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.
Banff, ScotlandConstructed in 1864, this picturesque, renovated church building that has been lovingly restored making it a luxurious place for you and your family or friends to stay. Its exterior form has happily been retained, bearing clear witness to its original function, whilst inside a stained glass window is the central feature to the first floor living room. Other features of note include high ceilings, large windows, plenty of spacious accommodation and large mature gardens. The majority of the living space is to the ground floor. The open plan kitchen and dining area with sliding door opening to the rear garden was formerly the church hall. Five bedrooms have been stylishly designed, along with a contemporary bathroom and two additional shower rooms, whilst a cinema and games room will keep you busy on a rainy day. The extensive gardens of an acre comprise of a woodland driveway to the front. The enclosed rear garden has mature trees and shrubs, including a monkey puzzle tree, lawns and three patio seating areas. The summerhouse and patios are the ideal place for enjoying a morning coffee or evening drink while taking in the surrounding views and starlit sky.
The property is nestled in a very beautiful part of Scotland and offers many activities in short striking distance, including walking, cycling, golfing, fishing and the seaside. The property is just 3 miles from Mintlaw, home to Aden Country Park covering 230 acres. Recognised as one of Scotland’s top green spaces, the park is a popular spot for walkers, cyclists and families thanks to its picturesque surroundings and busy events calendar. Mintlaw hosts a wide variety of amenities including pub, takeaways and local supermarket.
8 miles to the east is Cruden Bay, which has a sweeping expanse of pink sands and dunes approximately 1½ miles in length. This sandy beach is popular with day trippers, water sports enthusiasts and for sea fishing. Here you can also visit the remains of Slains Castle, once a place where celebrities were entertained on numerous occasions in the 19th Century. One of the most notable guests was Bram Stoker and it is believed the castle is the inspiration for the setting of ’Count Dracula’. 14 miles south of Torreagles is Newburgh beach, home to a colony of around 400 seals, adjacent to which are Forvie Nature Reserve and Foveran Links, a site of special scientific interest.
Golfers will appreciate numerous challenging courses less than a half hour’s drive from the property, including three of Scotland’s top twenty championship courses, Cruden Bay Golf Club, Trump International Golf Links and Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. Whatever you decide to do during your stay, this is an ideal base to explore this lovely part of Scotland. Beach 8 miles.£189From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Aviemore, Scotland
5.00Enjoying a quiet setting with panoramic views across the extensive grounds and on towards the beautiful Cairngorm mountain range, Sunnyside House makes just the perfect base for exploring one of the most scenic and popular holiday destinations in Scotland. The house has been equipped and furnished to a high standard which will ensure you have as supremely comfortable and relaxing holiday as possible, with your every need taken care of. Robes are provided for after a soak in the hot tub and dog beds, cages and dishes are included for your four-legged friends.
Located just a mile or so from the centre of the village of Carrbridge and only 11 miles from the vibrant town of Aviemore, both situated in the heart of The Cairngorms National Park and at the head of the Speyside Way, Sunnyside House can be used as a base to explore or to relax and unwind. Carrbridge has the usual village facilities with a larger range available in Aviemore. The area boasts a super range of shops, restaurants and bars along with a wide range of outdoor activities – skiing and snowboarding, mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking and a variety of water sports on nearby Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey, zip lining and zorbing are just a few of the myriad of activities available. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain funicular railway, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre or the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie and the Landmark Forest Adventure Park which is just a short distance from the house – a superb day of fun for all ages. Visit the lovely Spey Valley golf course and the Dalfaber Leisure Resort in Aviemore with its wonderful array of leisure activities.
Further afield, take a trip to the beautiful west coast and the Isle of Skye or a day trip to the Orkney Islands is well worth the effort. Visit the Moray coastline peppered with little fishing villages and beautiful beaches – voted in the top 20 of the best coastline destinations in the world. This is an area with so much to offer, see and do for all ages. For the less energetic, you can sit back by the side of the wood burner or soak in the hot tub and let the stresses of everyday life slip away. So many happy and unforgettable memories will be made on your holiday in Sunnyside House. Beach 24½ miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£226From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
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.£140From 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
Ayr, ScotlandThis spacious, detached farmhouse is situated in the village of Tarbolton and has a fabulous external games room. The property is decorated with a Christmas theme during the festive season. Set on a working sheep farm, it lies close to the pretty coastal towns of Ayr, Troon and Prestwick with their numerous shops, eateries and historical places of interest. The property also features a wood-fired pizza oven and a wood pellet BBQ/smoker. For walkers, the Ayrshire Coastal Path is easily accessed and has a fantastic panoramic coastline with views over the sea to the mountains of Arran. The River Ayr Way, a 40 mile ’Source to Sea’ walk is also easily accessed, making this an ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast.
The Galloway Forest Park is a short drive away and is Britain’s largest forest park with three hundred square miles of wild beauty waiting to be explored. The park boasts tranquil valleys, rugged rock faces, forest, moorland, lochs and ancient woodland, as well as a huge diversity of wildlife including red and roe deer, wild goats and many birds of prey. The park has also been awarded the status of one of only four Dark Sky Parks in the western world, and when the sun sets, enthusiasts come to wonder at the universe revealed above.
Dalmellington is home to the Scottish Dark Observatory, which is only a short drive from the property. Ayrshire offers many gardens and castles to visit, and activities such as riding, racing and golf, including the world famous Royal Troon and Turnberry courses which are both close to hand. Fishing can also be found nearby and there are plenty of opportunities for a round of golf. Culzean Castle and Dumfries House are both spectacular and it is well worth booking a tour.
The islands of Cumbrae, Arran and Bute are all easily reached for a day out, while day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. There are very good rail links from Ayr for a trip to the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow and also historic Edinburgh. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is an hour’s drive and is well worth a visit. Beach 8 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£471From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ullapool, ScotlandSet in its own private grounds on the stunningly beautiful little Loch Broom, Kildonan is a bright, spacious and modern detached house. It enjoys wonderful uninterrupted views across the loch to the Summer Isles beyond, surrounded by hills and mountains. Tucked away down its own quiet track it is ideal for a luxurious get-away from it all holiday for families and friends. The large kitchen/dining room is modern farmhouse style, with flagstone flooring and built-in units. Across the hallway is a spacious living room, with deep soft leather sofa suites and a large wood burner. The games room is on the ground floor and is a wonderful bonus for all ages. Here is a large central pool table, as well as a dart board and other games. The rural country gardens surround the house making this an ideal place to relax in the evening. A wide staircase leads up to the first floor, where there are four generously proportioned bedrooms, one with an en-suite. They are all very attractively presented with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings and high quality beds and furniture. As well as the en-suite there is a family-sized bathroom with a deep roll-top bath and a separate shower cubicle.
Kildonan is ideally located for maximising the views, sitting on a promontory near the head of Little Loch Broom, which in summer is ideal for swimming. Badluarch jetty, at the end of the single track lane, offers easy access to the water. Badluarach is a small crofting hamlet, with scattered cottages, sheep and cattle for company. The adjoining lane leads out onto open moorland. The area is a paradise for hill-walkers and climbers, with numerous walks directly from the property and the renowned munro of An Tellach just 5 minutes away. It is equidistant from Ullapool and Gairloch. The coastline that runs along this west coast is simply stunning. It forms part of the renowned North Coast 500 route which encompasses some of the most dramatic and unspoilt scenery to be found anywhere in the British Isles. Miles of sandy beaches are interspersed with coves, tumbling rivers and high mountains. In the nearby village of Dundonnell there is a restaurant and bar which is open throughout the summer months. Both Ullapool and Gairloch, just 30 minutes’ drive away, have excellent facilities, including a good selection of shops, pubs and restaurants as well as visitor attractions. Beach 4 miles. Shop 13 miles, pub and restaurant 8 miles.£133From 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
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.£111From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ayr, ScotlandThese two spacious, detached cottages, The Groom’s Cottage (ref UK31337) and The Brewers Cottage (ref UK12527) which is next to the owner’s home, are situated on a quiet country lane and both have their own private hot tub with shared use of tennis court and croquet lawn to enjoy after a day’s exploring. Nestled in the heart of Burns Country, the area is steeped in tradition and history. Fans of Burns will be able to visit many attractions including Burns Cottage, the Burns Memorial Museum and the Brig o’ Doon, the bridge from the famous poem Tam o’ Shanter.
Popular with walkers, the Ayrshire Coastal Path is close by with 100 miles of superb coastal walking to enjoy, with a superb backdrop of the ever-changing profile of the mountains of Arran across the Firth of Clyde. The River Ayr Way, a 40 miles source to sea walk, is also easily accessed. There are many gardens and castles to visit, and activities such as horse riding, racing and golf are available nearby. The world famous Turnberry golf course, with fantastic spa facilities and outdoor centre, and Royal Troon Golf Club are close by.
Culzean Castle National Trust and Dumfries House are spectacular and are among Ayrshire’s most popular tourist attractions. The Galloway Forest Park is easily accessed and is Britain’s largest forest park, with 300 square miles of wild beauty waiting to be explored. The park boasts tranquil valleys, rugged rock faces, forest, moorland, lochs, ancient woodland and a huge diversity of wildlife including red and roe deer, wild goats and many birds of prey. The park has also been awarded the status of one of only four Dark Sky Parks in the western world and when the sun sets, enthusiasts come to wonder at the universe revealed above. Day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan, and a short drive leads to Ayr, a traditional seaside town. Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh are perfect for a day out, as is Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, with ferry links to the islands of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae all within easy reach. Beach 12 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.
The properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 10 guests.£183From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Inverness, ScotlandAntfield Farmhouse is a beautiful spacious holiday home near to the shores of Loch Ness. Situated on an amazing plot of land, the farmhouse enjoys panoramic views across pasture to woodland and mountains. The farmhouse still has some original nineteenth century dimensions.
Antfield Farmhouse sleeps ten people in total and is therefore perfect for an extended family, two families or group of friends. On entering the farmhouse, you go through the front porch door, before the large hallway. Off to the left is the main living room with open fire and large Smart TV and enjoys wonderful views of the dramatic landscape, this then leads through to the snug/playroom. To the right of the hallway is a large dining room area which looks out to the front of the house with views. Further down the hallway through a door leads to the double bedroom, then there is another small hall with a separate shower room and toilet. The kitchen has everything you’ll need to cook up a storm for family and friends and then gather round the dining table. Next to kitchen is a utility/games room with pool table and darts leading to the patio and large garden. Back to the hallway, and upstairs you reach the first-floor accommodation consisting of 4 large kingsize bedrooms all en-suite.
The garden is large, laid mostly to lawn and enjoys views in all directions. It’s very child and dog friendly, as it’s fully enclosed, you will also enjoy looking at a private small grassy paddock with horses and donkeys, but this is not for guests to go in.
Antfield Farmhouse makes an ideal holiday base for exploring the many delights of the Northern Highlands. Located on the outskirts of the Highland capital of Inverness and close to Loch Ness and the Moray Coast. The area is renowned for its natural beauty along with the many activities available, with fly fishing nearby costing £30 per permit. Other activities include golf, kayaking, water sports, mountain biking, climbing and hill walking to name just a few. Discover some of the many historic sites, such as Culloden Battlefield and Fort George, or stroll along some of the many unspoilt beaches. Dores beach at Loch Ness shores is only 2 miles from Antfield and main beach 23 miles.£323From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
