Pet Friendly Holidays Aberdeenshire

A romantic ‘castle’ in the heart of the Cairngorms; grandeur and cosy are hard to find together but Craigendarroch House combines the two with ease. In truth, a traditional Scottish baronial Villa modelled on Balmoral Castle, Craigandarroch House with turrets and tower was designed by the architect William Smith who also designed Balmoral, a short drive up along Royal Deeside. You’ll find Craigendarroch House traditionally and stylishly decorated with all the convenience of contemporary living for a comfortable family holiday. Every attention to detail has been made, with comfortable seating and dining in the delightful garden, luxury bed linen and towels and even indoor and outdoor bars. From the moment you come through the gates up the sweeping driveway you’ll appreciate the traditional Scottish architecture with the stunning backdrop of Craigendarroch Hill behind the house. Any sprightly visitors must make the effort to walk up and admire the views from the top – a strenuous but short (30-minute) climb.
Whilst the house has all the convenience of being central to the delightful and busy town of Ballater, it also provides total privacy inside and out. Ballater and the surrounding area has a wealth of restaurants and coffee shops, some within easy walking distance, with the benefit of having the Highlands right on your doorstop for exploring further.
The house is exceptionally well maintained, with six large bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms and three further family bathrooms, all with modern fittings and tastefully decorated. Full central heating throughout is extremely efficient – you will be lovely and cosy in winter and there is an open fire in drawing room. The home benefits from large rooms for all the family, but there are smaller rooms for a quiet game of chess or reading in the snug or conservatory. Overlooking the front garden, the drawing room is large and sunny with seating for whole family, ideal for relaxed entertaining with its large fireplace. There is also a formal oak panelled dining room with wall-to-wall books. There is an indoor bar with TV and wine/beer fridges, perfect for having a wee dram while watching Scotland win the rugby!
There is certainly plenty to explore in the stunning surrounding countryside with the glorious river and mountain landscape of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, leisurely walks can be enjoyed along the banks of the river while the adventurous can tackle the region’s famous mountains. There are good opportunities for canoeing and mountain biking, as well as skiing at the Lecht and Glenshee Centres during the winter months. Golf is available in Ballater itself, as well as Braemar and Banchory. There are castles and gardens at Balmoral, Crathes and Craigievar which are all well worth a visit.
Slightly further afield, the coastal and whisky trails offer the chance to explore the area’s heritage through stunning scenery. In August and September, Highland games are prevalent in all the towns and villages throughout the region. Shop ¼ mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Eagles Gate Lodge is located just 2 miles away from the busy seaside town of Banff with its beautiful beach and good selection of shops and restaurants. This picture-postcard cottage was refurbished in late 2020 without losing its original character; with a new kitchen, bathroom, carpets and paintwork throughout. Superbly set in enclosed front and back gardens, its enjoys the sun for most of the day so you can sit outside to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. The back garden looks out on the woodland and fields of Deerpark Farm, where it is common to see the deer strolling by in the early morning, and the rose-filled front garden is perfect for relaxing on a sunny afternoon with plenty of space for the kids to run around. The property sleeps up to six in three bedrooms, all with garden views. It has a bright, airy kitchen, dining room and living room with wood burner, and is ideal for dog owners with some amazing walks nearby.
Not only does Eagles Gate Lodge enjoy its own sunny microclimate, it is also set within the stunning grounds of the former Duff House estate, once owned by the Duke of Fife. Indeed, this surprisingly spacious Grade A listed cottage was once one of the lodge houses for the estate and enjoys an enviable location in the countryside, yet only a mile from Duff House itself and all the amenities of Banff and its quiet, sandy beaches.
The towns of Banff and Macduff, only a couple of miles away, sit on either side of Banff Bay where you can regularly see dolphins and even the occasional Orca whale during the summer months. Banff has a marina and Macduff a fishing harbour, and both towns have a number of pubs and excellent places to eat offering a variety of cuisines including vegan and seafood. Additionally, the nearby Deveron is a salmon river where day tickets can be purchased. It is a great base to explore the wider Aberdeenshire area, from the numerous castles and historic monuments, to fantastic outdoor activities along the beautiful noth-east coastline. Explore the Whisky Trail further inland which wends its way through dramatic scenery, or visit the city of Aberdeen, approximately 1 hour away, for retail therapy, cinemas and theatre. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Murlin is a stunning, reverse plan holiday home nestled in an elevated position with unrivalled views over the coast and beyond. There is an abundance of beautiful walks to be enjoyed in the area, some leading down to the beach, making this a truly magical place.
On the ground floor are two bedrooms, both with super kingsize beds and stunning en-suite shower rooms. There is an additional family bathroom and a utility room with a washing machine and tumble dryer, great for drying off after a busy day of exploring. There is an integral double garage with electric door, and within the garage are dog crates and a shower for your four legged friend! Upon heading upstairs, the natural light and views are breathtaking with floor to ceiling sliding doors which lead you to the balcony, boasting views over the coast and sea. The living space is open plan and offers a superb level of comfort. This extends into the beautiful hand crafted and well-equipped kitchen with a wraparound breakfast bar and a walk-in larder. The dining area leads off of the kitchen and is a comfortable space to enjoy home cooked meals together. There are two further bedrooms on this floor, both with kingsize beds and en-suite shower rooms. Outside is a nice garden with a seating area, garden furniture and a gas barbecue, perfect for some al-fresco dining.
Collieston is a former fishing village that provides dramatic views all year round. Just 5 miles away are Newburgh and Cruden Bay golf courses, and the Trump International links course is within a 10-mile drive. There are a number of amazing beaches to visit nearby, including Cruden Bay, Newburgh and Balmedie to name but a few, all within 10 miles! A visit to the neighbouring village of Newburgh to see the seals is a must, as is a tour around the famous BrewDog Brewery located in Ellon. The larger city of Aberdeen is 16 miles away and provides plenty of amenities and attractions. Beach 200 yards. Shop 6 miles, pub and restaurant 5 miles.

Fisherman’s Cottage is a gem of a holiday home tucked away in the historic harbourside village of Gardenstown, near Banff in Aberdeenshire. Located right on the water’s edge, Fisherman’s Cottage is within the jumble of cottages that make up Seatown within Gardenstown. Right beside the water, at high tide the sea laps the harbour wall only five yards from the living room. And at low tide you can hop down from the property onto the rocky beach to go exploring. It’s an amazing situation that the cottage makes the most of with a mesmerising picture window in the living room (there’s little need for television here!).
The accommodation is set over two floors. On the ground floor is a great living room with amazing views over Gamrie Bay, to More Head and out to the Moray Firth. Keep a look out for the chance of spotting seals, porpoises and dolphins. Also on the ground floor is a great kitchen/dining room and a kingsize double bedroom with en-suite shower room. On the first floor there are two further bedrooms and a bathroom with bath. The first floor bedrooms comprise another double and a family room with a double and a single.
From the cottage in Seatown you can stroll either east or west to explore the village of Gardenstown or Gamrie as locals call it. To the east you have the Sneuk beach which is shingle and there’s a coastal path beyond that leads round the bay to atmospheric Crovie (although the path is temporarily closed due to rockfalls). To the west is the sandy beach of Gardenstown, stretching from Seatown to St. John’s Church which stands sentinel over the bay and has been doing so since 1004. Further afield from Gardenstown you have Pennan, famous for its Local Hero connections, and brilliant coastal villages and towns like Banff, Portsoy and Cullen.
There are fantastic driving routes to explore in this area as well as hiking trails to enjoy. Here you are also close to many distilleries if you wish to venture off on some whisky trails. Speyside is an easy day trip from Fisherman’s Cottage. Beach 30 yards.

The Annexe at Shieldaig Cottage is situated just over a mile from the picturesque village and golden sands of St Cyrus. It is attached to the owner’s house and completely self-contained with stunning views over open countryside. An entrance porch leads through to the open plan living area, and French doors open onto the pretty patio - an ideal spot for alfresco dining or relaxing with a glass of wine. Adjoining the living area is a modern well-equipped kitchen. There is a very attractively presented kingsize bedroom with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings and a shower room all on the ground floor. The first floor has a further attractive king size bedroom and a second living room with views of the countryside to one side and the sea to the other. A utility room with washing matching and clothes airer is at the side and is a great place to store outdoor clothing.
The village of St Cyrus is located on the east coast of Scotland and is famous for its Nature Reserve, a haven for nature lovers, bird watchers and dog walkers. The village offers local amenities including a village shop and post office, a coffee shop and a hotel, pub and restaurant. A perfect base to explore the coastline, hills and glens which surround The Mearns, home of Lewis Grassic Gibbon, write of A Scots Quair. The Grassic Gibbon Centre is located in nearby Arbuthnot. There is no shortage of good walks within easy reach in and around the Angus Glens, Forfar and Kirriemuir areas.
Other nearby attractions include the towns of Montrose and Stonehaven. Montrose sits on the edge of a tidal lagoon known as the Basin. Just south of the town on the A92 you will find the Basin Wildlife Centre where a resident ranger leads guided walks around the reserve. Montrose is also home to several links golf courses. Stonehaven has a beautiful harbour from where you can take boat trips to experience the rugged coastline and bird life. Beach 2¼ miles. Pub 5 miles.

Inver House Apartment is a fine property set over two floors, and enjoys a panoramic view over the town’s Market Place. Exquisitely furnished with a mixture of traditional antique furniture, comfy leather sofas and modern fitted kitchen, you really do have the best of everything during your stay. There are two bedrooms and would suit couples or families looking for an excellent base to either attend weddings or functions locally, visiting friends or family, or simply to have a no fuss stay and visit the many attractions within the area. Just yards from the door are many excellent places to eat, from a morning croissant and fresh coffee, to fine dining or a takeaway, which you can enjoy whilst catching a movie on the large screen TV in the living room.
Inver House Apartment is located in the heart of the popular market town of Inverurie and is pleasantly situated, just a short walk from the many amenities on offer. The town has an excellent range of shopping facilities, and a full range of leisure pursuits both indoor and outdoor, including bowling, swimming, golf and tennis. Regular bus and train services to Aberdeen also mean that Inverurie is within easy commuting distance of the city, being only 16 miles away.
Situated in the valley of River Don, a popular spot for fishing, this is a good base for touring the many majestic castles. Inverurie is lovingly known as the ‘Heart of the Garioch’ and the town itself is swamped in history. It is only a short distance from the popular range of hills, Bennachie. The hills, especially the Mither Tap, are not only treasured by local hillwalkers but by visitors wishing to take in the panorama of Aberdeenshire’s vast countryside.

A delightsome, single-storey holiday home resting in Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire. Sea-views. Woodburning stove. Open-plan. Pet-friendly. Peterhead 8.5 miles; Ellon 11.4 miles; Aberdeen 24.2 miles.

A superb five-bedroom Victorian house perched in Old Deer, Aberdeenshire. Pet-friendly. Sauna. Family-friendly. Woodburning stove. Peterhead 10.2 miles; Aberdeen 29.6 miles.

A quaint bungalow overlooking Cruden Bay Golf course, Aberdeenshire. Sea views. Ground-floor living. Off-road parking. Peterhead 8.3 miles; Ellon 11.3 miles; Aberdeen 22.9 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.