A dog-friendly holiday to Scotland is an unforgettable and exciting experience for dog owners. Scotland is often described as a large outdoor playground where you can expect vast picturesque countryside and wilderness to explore. Not forgetting the incredible views that will have you lingering in wonderment during your long dog walks with your canine companion.
Of course, it’s not just the countryside that makes Scotland such a popular destination. It’s also the pretty villages, beautiful coastline with remote bays, magnificent castles, and array of dog-friendly activities that have travellers coming back for more.
When travelling with your four-legged friend, it’s important to prepare. So, within this article, you will discover our top tips in preparation for your pet-friendly holiday to Scotland.
1. Prepare for changing weather conditions!
Dog-friendly Scotland isn’t known to be the warmest place in the world… and the weather can be unpredictable. Therefore, we recommend packing your waterproof coat (as well as your dog’s jacket), waterproof shoes, and towels to dry your pup after their walkies. You may also want to take a nice, cosy blanket along with you for extra warmth – especially if your furry friend tends to feel the cold.
2. Pack your dog’s essentials
When you go on a pet-friendly holiday with your pup, you want them to feel as comfortable as possible in a new place. So, remember to pack their comfort toys, favourite blanket, and bedding with their scent. Plus, anything else that will help your four-legged friend to feel at home within your chosen dog-friendly hotel or cottage. Make sure not to forget the essentials either, like poo bags, first aid kit, and their dog food and bowls.
As Scotland is packed with rural areas, tick prevention is a must! We recommend making sure your pup is up-to-date with their tick treatments. Take along a grooming kit with you if your furry friend is particularly fluffy. Dog brushes and combs are also a good idea in case their fur gets matted or knotted when out and about.
3. Research dog-friendly destinations and attractions
Before you set off, it’s best to check the destinations you plan to travel to are dog-friendly. Some places will only be partially dog-friendly, accepting dogs only in certain areas. This is especially the case for castles and manor houses, where access is sometimes only allowed for your canine companion within the outdoor grounds.
There is a lot of wildlife in Scotland, including sheep, deers, and birds. In many areas, livestock will roam freely on country paths and in the Highlands. Therefore, be prepared to keep your furry friend on a lead in these areas.
But what dog-friendly destination should you choose for your Scotland getaway? To make your choices easier, here are some of our top dog-friendly destinations in Scotland:
The Scottish Highlands:
Home to spectacular mountains, glens, and lochs. The Scottish Highlands are an adventurous canines paradise! Energetic dogs and their owners will love hiking the Great Glen Way and Ben Nevis. Plus, exploring the more scenic spots such as Glen Affric and Loch Ness. There is plenty of opportunity to roam freely here thanks to the wide open spaces, vast trails, and plenty of beautiful wilderness.
Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park:
Expect rolling hills, forest walks, and waterside trails galore. Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park makes for the ideal dog-friendly adventure. There are plenty of walking trails, wonderful woodland areas, and lochs to explore here. Conic Hill in particular, is a moderate walk with incredible views you won’t forget anytime soon! Plus, you will also notice how many shops, cafes, and dog-friendly pubs warmly welcome four-legged friends.
East Lothian:
East Lothian is the place to be for beautiful sandy beaches and quaint coastal towns. Yellowcraig Beach, Gullane Bay, and Tyninghame Beach are perfect for off-leash runs with your four-legged friend. Coastal canines will love the combination of dog-friendly beaches and pathways where they can get their paws sandy and wet.
Isle of Skye:
Another incredibly popular destination with dog owners due to its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and magnificent waterfalls to admire. You especially don’t want to miss the stunning fairy pools in the area – a great spot for a splash with your furry friends.
Edinburgh:
Of course, you can’t talk about Scotland and not mention the city of Edinburgh! There is so much to see and do here, making Edinburgh a fantastic escape for a short weekend break or even a week-long stay. Enjoy strolls down the beautiful Victoria Street filled with colourful buildings to admire, pop into the many gift shops on the Royal Mile, or stop by one of the friendly dog-friendly pubs that often play joyful live music in the evenings. You will love the atmosphere here, where the locals are super-friendly and welcoming to all.
Fife:
In the Fife area you will discover a variety of scenic seaside towns and fishing villages dotted along the coast. There are also historic towns steeping in culture to explore like St Andrews and Dunfermline, as well as Ravenscraig Castle ruins in Kirkcaldy. (One of the first artillery forts in Scotland!)
4. Choose a Dog-Friendly Accommodation
Dog-friendly Scotland is one of our top most popular destinations. And we have a wide variety of dog-friendly hotels and pet-friendly holiday cottages with an enclosed garden for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a city break together in Edinburgh or a countryside adventure in the Isle of Skye, we have the pawfect dog-friendly properties that you will want to keep coming back to for more Scottish adventures!
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Scotland:
- Duchally Country Estate, Perthshire: Surrounded by glens, lochs, and lush forests, Duchally Country Estate is the ideal base for a dog-friendly holiday in Scotland. This beautiful property serves as a gateway to the Scottish Highlands, offering guests and their four-legged friends a fabulous base for exploring Scotland’s natural beauty and historic sites. The estate also features a leisure centre complete with a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, relaxing sauna, steam room, and gym!
- The Black Ivy, Edinburgh: A stylish dog-friendly boutique hotel just five minutes away from Edinburgh City Centre. After exploring the city’s sights, settle down by one of the hotel’s many cosy fireplaces with a fairtrade coffee or cocktail with your furry friend, or relax on the terrace embracing the relaxing park views.
- Macdonald Forest Hills Resort, Stirling: A dog-friendly resort surrounded by the most scenic countryside in Scotland! Macdonald Forest Hills is in the heart of the stunning Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. It’s an excellent dog-friendly hotel for families, with its children’s play area, outdoor chess, football pitches, and pitch n putt to enjoy. However, it’s also the ideal base to unwind in tranquillity admiring the mesmerising surroundings.
- Ballathie Country House Hotel & Estate, Perthshire: A superb hotel offering one of the highest standards of luxury hotel accommodations in Scotland. You will love the classic style and warm Scottish hospitality here, and your pooch will truly appreciate the 900 acres of private countryside estate to explore. It’s a doggie heaven!
- Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire: Located amidst 850 acres of breathtaking Perthshire countryside, the Gleneagles Hotel is the epitome of Scottish luxury. Upon entering the property, you will be greeted with awe-inspiring architecture that resonates with grandeur and timeless elegance. Here, you can also enjoy a delicious meal at the two Michelin star restaurant, take on 3 golf courses, and an array of fun outdoor activities. There’s even a dog training centre for your canine companion!
Dog-Friendly Cottages in Scotland:
- Penicuik Estate, Scotland: Surrounded by gorgeous woodland with spectacular views, Penicuik Estate is a fabulous dog-friendly retreat for the whole family. Choose between Clermount, Eastlin, or Westlin pet-friendly cottages – all of which are a beautifully decorated. An idyllic haven for you and your nature-loving canine.
- Woodlands Glencoe, Argyll and Bute: At the foot of the mighty Glencoe, you’ll find the Woodlands Glencoe Estate. A collection of pet-friendly luxury lodges with hot tubs in the very heart of the Scottish highlands. Choose from Riverbeds Luxury Wee Lodges – where your bedroom is tucked away in the forest and overhanging the river. Or, stay in one of the larger SeaBeds Luxury Lookouts and enjoy panoramic views of the Lochs and mountains. Whichever you opt for, you’ll have an unforgettable stay with your fluffy best friend.
- The Beach House, Isle of Skye: Perched above the shores of Loch Dunvegan, The Beach house is surrounded by some of the best scenery the Isle of Skye has to offer. Plus, you can bring the whole family here as The Beach House comfortably accommodates 6 people.
- Drumlanrig, Stirling: Humans and their furry friends love these dog-friendly lodges & chalets in the quiet east side of Loch Lomond. Your four-legged friend will love the 18 acres of land, and strolls along the beautiful banks. Water-loving hounds can pounce into the loch and swim to their heart’s content during your dog-friendly holiday here!
PetsPyjamas Holidays to Scotland
We hope this article has helped you prepare for your future dog-friendly adventure in dog-friendly Scotland. We have such a large variety of pet-friendly hotels and dog-friendly holiday cottages to choose from, it was tricky to pick just a few stand-out places to stay! If these properties have not tickled your fancy, feel free to head over to our website today for more options.