Pet Friendly Holidays Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire has an abundance of dog-friendly cottages for you to choose from. The beautiful rural countryside is dog-walking heaven and our selection of pet friendly cottages means you can explore Aberdeenshire with your four-legged friend. These Aberdeenshire holiday cottages will let you take in the sights of Balmoral Castle, Royal Deeside, Aberdeen city centre and some of the surrounding areas of Ballater, Stracham, Braemar and Gardenstown.
- Fordyce, ScotlandThis detached barn conversion, adjacent to the owner’s home, is located just outside the lovely conservation village of Fordyce, 1½ miles from the Moray coast. A magical place, the village is a warren of narrow streets and beautiful houses still following a medieval plan, and all wrapped around a magnificent centrepiece, Fordyce Castle, simply sitting on a bend in the village street. The holiday cottage is very spacious, comfortable and warm, and takes advantage of the panoramic views of both sea and countryside, with the arched French doors in the living room leading to a sunny sitting-out area at the front. Set within 1 acre of private grounds with dedicated guest outside area with garden furniture and BBQ available.
Fordyce also offers an attractive park opposite the old kirkyard as well as a Victorian garden. The sandy beach at Sandend is a quick drive or a 45-minute walk from the cottage, where local fish can be bought and surfers enjoy the waves. Good coastal walks abound through the old fishing villages of Portsoy and Cullen, or alternatively travel inland through castle and whisky country. There are plenty of golf courses in the vicinity, and the variety of bird and wildlife both onshore and off will please the keen nature lover. Shop, pub and restaurant 2½ miles.£83From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Insch, ScotlandSet in 27 acres of grounds, this delightful house forms the north wing of the owners’ mansion. Dating back to 1687, the house is steeped in history and The Mews was added in 1842. The house has its original 1840 layout. Unfortunately there are no upstairs bathrooms as planning will not allow as the building is B listed. The house is conveniently laid out for family groups or couples with the bedroom areas accessed by two separate staircases on either side of a central lounge and kitchen area. On one side there are 2 adjoining bedrooms one can only be accessed via the other one, ideal for a family but not suitable for unrelated couples. There is a 48 bottle wine fridge in the kitchen which is well equipped but not overly large though you can seat 4 for dining. The dining room seats 8 in comfort.
Outside, guests have free access to the extensive walled garden at the rear and the parkland at the front, inhabited by the owners’ miniature Shetland pony herd and which leads down to a beautiful small lake with an island. An idyllic retreat, guests can explore the grounds or enjoy the many activities available in the area. Nearby, the Hill of Bennachie is a great place for walks, whilst the Lochter Centre near Inverurie (11 miles) offers outdoor activities to suit everyone, from archery to Segway and from go-karting to clay pigeon shooting, and much more! This is castle country and there are 14 of Scotland’s finest to choose from. Golf, fishing, and riding are all within easy reach in the area and there is a good selection of shops and eating places both in Insch and nearby Inverurie. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 800 yards.£116From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Ballater, ScotlandOverlooking the gentle meandering bends of the River Dee where wild red deer roam, this former taxidermist’s workshop and cottage has been completely rebuilt under the ‘Mar Estate Golden Jubilee Project’. After lapsing into dereliction, this magnificently appointed property has been restored to its original 1884 timber construction, taking into account every last detail. Further enhanced by the addition of modern day facilities, it stands as a real gem of a holiday home, amidst spectacular scenery. The village is home to the annual Highland Games, the Braemar Gathering. Games were first held here in the 11th century, when contests were set for the local clans in order to pick the bravest and strongest for Malcolm Canmore’s army. Perth is little over an hour’s drive away, as is the beautiful granite city of Aberdeen. Shops 3 miles.£78From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Ballater, ScotlandCraigclunie is a delightful detached traditional cottage in the heart of the popular Deeside village of Ballater. Boasting a lovely mature fully enclosed south-facing, rear garden, you really wouldn’t know you were so close to amenities such is the quietness of the surroundings. Enjoy a glass of wine or relax with a good book in the spacious conservatory with its leather sofa and which opens onto the garden, while in cooler months the cosy living room with wood burner is the place to be after a busy day out exploring the surroundings.
Ballater is a great base for a relaxing and varied holiday; there is something to do at any time of the year, from visiting distilleries such as the local Royal Lochnagar to hillwalking on some of the many Munro’s in the area and also two driving trails, the Castle Trail and the Whiskey Trail, both ideal for discovering the area; cycling on the Deeside Way, fishing on the River Dee and Balmoral Castle just 8 miles away. Nearby Glen Tanar Equestrian Centre offers day and hourly treks on traffic free routes. The village itself has a host of good eating places, supermarket open 7am-11pm, interesting shops and galleries, while Aberdeen is approximately an hour’s drive away for more cultural activities, theatre and shopping. Shop 150 yards, pub and restaurant 100 yards.£96From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Banff, ScotlandThis lovely, cosy end of terrace cottage is in a quiet street within easy walking distance of Banff’s attractive marina. Enjoy a restful break at any time of the year; the cottage is cheerfully furnished with a good level of comfort and the owners have thought of everything to make your stay relaxing and enjoyable. The favourable climate here ensures long sunny days throughout the summer, ideal for enjoying long beach walks on golden stretches of sand found all along the coast, interspersed with rocky coves and clifftop paths.
By contrast, visit Duff House, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and Scotland’s premier country house gallery, which houses a rich collection of paintings and other works of art. There are lovely walks along the River Deveron and the well-respected Duff House Royal Golf Course is just at the edge of the town. Banff itself enjoys spectacular sea views, magnificent sunsets, clean air and sea angling. There is plenty to occupy guests from the numerous castles and historic monuments which you will find, along good cycle routes, and pony trekking. 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 200 yards. Shops, pubs and restaurants 200 yards.£88From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Huntly, ScotlandPeacefully set just 2 miles from Alford in the beautiful county of Aberdeenshire amid the pastoral countryside of a 400-acre mixed working farm, this delightful semi-detached property was the former Coach House to Whitehaugh House. Lovingly renovated and updated, The Coach House is spacious and its comfortable interior makes a perfect place to relax and unwind after a day enjoying the scenery and activities of this lovely part of Scotland. Skirted by the beautiful River Don and surrounded by the hills of Bennachie and Coreen, the area is ideal to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Salmon and trout fishing on the river can be arranged with the owner.
Enjoy a day out at Alford Transport Museum, Heritage Museum or Railway Museum, where visitors can enjoy a taste of times gone by on one of the beautifully restored trains. Visit Haughton Country Park, or one of the many magnificent castles in the area such as Castle Fraser, Kildrummy Castle with its impressive gardens, or the fairytale Craigievar Castle. The many footpaths and walks in the area are an excellent way to take in the surrounding countryside and views. Golfers can enjoy some lovely courses nearby, including one in Alford itself. The ski slopes of the Lecht offer seasonal skiing and snowboarding when the conditions permit, and Alford also has a dry ski slope. There is easy access to the famous Whisky Trail. For a more cosmopolitan day out, the vibrant city of Aberdeen is only 25 miles away, with its wealth of shops, cultural attractions and eating places. Beach 27 miles. Shops, pub and restaurants 2 miles.£137From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Ballater, ScotlandBlissfully set on the Glenkindie Estate, an active sporting and agricultural estate, this lovely property makes an ideal family getaway at any time of year. Winding your way up a private track through the magnificent Glenkindie Estate, you will happen upon Tornahatnach, a charming 19th century detached cottage which has been lovingly converted into a fine holiday home. Home Farm Cottage is in the heart of the estate and forms the wing of a lovely converted clock tower steading. With its own private garden, guests can enjoy the comings and goings of this sporting farm estate. Inside, the rooms are spacious and very well furnished and guests can explore their delightful surroundings with ease. Home Farm Cottage, Tornahatnach and Brow Cottage are conveniently located within walking distance of each other. With numerous walks from the doorstep, this is a real peaceful retreat for couples or families with plenty of space around.
Glenkindie Estate is set amongst glorious scenery at the edge of the stunning Cairngorms National Park, where there are wonderful views in all directions. To the southeast is Royal Deeside, home to many fine castles including Balmoral Castle and several National Trust for Scotland properties. Kildrummy Castle and Gardens is also within easy reach and makes for a great day out. In late summer, the world-famous Braemar Gathering and Highland Games are well worth a visit, and for those who enjoy mountain sports, there are exceptional opportunities as many of the finest Munros (mountains over 3000ft) are found here. The annual Lonach Highland Gathering is also held locally. The Lecht nearby offers seasonal skiing and snowboarding when the conditions permit, and there is easy access to the famous Whisky Trail. The surrounding hills offer the perfect terrain for mountain bikers as well as many road-based cycle routes, whilst golfers can enjoy some lovely golf courses nearby, where visitors are always welcome. Riding in the area offers spectacular treks, and there are numerous wonderful walks available to take through this breathtaking countryside. Whatever time of year you come, there will always be things to see and do. The pretty market town of Alford nearby has a good selection of shops and eateries. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant 5 miles.
Tornahatnach can be booked together with Brow Cottage (ref UK5512), Braemorlich (ref UK10381) and Home Farm Cottage (ref UK10382) to accommodate up to 21 guests.£97From price per night based on 7 night stay
- 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.£102From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Banchory, ScotlandThis 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.£92From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Peterhead, ScotlandA well-furnished detached cottage in the beautiful village of Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire in Scotland. Large conservatory. Breathtaking views of Cruden Bay. Peterhead 8 miles.£91From price per night based on 7 night stay