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.
Helmsdale, Scotland
5.00Situated on its own, right on the shoreline, enjoying panoramic views of the seascape this unique detached house offers an exceptionally good standard of holiday accommodation throughout. The living room and large kitchen/dining room look out across the bay. A second living room upstairs is built in the form of an ’observatory’, complete with balcony from which to spot the wide variety of bird and sea-life. Miles of shoreline walks are accessed directly from the property. The unspoilt fishing village of Helmsdale has a harbour and restaurants and shops. The area is renowned for its unspoilt beaches, wild and rugged coastline and traditional villages. Fossils are regularly found along this particular stretch of coast. Travel north to visit the Castle of Mey, John O’ Groats and the Orkney Isles. Golf, fishing, cycling, hill-walking, surfing and pony trekking all available locally. Try panning for gold in the Helmsdale river and visit the fairytale castle of Dunrobin. Shops, pub and restaurant 500 yards.£138From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Oban, Scotland"Stunning locations in breathtaking scenery..."
In a magnificent setting by the sea, Ardmaddy Castle sits in its own bay with unrivalled views over Seil Sound and the world famous local Slate Islands, designated one of Scotland’s National Scenic Areas. Graded ‘4 Star’ by the Scottish Tourist Board, these four cottages (SBZ, SRW and SRY) and Caddleton Farmhouse( UNP) are set in secluded, peaceful locations around the estate and offer an ideal base for exploring this stunning part of the West Coast of Scotland.
Caddleton Farmhouse (UNP) has a large carport providing dry, level access to a large games room/cloakroom which leads through to a spacious living room and well-equipped farmhouse-style kitchen with low level hob and worktops, dining and sitting areas with open fire and leading to a large conservatory overlooking the garden and sea.
The castle’s spectacular gardens are open all year round through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme and are a delight for gardening enthusiasts. The area is renowned for its abundant wildlife with porpoise, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, deer, eagles and wealth of seabirds often seen. Sailing, rowing and motor boats are all available for guests to hire, and there is free fishing on Ardmaddy’s stocked hill loch. There is also a central games room with table tennis and a pool table, whilst Caddleton Farmhouse (UNP) and The Stables (SBZ) have their own games room. Guests can also use the castle’s tennis court.
The bustling harbour town of Oban known as the ‘Gateway to the Islands’ is only 12 miles away and has wonderful seafood restaurants, shops and bars. From Oban there are boat trips to the Inner Hebridean Isles, including Mull, Iona, Staffa, Colonsay and Tiree. For the outdoor enthusiast, local activities include horse riding, coasteering, canyoning, canoeing, sailing, diving and golf. Fort William and Glencoe are a short drive away offering very popular climbing and skiing. Explore beautiful gardens and ruined castles in an area rich in historical legacy or take a leisurely walk or cycle along one of the many forest tracks. Visit Bonawe Iron Works, Cruachan Hollow Mountain, the Sealife Centre and Inveraray Jail. Or relax and enjoy the unspoilt natural beauty surrounding the cottages at Ardmaddy. Shops 12 miles, pub/restaurant 2½ miles.£235From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Stranraer, ScotlandSituated 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.£99From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Campbeltown, ScotlandIn a wonderful, secluded location, high above Carradale Harbour with stunning views to the Isle of Arran, Shorehills is a luxury modern holiday home, ideal for beach lovers and countryside enthusiasts, made cosy with oil-fired underfloor heating and a wood burner.
Enjoy your days watching the boats in the harbour, spotting wildlife in the bay below, and listening to the waves lap on the shore from the wrap-around decking. Relax in the living room with its wood burner, and watch the world go by through the large floor-to-ceiling windows with patio doors leading to the decking. The well-equipped kitchen and dining area is an ideal social space with patio doors opening onto the decking and views over the bay to Arran beyond. Perfect for socialising indoors, there’s a TV room with a 40” Smart TV and games room with a bar, pool table and darts. There’s a convenient twin bedroom downstairs with an adjacent walk-in shower room. Upstairs is a delightful, master en-suite double bedroom with uninterrupted views towards Arran. Two more spacious twin bedrooms are served by a luxurious family bathroom with a walk-in shower and free-standing bath.
Carradale is a small fishing village on the east of the Kintyre Peninsula, about 25 miles south of Tarbert. Offering peace and tranquillity, there is a well-stocked community shop and Post Office, tearoom and bar/restaurant, and a 9-hole golf course. Beautiful Carradale Bay is a long stretch of sandy beach, and there is plenty of walking in the woods and along the beaches. Locally, visit the old vitrified fort at Carradale Point, the nature reserve, or the gin distillery with a café. Salmon and trout can be fished on the Carradale River during the summer. Campbeltown is just 15 scenic miles distant, with shops, bars, cafés, a cinema, and three whisky distilleries.
There are ferries to Arran, Gigha, Islay, Jura and the Cowal Peninsula all within a short drive. There’s fantastic golfing at Machrihanish and another two local golf courses. Outdoor enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with great opportunities for wind and kite surfing, sea angling, scuba diving, cycling, and horseriding, all available locally.£172From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Dunoon, ScotlandSurrounded by 150 acres of glorious wooded grounds, abundant in wildlife. Amidst a glorious landscape of unspoilt wooded glens, fragmented coastline, stunning sea lochs and breathtaking bays, the delightful cottages at Home Farm nestle in the peaceful wooded valley of the River Ruel. The steading and cottages, formerly the home farm to the estate, have been lovingly restored and are very comfortably furnished in contemporary Scottish style. Their spacious courtyard setting affords each of them a sense of privacy and they all boast access to 150 acres of wooded grounds, abundant in bird and wildlife, with free trout and salmon fishing on the Ruel beat owned by Home Farms - the fishing hut provides an ideal picnic spot. One of the most admired views in Scotland, The Kyles of Bute, awaits discovery just 6 miles away, as do the tranquil village of Tighnabruaich’s lovely natural bays, sandy beach, shops, restaurants and 9 hole golf course. Colintraive, 9 miles, offers a pub serving good food and there is a summer shop (limited opening hours) adjacent to Home Farm. Beach 5 miles. Shop 13 miles, pub and restaurant 7 miles.£105From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Kirkcudbright, ScotlandMaggie’s Den is a spacious terraced cottage with a lovely enclosed garden to the rear, ideal for children or your four legged friends! The cottage is welcoming and the kitchen/dining room to the rear overlooking the garden is the real hub, fantastic for cooking and generally socialising while the kids enjoy the garden. From the kitchen/dining room it opens up to the comfortable living room whilst the bedrooms are all on the first floor and a large games room on the second floor, perfect for that family holiday!
Maggie’s Den is in the heart of Gatehouse of Fleet, a delightful village in this beautiful part of South West Scotland. Gatehouse of Fleet now has a slower pace of life but it once had a thriving industry with cotton mills, shipbuilding, a brewery and its own port. Nowadays the rich past can only be seen in the street names and inside the former textile mill, The Mill on the Fleet.
There are many attractions in and around the town including the Mill on the Fleet Visitor Centre and Cardoness Castle. For a more laid back day there are delightful beaches within a few minutes’ drive, including Mossyard and Carrick. The area has numerous walks available, from scenic coastal walks to forest trails. With sailing, swimming, riding, fishing, golf, boat trips and watersports 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 to the Galloway Forest Park, home to the first Dark Sky Park in Europe and central to 5 of the 7Stanes cycle route at Kirroughtree Forest and Dalbeattie Forest, it is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Only a short drive away is Kirkcudbright, known as ’the artists’ town’, which 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 2 miles. Shop and restaurant 200 yards, pub 400 yards.£81From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Fircliff - The House on Bute is a superb waterside, B-listed Georgian property sitting within a large and enclosed walled garden. The accommodation is over three floors with unobstructed sea views from all main rooms over Loch Striven, the Firth of Clyde and the surrounding hills. It is a fabulous setting for groups or large families to get together in the exquisitely presented rooms with many unique items of furniture and design features. The kitchen and dining area is the focal point of the house and can easily accommodate all fourteen guests round the large bespoke dining table. There are four en-suite bedrooms with showers, the master bedroom having an additional cast iron roll-top bath, one family bathroom and one cloakroom. The younger party members can be accommodated in a room with twin beds and a bunk bed. In addition a dual purpose room with twin beds can double up as a games room. The boot/utility room offers space for outdoor wear, a drying rack, a washing machine and dog bed and crate. The adjacent shoreline offers easy access to launch kayaks and other water craft. Larger boats can also be launched locally.
There is plenty to do on the Isle of Bute, from adventure experiences to watching wildlife to visiting historical sites. There are many popular walks around the island, including the West Island Way. Recommendations are given and the boot room comes into its own for wet coats, muddy boats and mucky dogs! The quiet roads lends to excellent cycling, and the house in on the route of the 5 Ferry Challenge. Fishing is available on the inland and coastal waters. Loch Fad is 3½ miles away where you can rent a boat to fish for rainbow and brown trout or pike. The loch was also the location used for the first run of the recently restored Bluebird. There are three golf courses (9, 13 and 18 holes) on the island along with a putting green in Rothesay. There are sandy beaches galore where, if lucky, you can spy ospreys, terns, basking sharks, humpback whales, dolphins and seals. The Isle of Bute has been an important island historically, with marks left on the island that can be visited, from standing stones, to the location of a Viking parliament and more recently Rothesay Castle. Mount Stuart House and Gardens offers a fantastic day visit and the St Blane’s Chapel is situated in a tranquil corner of the island. The Discovery Centre houses a 97 seater cinema with weekly showings. In the summer you can book tickets to take a trip on the famous paddle steamer The Waverley.
The nearby Port Bannantyne offers a marina, pubs, restaurant, post office/shop and petanque club. The main ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay takes approximately 35 minutes and for access to the Cowal Peninsula the ferry from Rhubodach to Colintraive (only a 10-minute drive away) takes only 3 minutes, both do not need to be booked in advance. There is an excellent bus service on the island. Beach 3 miles. Shop ½ mile, pub 550 yards and restaurant ¼ mile.£273From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Newton Stewart, ScotlandAn original gardener’s cottage, Orchard Cottage is a traditional, stone-built holiday home overlooking the orchard of the Galloway House Gardens and only yards from the secluded, tree lined, sandy Rigg Bay beach. You can hear the waves from your bedroom and you could even take your breakfast to the beach. Beachcombers will love this location as will writers and painters, nature and garden enthusiasts, activity seekers or honeymooners.
Walks for all ages and abilities start from the doorstep. Head south on the coastal path and through the woods to Cruggleton Castle and the surrounding cliffs. The village of Garlieston is northwards, via the Galloway House Gardens, famous for its spring display of azaleas and rhododendrons.
Golf and fishing are within easy reach, as are the Galloway Hills and the 7stanes mountain bike trails. Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town, Whithorn, home to the first recorded Christian church in Scotland and the harbour villages of Isle of Whithorn and Port William are a short drive or cycle ride away, reachable by quiet, country roads. Beach 50 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£129From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
- Stranraer, ScotlandAiryhemming Dairy is a detached former Dairyman’s Cottage situated on a working dairy farm yet set away from the buzz of the farm, in peaceful countryside, with views over farmland to the rolling Galloway Hills. Enjoy this restored cottage, whether it be sitting in front of the cosy wood burner, enjoying a game of pool in the games room or star gazing from your very own hot tub. The cottage also boasts its own stretch of water for brown trout fishing. The charming village of Glenluce has local shops and pubs. This area of Dumfries and Galloway boasts rugged coastlines and secluded sandy beaches which benefit from the warmth of the passing Gulf Stream and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, offering an ideal base from which to explore the Machars Peninsula and the Galloway Hills. There are many beautiful gardens to explore, including the world renowned Logan Botanical Gardens. The area boasts many pretty little ports like Sandhead, Portpatrick and the RSPB Scotland Mull of Galloway Nature Reserve where thousands of seabirds nest on the cliff face during the spring and summer. Walking is a delight, whether cliff top, beaches, hills or forests and the Southern Upland Way passes close by. It is a cyclist’s paradise with the world famous 7Stanes within easy reach. If you prefer shooting or golf, there are many facilities nearby including the County Course, just 2 miles away. The town of Stranraer, which is only 8 miles away, offers a wider range of shops, pubs and restaurants. Nearby Cairnryan is home to the Stena Line ferry making a day trip to Ireland a great day out. Beach 2 miles. Shop and pub 2 miles, restaurant 3 miles.
Airyhemming Dairy can be booked together with Airyhemming Farm (CC537213) and Kelbrook (UK5737) to accommodate up to 22 guests.£155From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Oban, Scotland"Stunning locations in breathtaking scenery..."
In a magnificent setting by the sea, Ardmaddy Castle sits in its own bay with unrivalled views over Seil Sound and the world famous local Slate Islands, designated one of Scotland’s National Scenic Areas. Graded ‘4 Star’ by the Scottish Tourist Board, these four cottages (SBZ, SRW and SRY) and Caddleton Farmhouse (UNP) are set in secluded, peaceful locations around the estate and offer an ideal base for exploring this stunning part of the West Coast of Scotland.
The Stables (SBZ) is and immaculate and sensitive conversion of the former stables overlooks Ardmaddy Bay and is furnished to Visit Scotland ‘4 Star’ standard. Modern and comfortable, it still retains much of its traditional character and warmth, and has patio doors overlooking the sea. All four bedrooms are tastefully furnished and have fitted cupboards.
The castle’s spectacular gardens are open all year round through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme and are a delight for gardening enthusiasts. The area is renowned for its abundant wildlife with porpoise, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, deer, eagles and wealth of seabirds often seen. Sailing, rowing and motor boats are all available for guests to hire, and there is free fishing on Ardmaddy’s stocked hill loch. Guests can also use the castle’s tennis court.
The bustling harbour town of Oban known as the ‘Gateway to the Islands’ is only 12 miles away and has wonderful seafood restaurants, shops and bars. From Oban there are boat trips to the Inner Hebridean Isles, including Mull, Iona, Staffa, Colonsay and Tiree. For the outdoor enthusiast, local activities include horse riding, coasteering, canyoning, canoeing, sailing, diving and golf. Fort William and Glencoe are a short drive away offering very popular climbing and skiing. Explore beautiful gardens and ruined castles in an area rich in historical legacy or take a leisurely walk or cycle along one of the many forest tracks. Visit Bonawe Iron Works, Cruachan Hollow Mountain, the Sealife Centre and Inveraray Jail. Or relax and enjoy the unspoilt natural beauty surrounding the cottages at Ardmaddy. Shops 12 miles, pub/restaurant 2½ miles.£125From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
