Pet Friendly Holidays Dumfries and Galloway

Situated in an elevated position in the centre of the picturesque Rhins of Galloway Peninsula and enjoying a wonderful outlook over Loch Ryan towards the Firth of Clyde with stunning panoramic views of Ailsa Craig, Isle of Arran and Mull of Kintyre, Cairncroft Cottage is an ideal base for a relaxing holiday with family or friends.
Adjacent to the owners’ home and recently renovated, Cairncroft Cottage is perfectly placed to enjoy the delights of this lovely corner of south-west Scotland.
The spacious kitchen/dining room has a halogen hob and provides the perfect place to enjoy a meal while chatting with friends, or why not challenge them to a game of pool in the large games room? Perfect for your evening entertainment. The lovely sitting room has views over the gardens which are also a delight, not only if you want to sit out and relax but also for the kids and four-legged friends to run around and enjoy.
Only 10 minutes from the picturesque holiday village of Portpatrick and also 10 minutes from the coastal town of Stranraer, you have the best of both worlds, wonderfully secluded and quiet, while attractions, restaurants, bars and services are all within easy reach.
There are many miles of quiet country lanes to explore, excellent for both walking and cycling, with an abundance of wildlife to see. As well as stunning wildlife, the area boasts an interesting and colourful history with numerous sites and monuments of historical interest, ranging from the early Christian remains of Kirkmadrine to the more recent WW2 activity of Loch Ryan. The rugged coastline, dramatic cliff-top walks, secluded sandy beaches and pretty little harbour villages all provide great wildlife and nature spotting opportunities with endless spectacular scenes to photograph or paint - the natural light in the area is exceptional. Why not visit Dunskey Castle, a ruined tower house dating from the 16th century, only a short cliff-top walk from Portpatrick, or spend the afternoon in the village, on Dunskey golf course or the putting green by the harbour? The village has a good selection of places to eat and drink and also hosts a monthly craft fair and producers market. Within Stranraer, Agnew Park has various attractions to entertain younger guests, and The Ryan Centre has gym facilities, swimming pool, children’s pool and cinema.
Well worth a visit is The Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s most Southerly point, with its lighthouse, visitor centre and amazing views of Ireland, England, Isle of Man and Scotland. Seabirds are a certainty and seals are common in the sheltered bays, lucky guests may even spot minke whales or basking sharks feeding in the temperate waters. Another must is visiting one of the many gardens in the area which include the world-renowned Logan Botanic Garden, Castle Kennedy Gardens with their Monkey Puzzle Avenue and Lily Pond or the unique Glenwhan Gardens.
With so much to see and do, come back to Cairncroft Cottage and sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

High Auchenlarie Cottage is a traditional Galloway cottage set amidst stunning scenery with far reaching panoramic views out over Wigtown Bay. Whilst maintaining its traditional exterior, High Auchenlarie Cottage has been modernised throughout, and lovingly and tastefully furnished and decorated. The two living areas are beautiful and both maximise the panoramic views. The sun room is the perfect spot for reading whilst the living room boasts a wood burner, perfect for those chillier evenings. The modern kitchen is extremely well equipped where you will find the highest level of appliances, kitchen and dining ware. All the bedrooms take in that stunning panoramic view, two on the ground floor and two on the first floor, all tastefully decorated and boasting luxury linen. An ensuite shower room and a shower room on the first floor. There are also and ensuite bathroom and a shower room on the first floor makes High Auchenlarie Cottage the perfect location for a family or group of friends to enjoying the wonders of this beautiful corner of Dumfries and Galloway.
Six miles from the cottage is the small village of Gatehouse of Fleet where there are a couple of convenience stores and excellent cafés and restaurants. This corner of Dumfries and Galloway truly is magical with many sandy beaches and rocky coves along the coast, while inland there are many countryside walks to enjoy. Nearby the Galloway Forest Park, known for its starlit dark skies, has excellent cycle paths. There is so much to see and do with castles, prehistoric sites and specialist gardens, thanks to Galloways’ mild climate.
Activities for children include the Cocoabean Chocolate Factory with its chocolate workshops and indoor and outdoor play areas as well as Farm Parks, and don’t miss a visit to the Dark Space Planetarium in Kirkcudbright, an attractive harbour town where you can also watch the fishing boats returning with their catch. A must while staying at High Auchenlarie Cottage and just a couple of miles away along the quiet country lane is Laggan, a brand new dining experience, Gather, which has a modern café dining culture featuring international flavours and dishes. The views whilst dining are sensational!

Gatehouse Lodges, situated on a working arable farm, boasts four bespoke timber lodges, built to make the most of the stunning uninterrupted sea views from both inside and outside. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the view is uninterrupted and you can enjoy the views while relaxing in the living room. Designed to take in the full beauty of the outstanding views, both lodges have a large open plan living/kitchen/dining room, perfect for entertaining in or just sitting and relaxing. The bedrooms are just as inviting with sumptuous beds and bedding. Attention to detail is evident throughout and each lodge is furnished to a very good standard with décor to complement. Gatehouse Lodges are set in beautiful countryside just 1¾ miles from Gatehouse of Fleet, a small town in the heart of a National Scenic Area in glorious Galloway.
There are many attractions in and around the town including the Mill on the Fleet Visitor Centre, Cardoness Castle and the popular Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre, which is host to one of Europe’s longest zip wires. For a more laid back day there are delightful sandy beaches within only a few minutes drive, including Mossyard and Carrick. The area has numerous walks available, from scenic coastal walks to forest trails. With sailing, swimming, horse riding, fishing, golf, boat trips and water sports close by, there is something for everyone. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, there are many beautiful gardens to visit, including Threave Gardens (National Trust). Close by is the Galloway Forest Park, home to the first Dark Sky Park in Europe, and central to five of the 7Stanes, at Kirroughtree Forest and Dalbeattie Forest, it is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Only a short drive away Kirkcudbright, known as ’the artists’ town’, attracts visitors throughout the year drawn by the harbour, the historic high street and the diverse range of annual events and visitor attractions. The popular programme of summer festivities culminates with the spectacular tattoo, an event not to be missed. Beach 5¾ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1¾ miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 20 guests.

Set 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.

Glen Isle is a delightful Finnish-style lodge which has been completely refurbished in 2020 and is warm, cosy and welcoming, With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, it’s ideal for couples or a family.
Set on the edge of Dalbeattie Forest, this perfect holiday home has been furnished with a modern feel throughout, from the lovely open plan kitchen/dining room, cosy living room and the bedrooms which have comfy mattresses and crisp white bed linen for that perfect night’s sleep.
Situated in the most peaceful of locations and with 15 acres of land surrounding, Glen Isle makes the most of the covered terrace with its indulgent hot tub, the perfect spot to sit and watch the stars at night or dine al fresco and watch the sun setting; you will be able to spot some wildlife including red squirrels, deer and buzzards. There is a private cycling and walking path to Dalbeattie Forest for the use of holidaymakers.
Glen Isle is only 1 mile from the small town of Dalbeattie, and if walking and cycling is your pastime you have found your perfect location. From Glen Isle you can take advantage of the direct access to many walking and bike trails including the famous 7Stanes mountain bike trail. This unspoilt area of south west Scotland is a joy to explore. From magnificent scenery, some of the finest beaches and golf courses in Scotland, riding, fishing, watersports and some stunning historical sites and fabulous gardens, there is something for all ages. Beach 5 miles. Pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Kirklauchline Cottage is a traditional Galloway crofters’ cottage located in a stunning rural setting on the Rhins of Galloway peninsula. The cottage offers delightful holiday accommodation and has a modern and stylish charm. It is tastefully decorated throughout, a particular feature is the spacious open plan living/dining area boasting not one but two wood burners. Return from exploring the stunning countryside to a cosy and relaxing evening.

Situated just over 3 miles from Portpatrick, a pretty coastal fishing village which attracts locals and tourists alike, Kirklauchline Cottage sits in a superb elevated position with breathtaking sea views from the garden, decking and the front windows of this delightful cottage. From the property there are many coastal walks taking you into the village where you can enjoy dramatic cliff top views and then relax taking in the harbour view at one of the restaurants or bars along the sea front.

Portpatrick is the ’Gateway to the Southern Upland Way’, a 212 mile coast to coast walk from Portpatrick to Cockburnspath in the east. Join the route on the cliffs above the harbour and walk along the coast enjoying the beautiful views over the sea to Ireland. From Kirklauchline Cottage there is a host of local attractions in the area for you to discover including the RSPB Scotland Mull of Galloway Nature Reserve, where thousands of seabirds nest in the cliff face during the spring and summer. There are many beautiful gardens to explore, including the world renowned Logan Botanical Gardens at Port Logan. Noted for its spectacular coastline, the area provides a vast range of opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast to include wonderful walks, coarse and sea fishing as well as shooting, sailing, coastal rowing and cycling. There are numerous beaches and sandy coves within a few miles of the property and the area boasts several golf courses. Beach 6 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

Lime Tree Lodge is just delightful property that was built by the owners and sits in its own ground overlooking open countryside and far reaching views of the Galloway Hills. The owner’s attention to detail is evident throughout the Lodge. Flooded with natural light from the floor to ceiling windows and doors, the interior is beautifully decorated and furnished in natural materials and fabrics. The luxury continues in the bedroom with a large luxurious kingsize bed and crisp cotton bedding and colourful accessories and a sleek, modern en-suite shower room.
For a romantic getaway you have stumbled across the perfect property! Whilst Lime Tree Lodge enjoys the perfect rural retreat for those looking for peace and tranquillity it is only minutes by car from the small market town of Castle Douglas. For the energetic, The Byre is on a popular local circular 5-mile walk which takes you from the cottage into Castle Douglas and back along quiet country roads. In fact there is an abundance of walking and cycling routes on your doorstep. Castle Douglas is ideally placed for exploring this beautiful corner of south west Scotland. There are attractions in abundance, from beautiful sandy beaches to dramatic cliff tops. Other activities include sailing, swimming, riding, fishing, golf, boat trips and water sports close by, offering something for everyone.
Warmed by the gulf stream there are many beautiful gardens to visit, including the National Trust’s Threave Gardens. The Galloway Forest Park, home to the first Dark Sky Park in Europe, and central to the world renowned 7-Stanes mountain bike tracks at Dalbeattie Forest and Kirroughtree Forest which is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers.
This property can be booked together with The Byre (UK35594) to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Kirroughtree Steading 2 is a charming, semi-detached cottage, and is situated in a quiet location with woodland walks being available direct from the door. It is also within walking distance to the market town of Newton Stewart, known as The Gateway to the Galloway Hills, with shops, cafés and restaurants.
Kirroughtree Steading 2 has been completely renovated in 2023 and is modern and bright throughout, and a really welcoming cottage to enjoy your holiday. Kirroughtree Steading 2 has a lovely bright living/dining room on the ground floor, with patio doors opening onto the private enclosed garden. Also on the ground floor is a modern kitchen and shower room, whilst on the first floor there are two bedrooms, a double and a twin, and a family bathroom.
The location is very popular with walkers and cyclists with Glentrool, Kirroughtree and the 7Stanes mountain bike trails nearby, as well as a great choice of golf courses for any enthusiasts wishing to partake. Situated on the edge of The Galloway Forest and Dark Sky Park, the cottage is ideally placed to explore the beauty of South West Scotland. There is an abundance of fishing, bird watching, beautiful and exotic gardens, many rocky coves, sandy beaches and quaint villages to explore along the Machars Peninsula. The towns of Castle Douglas, Scotland’s food town, and Kirkcudbright, the artists town, boast shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants, and are both within easy reach.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Beira’s Garden, Knockendoch is a truly magical cottage set in expansive and award-winning gardens, beautifully planted and shaped by one of Scotland’s leading landscapists, with a variety of indigenous shrubs, trees and ferns. The house itself, built on the site of a former bothy, is wonderfully sheltered from the prevailing east winds and nestles into the lower slopes of two of Dumfries and Galloway’s most beautiful mountains, Knockendoch and Criffel. Even when there’s wind on the hills, there’s peace in Beira’s Garden!
The house itself has been beautifully decorated to the highest standard, with historic wallpapers designed to complement the moods of the different parts of the garden in each of the bedrooms - while the large kitchen-dining room and the light-filled garden room have been painted in restful shades. From one end of the garden visitors can sit and enjoy breath-taking views across the valley; at the other end they can sit and picnic next to the mountain stream that flows through the garden on its way down to the picturesque village of New Abbey, where there is a village shop, a pub and a cafe. On the summit of the hill opposite towers one of the best loved monuments of the region, the Waterloo Monument. Looking back down to the village, visitors have a splendid view of Sweetheart Abbey, a famous ruin once painted by England’s most famous artist, J.M.W. Turner - and from a spot very close to where Beira’s Garden now stands.
Until 2018, the route to Knockendoch and Criffel was almost impassable, but thanks to a recent council initiative a perfect walkers’ track has been laid and this now paves the way to one of the most beautiful views in Scotland. The summit of Knockendoch, which once took the hardiest walker 2 hours and more to reach, can now be attained in around 50 minutes. From the top there are amazing views across the Solway Firth and - on a clear day - all the way across to the peaks of the Lake District. From there the walk on to Criffel is easy and very scenic.
There are beautiful fishing lochs within a short distance from the house and the best organic delicatessen in southern Scotland is less than 10 minutes away by car. There is also a choice of three supermarkets 15 minutes away in Dumfries. There are few better places from which to explore wonderful Dumfries and Galloway than Beira’s Garden, Knockendoch. Beach 8 miles.

Terraughtie Cottage West is a delightful semi-detached cottage set along an unclassified road, on the outskirts of Dumfries. Offering a lovely countryside location yet close enough for a pleasant walk or cycle into town, around the local countryside or on the nearby cycle pathways.
The cottage has been completely renovated and modernised throughout in 2023 and offers the perfect home from home. The open plan living is perfect whether you are cooking, dining or just relaxing in front of the cosy wood burner. Beautifully decorated throughout, the comfort continues in the modern and sleek bathroom, and the bedrooms with wonderfully sumptuous beds and linen. Outside you can enjoy the garden with your very own private hot tub – what better way to relax?
Only a couple of minutes’ walk from Terraughtie Cottage West is Kilnford Kitchen and farm shop. Before enjoying a bite to eat, take a stroll through the nature trail where you can see belted Galloway cows or enjoy a spot of bird watching from the bird hide. There is a secret garden where younger members of the family will love exploring. The farm shop stocks everything from gifts and flowers to takeaway meals. There is even an adventure playground for the children.
If fishing is your passion, you can walk/cycle easily to Auldernauk Fishery from the property, a most attractive and well stocked three acre fly-only loch holding good sized rainbow, blue, brown and tiger trout; it is a quiet and friendly family-owned fishery run by anglers. If you can tear yourself away for a day sightseeing, the area is renowned for its rugged beauty, from beautiful sandy beaches, cliff top walks and forest trails. The world renowned 7Stanes mountain biking routes are also within easy reach. The area is well recognised for its clear skies as one of the 12 best stargazing sites in the world, with the Galloway Forest Park being the first Dark Sky Park in the UK. Pub and restaurant within 2½ miles. Shop within ¼ mile. Beach 17½ miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 10 guests.