Dog Friendly Cottages in Scotland
Explore Scotland's dog-friendly destinations for an ideal holiday with your four-legged friend. Whether it's a cosy cottage or a charming country house, find the perfect spot for a short break with your pooch. Discover stunning Scottish landscapes and create lasting memories on your next adventure.
Duns, ScotlandNestled in the picturesque Scottish Borders, Little Swinton - Garden Cottage invites you to experience the tranquillity of the countryside while being in close proximity to charming towns and the stunning Northumberland coastline. Located near Coldstream, this enchanting cottage provides a perfect retreat for those seeking a peaceful escape.
Set against the backdrop of rolling hills, the cottage exudes charm and warmth. As you approach, you’ll be greeted by a private garden and driveway, offering a sense of seclusion and exclusivity. While adjacent to the main house, the cottage maintains its independence, providing a serene haven for guests. Step inside, and you’ll discover a spacious interior where modernity meets comfort. The fitted kitchen/dining area provides a stylish space for culinary delights. The cosy living room offers a haven of relaxation with panoramic views of the garden and the sprawling countryside beyond. Two comfortable bedrooms on the ground floor ensure a restful night’s sleep, and a family wet room and separate toilet complete the accommodation.
The cottage’s charm extends outdoors, where the garden beckons you to unwind and soak in the beauty of early morning sunshine or the hues of an evening sunset. Your furry friend is also welcome to share in the joy of this idyllic retreat. Beyond the cottage walls, the Scottish Borders region awaits exploration. Little Swinton serves as an ideal base for venturing into the historic border towns of Kelso, Melrose, and Hawick, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and local charm.
For those drawn to the allure of the sea, the Northumberland coastline beckons with its pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs. Whether you seek relaxation in the cottage’s serene surroundings or adventures exploring the nearby attractions, Little Swinton - Garden Cottage promises an unforgettable holiday experience in the heart of Scotland’s breathtaking countryside.£77From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Tain, ScotlandTucked away on a quiet farm lane, The Paddock is a traditional terraced, single storey stone farm cottage located on a working, farm 1 mile from the charming seaside village of Portmahomack. The pretty cottage garden overlooks the owner’s farmland, with distant sea views. The cottage looks south over the Moray Firth and Moray Coast with views of Cairngorms and Ben Rhinnes. The accommodation is beautifully presented, with a large living room with lovely views across the open fields. The bright, kitchen/dining room is fully fitted and very well-equipped. There are three generously proportioned bedrooms, all thoughtfully decorated with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings. Exposed stone walls and large canvases of the surrounding area add to the cottage’s charm and ambience.
Portmahomack is a thriving seaside village with a fishing harbour and pier, as well as a superb sweeping sandy beach; the mountains beyond act as a stunning backdrop. Portmahomack is the only village on the east coast of Scotland that faces due west and has spectacular sunsets. The village has a renowned seafood restaurant as well as a café, local store and a lovely traditional links golf course, Tarbat Golf Club, which is open to visitors. The area is renowned for its archaeological sites and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre is a local heritage centre and museum, with a fascinating display of Pict, Norse and medieval artefacts, as well as a gift shop. Within 15-20 minutes’ drive lies the Royal Burgh of Tain, established as a Royal Burgh in 1066, and the Tain Museum houses the famous original Tain Silver Collection. Predominantly built in local mellow sandstone, Tain is a charming historic town and offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities, including Tain Golf Course which looks across the Dornoch Firth to Dornoch. Just outside Tain you will find the renowned Famous Glenmorangie Distillery, where you can take a tour and sample some of the famous whisky. Beach 1 mile. Shop and restaurant 1 mile, pub 0.5 miles.
The Paddock can be booked together with Sheaf Dale (UK5740) and Grieve’s Cottage (UK12250) to accommodate up to 15 guests.£62From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Cumbernauld, ScotlandSet in the hills this detached holiday cottage is located within Palacerigg Country Park which has over 700-acres of grassland, moorland, woodland and ponds. Wildlife is abundant, roe deer, badger, fox, hare, sparrowhawk, kestrel, long-eared and short-eared owls can all be seen. Situated within half an hour’s drive to Glasgow and Stirling, whilst Loch Lomond National Park is a 45-minute drive. Woodland walks are available from the door to explore nature trails and places of historic interest, including evidence of fireclay mining at Glencryan. The property is situated on the edge of a golf course and horse riding can also be found just ½ mile away. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£54From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Dornoch, ScotlandBeannachd is a spacious holiday home in Lonemore near Dornoch and enjoys spectacular, uninterrupted views toward the Dornoch Firth. With three bedrooms, this detached house also has large garden, off-street parking, Wi-Fi and is dog friendly. This makes it a great family holiday home with easy access to the north Highland routes. This tranquil location is just 2 miles from the centre of Dornoch and makes the ideal base for relaxing and for travelling further afield throughout the northern Highlands. Beach 2½ miles.£87From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Drumnadrochit, ScotlandHazelgrove is a characterful holiday home on the south side of Loch Ness in the small village of Inverfarigaig near Foyers. It’s perched in a spectacular spot with views out over the Loch. Hazelgrove is a magical place to spend a week or two with the entire family. The south side of Loch Ness is arguably the more attractive and certainly much quieter. Along General Wade’s 18th century military road from Inverness you will reach the dramatic little village of Inverfarigaig. The rushing waters of the River Farigaig run through the village and there are numerous trails heading off to explore the surrounding forests and lochs. The South Loch Ness Trail is worth exploring and so too is The Trail of the 7 Lochs, both easily accessible from Inverfarigaig.
Beyond the River Farigaig you soon see Hazelgrove’s sign on the left. The cottage is perched up on the left but within a short stroll of the loch side. Walking up to the timber clad Hazelgrove through mature enclosed gardens you’ll be chuffed with your decision to pick this property for your holiday. You rise up to the cottage’s veranda and Loch Ness dominates the view – it’s spectacular! The rocking chair on the veranda is a nice touch as sitting in this spot is truly good for the soul. Into the property and the vestibule leads into the open-plan living/dining space which makes the most of the view of Loch Ness. There’s an incredible stone fireplace framing the woodburning stove. The kitchen is beyond this space and is well-equipped, including an Aga in addition to an electric oven and hob. Out to the back of Hazelgrove next to the kitchen is a utility room with a washing machine, overhead clothes airer and ironing facilities, and a boot room with access to the wrap-around garden. On the other side of the house are the three bedrooms, two doubles and a single, as well as the family bathroom. All views from the bedrooms are of the garden and surrounding forest making them perfect places to rest and recharge. The outside of Hazelgrove is special. Nestled beneath the trees of the Farigaig forest where red squirrels and pine martens can be spotted, the mature garden is fully enclosed for dogs to run around at will. There’s an even better view from the top of the plot to the rear of the property. There’s a patio with garden furniture for visitors to sit out late in the evening to watch the sunset over Loch Ness. It’s a very special place to spend time.
Hazelgrove is also an excellent base from which to explore the Highlands. Foyers is a great village a short way away with a amazing waterfalls and places to eat and drink. Beyond Foyers the south side of Loch Ness with its network of lanes and trails is brilliant to explore. Fort Augustus isn’t far away and Fort William beyond isn’t a long drive. Inverness is less than thirty minutes drive away, so you’re well connected at Hazelgrove. You can get to Ben Nevis, the Isle of Skye, the Black Isle and the Cairngorms National Park easily from Hazelgrove, but many people will simply want to just stay put by the Loch and enjoy keeping an eye out for Nessie!£225From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Melvich, Scotland“Rhianchaitel” is Gaelic for Cattle Field. This part of Bettyhill where the the house is built was an old croft that obviously often had cattle roaming around. Built over a hundred years ago at the beginning of the twentieth century, Rhianchaitel House is a rather grand croft house. You can see the ruin of the older property in the grounds near to the house, and that single storey croft house would’ve been 17th or 18th century. Arriving in the rugged village of Bettyhill on the far north coast of Scotland, you’re greeted with a collection of cottages across the hilly coast, centred around a shop, a café and a hotel with bar and restaurant. Rhianchaitel is walking distance from the village centre, approximately halfway down the hill towards the beach. Walking down the hill you come across the track circling back towards the house where it stands proud with no neighbours. The accommodation is spacious for five people and the house welcomes up to two dogs. Now even though it isn’t an enclosed garden, it’s a great spot for dogs as the end of track where there’s the occasional slow moving vehicle is about 200 yards away from the house. Dogs can have a great time roaming around the house in the garden and grounds.
Entering through the back door, which you’ll mostly do, there’s a useful hallway for boots after days out exploring. There’s a single bedroom on the ground floor near to the back door. The kitchen/dining room wit adjoining utility area is next and is a fantastic space for the family to gather in to plan days out and reminisce of days well spent at or near Rhianchaitel House. There’s a magnificent floor to ceiling window in the kitchen that gives a spectacular view of the beach and surrounding hills. The kitchen/dining room has everything you’d want from the space plus a handy Flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The living room is also on the ground floor and again has a large Flat-screen TV for everyone to gather round on comfy sofas. Up to the first floor there are two bedrooms, one with a kingsize double and another with a double bed. The double bedroom has an amazing view down to the sandy beach. Also on the first floor is a spectacular bathroom complete with shower cubicle and a free-standing bath. Rhianchaitel House is the holiday home you’ll want to return to during your stay up in the far north of Scotland after long days out exploring. It’s also likely to be a family favourite that you want to return to in future years. There’s so much to see and do on the far north coast, and the NC500 touring route, which passes through the village will be very helpful. There are more amazing sandy beaches beyond Farr Beach at Armadale, Strathy and Melvich. To the west you have Tongue and its unbelievably scenic backdrop of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope which you can explore en route to the arty outpost of Durness. There’s too much to mention here, but hiking, biking (road and mountain bike), surfing, golfing, fishing (fly fishing on some of Scotland’s best salmon rivers, as well as trout lochs and sea fishing, whisky and chocolate tasting, wildlife trips. The list goes on and on. You better book a few weeks to enjoy it all!£75From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Gairloch, ScotlandCuckoo’s Nest is a comfortable detached family holiday home on a croft, set beside the shores of Loch Ewe. It’s the perfect Highland retreat on Scotland’s wild west coast away from modern life, where you can truly switch off and relax. The accommodation provides a very comfortable place to spend a week or short break if touring the North Coast 500. Comfortably sleeping 5 adults, this three bedroom cottage also has the option of a cot for a younger visitor. The living room is a great space for a family, with a wall-mounted TV and centrally placed open fire. There’s a selection of board games for those hard to miss wet days of the west coast, and a huge window to watch the ever changing weather across the loch. In the kitchen you will find all modern conveniences, including an induction hob and cooker, microwave and even a slow cooker for those days when you’re out exploring the local area. The dining area in the kitchen has a large family table with ample space for 5 and a younger one in a highchair. There is a useful utility room off of the kitchen perfect for muddy feet and paws. There are three good sized bedrooms, with the master having a kingsize bed, a second bedroom with a double and the third with a single. The bathroom has a wonderful large drench shower and a bath.
From the front door there are walks aplenty, and only a short stroll away, there is a bay and slipway where you can launch kayaks from to go wildlife watching in Loch Ewe. You’ll have a good chance of seeing otters and seals, as well as harbour porpoises and possibly dolphins. The fishing is fantastic too, and from the slipway you’ll be able to catch mackerel for supper if you wish. Also, if you have your own boat and trailer, you can launch from this slipway. Beyond Cove you will find remains of WW2 bunkers used to protect the entrance of the deep sea loch which was a safe harbour for Russian convoy submarines, you can find out more about the history in the Russian Convoy museum in Aultbea.
There is an outstanding local red-hued sandy beach only one mile from the house called Firemore Beach. Poolewe is only 8 miles away with its shops and places to eat, as well as local market every Tuesday between April and October. Inverewe Gardens sits on the shores of Loch Ewe in Poolewe and Gairloch is only 8 miles further away, plus the magical landscape of Wester Ross is at your disposal to explore. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 8 miles.£62From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Dornoch, ScotlandWester Lonemore is a large, south facing cottage with wonderful views across the Dornoch Sands. This single-storey cottage enjoys a superb setting, with incredible and far-reaching views across the sea to the hills beyond. There has been a new Air Source Heat Pump central heating system added for a greener heating solution. A large entrance porch provides plenty of space for sporting and outdoor gear. The door from here leads into the main living area. This horse-shoe shaped room is set around a warm, welcoming and original open fireplace. Large picture windows drink in the seascape and ever-changing views of skies and sunrises. The kitchen/dining area is bright and modern, with feature Rangemaster cooker and all modern appliances. There are three bedrooms, all attractively presented with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings. The lovely sun room provides an ideal spot to sit and watch the myriad of wildlife that frequent the gardens and its surroundings. A large pond attracts a wide variety of birds and wildlife. A modern family bathroom completes the picture.
The country gardens are a real feature of the cottage, attracting many rare and unusual species, including goldfinch, curlews, oyster catchers and lapwings. Rare osprey and red kite are seen close by and deer can be spotted from the windows. It is just a short 500 yard walk from the cottage down to the secluded sandy bay of Dornoch Sands. The charming seaside village of Dornoch is just 3 miles away. Here there is an excellent selection of high quality independent shops as well as restaurants, cafés and bars. Set around the 15th-century sandstone cathedral, Dornoch is a delightful village to meander and explore. It is also home to the world famous Royal Dornoch natural links golf course. There are six more courses within a 20-minute drive. The sandy beaches of Dornoch and Embo are also popular with visitors and locals alike. Wester Lonemore is ideally located for exploring the very best of the Highlands and is just a few minutes from the renowned North Coast 500 route. Beach 500 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.£166From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Melvich, ScotlandSituated on a promontory and enjoying spectacular sea views, Ethel’s House is a detached stone cottage set in its own garden, adjacent to a working croft. Much loved by its original family, this traditional stone cottage was painstakingly moved stone by stone to a higher vantage point in the village of Armadale on the far north-west coast of Scotland. The current owners have completely renovated this charming cottage and it now provides a good standard of accommodation in a truly superb setting.
Entering through the pretty patio gardens that look out across the sea, a hallway leads through to the main accommodation. There is a delightful living room with leather sofa suite and a cosy wood burner. The kitchen/dining room is extremely well-equipped with contemporary built-in units and a good sized solid wood dining table. All the windows look out across the bay. There is a large shower room on this floor. Upstairs there are three very attractively decorated and furnished bedrooms. Skylight windows ensure that visitors can encounter the dramatic sunrises and sunsets afforded by the clear unpolluted skies in this part of the Highlands (and for those who prefer, black out blinds are built-in too!). The cottage has oak flooring on the ground floor, high quality wool carpeting in the bedrooms and underfloor heating throughout.
Situated just off the renowned North Coast 500 route, in the quiet hamlet of Armadale, this cottage is ideal for visitors wishing to explore this totally unspoilt area. Sea otters are regularly spotted on the shoreline below the cottage and whales, basking sharks, porpoises and seals all frequent the local waters. There are superb walks direct from the cottage and numerous outdoor activities close by, including kayaking, sailing, hill walking, fishing, surfing, golf and plenty of archaeological sites and historic places of interest. In winter months it is often possible to see the Northern Lights from the cottage garden. The nearby villages of Melvich and Bettyhill, both within 10 minutes’ drive, have a good selection of amenities, including pub, restaurant, café and a small local shop. The beaches along this coastline are renowned for their wide sandy bays with high sand dunes, and spectacular mountain backdrops. Beach ½ mile. Shop 7 miles, pub and restaurant 3 miles.£70From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Lyth, ScotlandThe Ivy Wing and The Cottage are situated in the courtyard of Barrock House, and surrounded by landscaped grounds and mature woodland. This provides shelter for an abundance of bird and wild life with pleasant walks close at hand and the scenic beaches of Sinclair and Dunnet Bay are just 5 minutes by car. The Cottage makes the perfect base for touring this unspoilt and tranquil part of the Highlands. Visit the Castle and Gardens of Mey, the Queen Mother’s Highland home, John O’Groats, Wick Heritage and Lyth Arts Centre, or take a wildlife or distillery tour. Golfing, fishing, sea trips or walking along the many miles of rugged coastline are just some of the many activities available. Lyth is situated just 10 miles north of Wick and 15 miles from Thurso, making the beautiful Orkney Isles easily accessible by car ferry for day trips. Both properties can be booked together for larger groups (ref’s W42082 and W42083). Shop, pub and restaurant 4.5 miles.£62From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
