Pet Friendly Holidays Aberdeenshire

Just yards from the seashore in the quaint fishing village of Cairnbulg, this fully renovated, detached fisherman’s cottage is a haven of relaxation. The rooms are decorated in a calming style with comfortable bedrooms and an attractive living space which looks over the enclosed courtyard to the front of the cottage. Enclosed courtyard with sitting-out area and garden furniture. 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.

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.

This reverse plan layout has the bedrooms and family bathroom to the ground floor, whilst the first floor living room and kitchen capture the full advantage of beautiful views across the sea and rural landscapes. The property is ideal for couples, young families or simply friends looking to explore the area. For the adventurous, a cliff top walk to Hackley Bay is well worth it, this hidden gem of a beach is at the heart of the Forvie National Nature Reserve and of an evening you will be hard pressed to find it overcrowded. It is sheltered on three sides by high cliffs and backed by sand dunes.

Collieston Beach is sheltered from the North Sea by Collieston Pier, and this sandy beach is perfect for families and children. The nearby ’Smugglers Cone’ shop serves delicious ice cream, drinks and snacks. Collieston is a former fishing village that provides dramatic views all year round. Just 5 miles away are Newburgh and Cruden Bay golf courses. The Oldmeldrum distillery, Slains castle, Petehead Prison Museum and of course the Forvie Nature Reserve and Seal colony at Newburgh are other places of interest.

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. The larger city of Aberdeen is 16 miles away and provides plenty of amenities and attractions. Beach 800 yards. Shop 6 miles, pub and restaurant 5 miles.

The The Windowky is set out over two floors and is perfect for a romantic retreat. Being one of only a few seafront properties with a private front garden and seating area looking out to the ocean, this is simply a must visit.
Gardenstown is a traditional fishing village built on the hillside. This means there are steps in the village and there are some shallow stairs up to the property which may not be suitable if you have mobility issues. There is parking available in the public car area just outside the property at the end of the walkway. There are also plenty spots around the town. Gardenstown oozes charm and tranquillity. The small winding streets, picturesque harbour and old stone fisherman’s cottages seem untouched by time. It truly is the quintessential fishing village.
The property comprises of an open plan lounge/kitchen/diner, a cosy area equipped with log burner. The bathroom includes a three-piece bathroom including shower over bath, and the bedroom features a double bed with ample storage looking out over the bay. Beach 20 yards. Pub and restaurant 350 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.

In an area renowned for superb fishing and golf, this wonderful property could not be in a better location! Just 50 yards from the rushing waters of the lovely River Dee and very close to Banchory Golf Course, this spacious and very comfortable accommodation makes full use of its situation, with patio doors from the living room offering an uninterrupted view of the river itself - where fishing may be arranged with the owner (subject to availability). With all modern facilities, it ensures a very relaxing stay in total comfort.
Banchory is a superb base for a varied holiday with Crathes Castle and garden, and Castle Fraser both well worth a visit. Also boasting two golf courses in the town, there is a wider choice in the surrounding area with excellent hillwalking and skiing available in the Cairngorms just a short distance away. A short drive leads to Ballater, where Queen Victoria first arrived in Desside in 1848. Although the line has long since closed, visitors can still visit the elegant train station in the heart of the town centre. Ballater is also an excellent base for local walks and outdoor activities. A popular walk leads to Lochnagar, the much painted and written about mountain by the current Prince of Wales.
Balmoral is easily accessible for the day and the local distillery at Lochnagar is well worth a visit, with tours and tasting of the local malt available. For an alternative day out, Aberdeen - Scotland’s third largest city, is well worth a visit. Many of the parks have been transformed into ‘flower gardens’ and are some of the most beautiful in Britain. There is also an excellent choice of restaurants and pubs and the livley city harbour comes alive in the evening with a number of theatres. Shops ½ mile.

This well-furnished, terraced property is situated down a quiet street in the popular coastal town of Banff, just a short walk from the harbour and vibrant marina. There is a good variety of shops, pubs and eating places as well as many historic buildings, which ensures there is plenty to do in the immediate vicinity.
The bright and airy interior has been thoughtfully furnished to provide a good standard of comfort with spacious bedrooms and a cosy living room, which also includes a dining table comfortably seating four. This leads into a well-equipped kitchen, with a full range of implements including a slow cooker and basic store ingredients to help create the family meals which could be enjoyed al fresco in the enclosed rear garden, also ideal for sitting out on sunny afternoons.
Nearby is Duff House, a magnificent example of baroque architecture, and Scotland’s premier country house gallery, housing a rich collection of paintings and other works of art and the well-respected Duff House Royal Golf Course is a challenge for any golfer. There is also another course at Tarlair in nearby Macduff, just a mile around the bay.
There are lovely walks along the River Deveron which feeds into Banff Bay having a lovely sandy, dog friendly beach. Banff itself enjoys spectacular sea views, magnificent sunsets, including the possibility of spotting the Northern Lights between October and March, clean air as well as river and sea angling. There is plenty to occupy the visitor in the surrounding area, from golden sandy beaches (the majority of which are dog friendly) stretching from Banff to Nairn, to the numerous castles and historic monuments which abound. There are cycle routes and pony trekking, and make sure you explore the Castle and Whisky Trails further inland, which wend their way through dramatic scenery.
The lively city of Aberdeen, around 1 hour away, is great for retail therapy, cinemas and theatre. Inverness is around 2 hours away, the gateway to Loch Ness which leads down to Fort William.
Beach ¾ mile. Shops ¼ mile, quiet local pub 175 yards and restaurants ½ mile.

These 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.

West Kilblean Cottage is set in the glorious Aberdeenshire countryside and is perfect for that rural break away. Beautifully renovated and decorated throughout the cottage is both inviting and comfortable. Set on a working farm close to Old Meldrum the rural views are just lovely. After a day exploring the area come back to West Kilblean Cottage and enjoy an evening in the garden taking in the peace and tranquillity or, on chillier nights, cosy up in front of the inviting wood burner. With its enviable location just 1½ miles from Old Meldrum where you will find all local amenities including a restaurant and pub, and also within close distance for exploring the many attractions in the area. Bennachie, the local ’mountain’ is just 10 miles from the cottage and offers wonderful walks and views of Aberdeenshire from the sea to the Cairngorms. Only 11 miles distant is the famous Seal Beach at Newburgh and the chance to spot some of the many seals is sure to delight everyone.
Slightly further afield you will find the wonderful sand dunes at Balmedie beach, stretching for over 14 miles, with many walks, a picnic area and a play park, providing a great day out. Inland is the lovely Pitmedden Garden, where you can spend time enjoying the woodland walks or learning about the local history in the Museum of Farming Life. Both Tolquhon Castle and Haddo House provide two great places to explore. Whether you prefer the coast or countryside, West Kilblean Cottage provides a fantastic base from which to explore this dynamic area of north east Scotland. Beach 11 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.
West Kilblean Cottage can be booked together with East Kilblean Cottage to accommodate up to 6 guests.

This is the perfect getaway spot to unwind and enjoy everything the area has to offer. The northeast coast is dotted with many villages and small towns, all worth a visit. The larger towns of Banff, Fraserburgh and MacDuff offer excellent local services. This ‘home from home’ is surrounded by beautiful walks to enjoy.
If you fancy a break from cooking embark on an adventure to Gardenstown just 3 miles from the property and tuck into a home-cooked meal at the local hotel, then take a romantic stroll along the sandy bay to savour the sunset.
Crovie Clifftop Path for walkers with panoramic coastal sights, enjoy peace and quiet at the secluded Cullykhan Beach or marvel at the historical landmark of St. John’s Church and Kirkyard. For wildlife lovers a visit to the RSPB reserve at Troup Head is a must and of course boat trips (Early booking advised) onto the Moray Firth will ensure a good view of the famous dolphins as they pass by.
Fraserburgh just a short 30-minute drive is filled to the brim with fantastic amenities including supermarkets, boutique shops, pubs, and eateries, as well as the attractions such as the exceptional Fraserburgh Harbour and Beach. Strichen Stone Circle, the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, Strichen Community Park, and a full-size lighthouse built within Kinnaird Head Castle are all worth a visit. Discover awe-inspiring views where the North Sea meets the Moray Firth, heading over to a variety of charming villages and fishing ports for some locally sourced delicacies and exciting water sports and boating opportunities. Other must-see attractions include the Macduff Marine Aquarium, the RSPB Loch of Strathbeg, history buffs may wish to visit the town of Banff to tour a magnificent Georgian mansion or if that’s not for you, tee up at Duff House Royal Golf Club.