, detached holiday properties are located in the heart of Ballater, within 100 yards of Ballater village green, restaurants, cafés, take-aways and shops, many of which feature the Royal ’By Appointment’ coats of arms. The Coyles (ref UK31466) is an impressive granite Victorian merchant’s house, with all the lovely high ceilings and details you would expect from a period property. Ideal for larger gatherings, whether enjoying a special birthday or a relaxing get together with friends, with plenty of living space and very good amenities throughout to ensure a memorable and convivial holiday. On two levels, it offers a high standard of comfort throughout and is a great choice at any time of the year. Built in 1888 using local granite, pitch pine and slate, it’s a true Victorian gem. It has its own enclosed garden and grounds, and enjoys lovely rural views to the south to Craig Coilleach. Quiet and secluded, the gardens are largely laid to lawn with a variety of mature trees and several flower borders with a variety of shrubs. There is a handy shed for bike and kayak storage, and for outdoor entertainment there is a paved patio area, with outdoor seating and barbecue. The Coyles Cottage (ref SBH) has its own garden and grounds and is well equipped throughout with a lovely sunny conservatory, and benefits from triple glazing and central heating throughout, affording year-round comfort.
Ballater sits in the heart of majestic Royal Deeside and is also located in the Cairngorms National Park, making it one of Scotland’s most scenic visitor spots. It boasts cosy cafés, quality restaurants, excellent shopping and great links to outdoor adventure, including hiking, climbing and skiing. Golf can be played in the beautiful surroundings of the 18-hole Ballater golf club and fishing is available, with the appropriate permits, on the River Dee. Ballater has many links to the Royal family and historic castles nearby include Balmoral, Crathes and Craigievar. The Grampians offer wonderful hill walking and wildlife, and the surrounding area of Deeside is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Leisurely walks abound on the banks of the River Dee or within a few miles there’s great walking at Burn O Vat, Lochnagar and Loch Muick.
Deeside is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast with a wide and varied range of sporting activities. The area has excellent hill walking and on/off road cycling facilities and the ski centres at Aviemore, Glenshee and the Lecht are within a short travelling distance. For the sportsman, the River Dee is one of the most popular salmon rivers in Scotland and the River Don is famous for its trout. Deer stalking and grouse shooting can be arranged in the locality. Relatively central for interesting and varied days out, the city of Aberdeen can be reached in around an hour, with Dundee, Perth and Inverness all accessible within 2 hours’ drive through spectacular scenery. Shop, pub and restaurant 100 yards.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 13 guests.£119From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ballater, ScotlandNestling 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.£148From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ballater, ScotlandA 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.£144From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
