Pet Friendly Holidays Aberdeenshire

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.

This 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.

Set 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.

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.

This 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.

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.

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.

This detached home from home offers outstanding accommodation in the highly desired rural area, just 1 mile outside the historic town of Huntly. Sleeping up to six guests with two bathrooms, a hot tub and cosy wood burner. The owners provide toiletries for guests as well as hot tub towels and slippers - and your four-legged friends are pampered, too, with lots of doggy extras. Surrounded by fields and rolling hills with forest walks and fishing (both loch and river) nearby, Gardeners Cottage makes a wonderful base for a family or couples to explore this exciting area of Scotland.
The property is a peaceful detached dwelling settled in the beautiful 25 acre woodland grounds of the owner’s house where you will find a rich, diverse population of wildlife including pine martens red squirrels, buzzards and more. Outside there is a large dog kennel with an indoor and outdoor area.
On the ground floor the open plan living/dining/kitchen space creates a fantastic area for gathering together to plan the days adventures, whilst a second separate living room/snug with wood burner is a cosy place to snuggle up in front of the fire with a good book. A well-equipped kitchen will be a dream for any budding chef on holiday with everything you need to whip up a holiday feast. The three bedrooms, two doubles and one twin room, along with a family bathroom can be found on the first floor. Whilst an additional family shower room, with walk-in shower is located on the ground floor.
Huntly can be found situated alongside the river Deveron, surrounded by the marvellous Scottish countryside and plenty of activity. Boasting history at its centre in its magnificent castle and the Brander Museum, and its being part of the famous Whisky Trail, it offers something for everyone. Take a stroll through the Clashindarroch Forest, or dive into adventure with some roller skiing. Close to the towns of Keith and Dufftown with even more exciting attractions, Huntly is a great base for your Scottish adventure.
Sitting between the dramatic east coastline and the towering peak ridges of the Cairngorms National Park are the hills and glens of Aberdeenshire. This area has a range of habitats that is matched only by the variety of wildlife that lives in them. Whether you’re a keen nature enthusiast or just want to spot wildlife when on one of the many superb walks and cycle routes through Aberdeenshire, this is a region that is alive with nature! Sit at the picnic area in the Huntly Peregrine Wild Watch Centre and look out for the area’s residents including voles, great spotted woodpeckers, butterflies and roe deer. Beach 19½ miles.

A spacious, modern, and well-equipped holiday home that exudes warmth and comfort. With five bedrooms, it can comfortably accommodate eight guests, making it perfect for families or a group of friends. The open-plan living area is flooded with natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
The lower West Wing hosts the large, fully-equipped kitchen, two main living rooms, a dining room (seats six with two extra dining chairs in the kitchen) and a single toilet on the ground floor. You will find the master bedroom in the upper West Wing with an en-suite.
The East Wing has two bedrooms on the ground floor (a double bedroom and a single room). Both have easy access to the large bathroom on the ground floor. In the upper East Wing, there are two further double bedrooms, sharing a bathroom. Please do note that there are three small steps between the West and East Wing, and both areas are connected inside the house.
A short drive away, visit the iconic Balmoral Castle, a favourite retreat of the British royal family. Explore the magnificent gardens and enjoy a tour of the castle’s interior. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Cairngorms, ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. In winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the nearby resorts. Aberdeenshire is known for its whisky production. Visit local distilleries like Glenfiddich and Glenlivet for a taste of Scotland’s finest spirits. Savour delicious Scottish cuisine in the nearby restaurants and pubs, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, hearty stews, and traditional haggis.
Discover the rich history of Aberdeenshire by visiting historic sites like Dunnottar Castle and Crathes Castle. A peaceful retreat with easy access to a wealth of attractions and activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply wish to relax and unwind in the picturesque Scottish countryside. Beach 6 miles.