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.
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 & book
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Kirkcudbright, ScotlandHigh 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!£134From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Main St, ScotlandNestled away in the charming village of Gargunnock, this traditional, detached stone built cottage dates back to the late 1800s and has been renovated to provide a welcoming, spacious holiday cottage. From your front door you can walk to the local inn providing good quality food and drink. Pub/restaurant 500 yards.
There are plenty of walks through the countryside. The hills around the village have splendid views over to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and Ben Lomond. For guests who enjoy exploring the local area by bike, there are numerous quiet roads and pathways through the countryside and to the neighbouring village of Kippen. There is trout and salmon fishing on the nearby Lake of Mentieth and you will need a licence. Enjoy a round of golf on one of the numerous golf courses nearby and Gleneagles Resort can be reached in under 45 minutes.
A great location for exploring the local area, Stirling is only 6 miles away and offers guests an abundance of historic and popular attractions to visit and explore, including Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. Stirling has something to suit all ages and tastes with many popular events held at the Toll Booth and Albert Halls. There is a regular Farmers Market offering local produce, as well as many various pubs, restaurants and a shopping centre. For fans of the epic TV series Outlander there are several places to visit that were used in the filming, Doune Castle is only 15 minutes’ drive and others can be reached in under an hour.
For the kids in particular. there are Blair Drummond Safari Park, Briarlands Farm Park and Stirling Alpaca Centre all within 5 miles.
At the edge of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Briar Cottage is an ideal location for outdoor activities or a scenic drive through breathtaking scenery with lochs and mountains. The motorway network is only 10 minutes away and less than an hour takes you to the vibrant cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Dundee. If you would prefer to leave the car then Stirling railway station has a frequent regular service.£150From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Sandyhills, ScotlandNestled within the serene embrace of Dumfries and Galloway’s picturesque countryside, Kindeloch emerges as a beacon of tranquillity. Situated near the quaint village of New Abbey, it offers breathtaking views of Loch Kindar, the Solway Firth, and the imposing Criffel mountain as the backdrop. Immaculately refurbished, this modern retreat boasts a seamless blend of sophistication and comfort, all conveniently located on the ground floor. As you step into the spacious sitting room, the warm glow of a wood burner invites you to unwind amidst panoramic vistas. Large picture windows frame the scenery, creating a mesmerising backdrop. The heart of this retreat lies in its kitchen and dining area, where you can enjoy a family meal amidst contemporary elegance. Adorned with top-of-the-line appliances, the kitchen beckons culinary enthusiasts to craft gourmet delights. Restful nights are assured in the bedrooms, where sumptuous kingsize beds await alongside a twin room, ensuring blissful slumber. The king size bedrooms are accompanied by sleek, modern en-suite shower rooms, while a family bathroom exudes indulgence and refinement.
Beyond the confines of this idyllic abode, a wealth of attractions awaits exploration. Embark on leisurely strolls through New Abbey which has plenty of history that includes the ruined Sweetheart Abbey. Nature enthusiasts can revel in the splendour of the surrounding landscape, with hiking trails offering glimpses of verdant valleys and cascading waterfalls. For those seeking cultural enrichment, nearby attractions such as Sweetheart Abbey and the Robert Burns Centre provide insight into the region’s rich heritage. Adventure-seekers can embark on excursions to explore the rugged beauty of the Galloway Forest Park or indulge in water sports along the Solway Firth’s pristine shores. No visit to Kindeloch would be complete without a walk to the top of Criffel with probably some of the most stunning views in the region. At Kindeloch, every moment is imbued with serenity, offering an unforgettable retreat amidst Scotland’s enchanting countryside. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, this exceptional holiday let promises an experience that transcends the ordinary, inviting you to create cherished memories in the embrace of natural splendour.£138From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ballindalloch, ScotlandA luxuriously furnished property at the foot of the Cairngorms within the 56,000 acres of the Glenlivet Estate. Ideal for country pursuits including walking and adventure activities and being on the Whisky Trail and the NE 250 route, is convenient for visiting numerous whisky distilleries, castles and the beautiful sandy beaches along the Moray coast.
On approach from the winding driveway, you already get a feeling of how truly special this property is. Open the large wooden front door and step inside the spacious hallway, complete with dining area and exposed oak beams and parquet flooring. A warm and welcoming living room has ample space for everybody to relax. The Swedish wood burner and floor-to-ceiling windows only add to the modern features, while the stunning green oak beams add extra charm. There is an outside balcony area which can be accessed via both the living room and kitchen.
The perfectly designed kitchen, complete with electric oven, hob and Aga, induction wok and Quooker, is a haven for budding chefs, providing a wide selection of utensils and implements. This wonderful, detached house benefits from a second living room, affectionately named ‘The Nook’, boasting an additional wood burner, completing the warm feeling in this room. The property has a second outside balcony area, complete with hot tub and more amazing views.
The three bedrooms are aptly named after the region’s finest whiskies. The master bedroom, The Cragganmore, has wonderful east-facing views and overlooks the burn in the grounds. The en-suite bathroom is a real stunner, providing a large and inviting space for enjoying a long soak after a busy day exploring the area.
Glenlivet Estate has a number of waymarked paths of various lengths together with a series of mountain bike trails with varied degrees of difficulty. There is a number of nearby adventure activities centered around the rivers Spey and Findhorn. Within Speyside there are approximately 50 whisky distilleries many with visitor centres. These include Glenlivet, Macallan, Glenfiddich, Aberlour, Glenfarclas and Balvenie. Dufftown is only 5 miles along Glenrinnes and is one of the major distillery centres where you can join a walk visiting all nine based in the town.
There are many castles to visit in the area starting with Ballindalloch Castle frequently referred to as The Jewel of the North. The North East 250 route leads to Deeside for Balmoral, Braemar, Crathies, Drum and numerous other castles. Within an hour’s drive are the sandy beaches on the south coast of the Moray Firth including Cullen, Lossiemouth and Nairne together with a number of small harbours and view points for seeing dolphins on the incoming tide.
For golf lovers, Ballindalloch, Dufftown and Grantown-on-Spey courses are close at hand with a number of links courses along the rugged coastline. Around a 36-mile journey will bring you to Aviemore, a popular large village offering plenty to keep the whole family entertained. For skiing in the season, as well as Cairngorm, The Lecht Ski School is approximately 17 miles from the property with Glenshee a little over an hour making it a fabulous choice in the winter months for lovers of the slopes. Shop, pub and restaurant 9 miles.£158From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ballindalloch, ScotlandTravel north to the highest village in the Scottish Highlands, Tomintoul, where a warm welcome awaits. This detached holiday home is set on the outskirts of this quaint village and backs onto fields with the Avonside Hills as a panoramic backdrop. Furnished with style and comfort in mind, it is an ideal base to explore this magical region. Whisky lovers will enjoy the delights of the Whisky Trail, of which the famous Glenlivet is only a short drive away. Plenty of outdoor adventures can be had, horse riding from the village, skiing at nearby Lecht and the Cairngorms where fabulous hillwalking and mountain climbing can be enjoyed. Cyclists will love the Glenlivet Mountain Bike centre too. In addition, Landrover safaris or gorge walking at nearby Bridge of Brown will surely get the adrenalin going. Alternatively, bird watching or deer spotting will suit the less adventurous and for interesting shops and eateries, Tomintoul, Ballater, Grantown-on-Spey and Aviemore are all within easy reach. By total contrast, the beautiful Moray coastline is within an hour’s drive.£91From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Strachan, ScotlandThese lovely detached holiday lodges are set in an elevated position with marvellous views towards Cairn O’Mount. Situated in 8 acres of natural woodland, all the properties are very stylishly furnished with good attention to detail. Mountshade (ref 30297) has been constructed to make the most of its surroundings with its concertina doors from the living room, relax and enjoy the views from the decking area after a busy day out exploring. Park Lodge (ref 17329) has an open-plan living room with a cathedral ceiling, opening on to a well-equipped kitchen. Cairn View (ref 30456), as its name suggests, boasts a wonderful view towards Cairn O’Mount and sleeps 6 in comfort, ideal for families or couples. All three lodges have plenty of space between them, ensuring good levels of privacy. The local and surrounding area provides the perfect holiday for families, friends and couples of all ages. Visit Balmoral Castle, (open in summer to visitors), or tour Royal Deeside, which begs to be explored, with fantastic walks on moor and mountain, river and loch fishing, cycle trails and pony trekking, or take in the scenic majesty of Lochnagar. The popular town of Banchory is just 5 miles away with interesting shops and restaurants, and the area is renowned for its Highland Games in summer. Aberdeen is approximately 30 minutes’ drive with its theatres, bars, gardens and shopping centre, and when the weather starts to cool down, the ski resorts of Lecht and Cairngorm are easy to reach. Shop and pub 5 miles.£85From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Strachan, ScotlandThese lovely detached holiday lodges are set in an elevated position with marvellous views towards Cairn O’Mount. Situated in 8 acres of natural woodland, all the properties are very stylishly furnished with good attention to detail. Mountshade (ref 30297) has been constructed to make the most of its surroundings with its concertina doors from the living room, relax and enjoy the views from the decking area after a busy day out exploring. Park Lodge (ref 17329) has an open-plan living room with a cathedral ceiling, opening on to a well-equipped kitchen. Cairn View (ref 30456), as its name suggests, boasts a wonderful view towards Cairn O’Mount and sleeps 6 in comfort, ideal for families or couples. All three lodges have plenty of space between them, ensuring good levels of privacy. The local and surrounding area provides the perfect holiday for families, friends and couples of all ages. Visit Balmoral Castle, (open in summer to visitors), or tour Royal Deeside, which begs to be explored, with fantastic walks on moor and mountain, river and loch fishing, cycle trails and pony trekking, or take in the scenic majesty of Lochnagar. The popular town of Banchory is just 5 miles away with interesting shops and restaurants, and the area is renowned for its Highland Games in summer. Aberdeen is approximately 30 minutes’ drive with its theatres, bars, gardens and shopping centre, and when the weather starts to cool down, the ski resorts of Lecht and Cairngorm are easy to reach. Shop and pub 5 miles.£85From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Banchory, ScotlandIn an area renowned for superb fishing and golf, this wonderful property could not be in a better location! Just 50 yards from the rushing waters of the lovely River Dee and very close to Banchory Golf Course, this spacious and very comfortable accommodation makes full use of its situation, with patio doors from the living room offering an uninterrupted view of the river itself - where fishing may be arranged with the owner (subject to availability). With all modern facilities, it ensures a very relaxing stay in total comfort.
Banchory is a superb base for a varied holiday with Crathes Castle and garden, and Castle Fraser both well worth a visit. Also boasting two golf courses in the town, there is a wider choice in the surrounding area with excellent hillwalking and skiing available in the Cairngorms just a short distance away. A short drive leads to Ballater, where Queen Victoria first arrived in Desside in 1848. Although the line has long since closed, visitors can still visit the elegant train station in the heart of the town centre. Ballater is also an excellent base for local walks and outdoor activities. A popular walk leads to Lochnagar, the much painted and written about mountain by the current Prince of Wales.
Balmoral is easily accessible for the day and the local distillery at Lochnagar is well worth a visit, with tours and tasting of the local malt available. For an alternative day out, Aberdeen - Scotland’s third largest city, is well worth a visit. Many of the parks have been transformed into ‘flower gardens’ and are some of the most beautiful in Britain. There is also an excellent choice of restaurants and pubs and the livley city harbour comes alive in the evening with a number of theatres. Shops ½ mile.£71From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ballater, ScotlandCrofts is situated in an elevated position on the fringes of the Cairngorms National Park and offers guests a magical experience, from the moment you drive over your private bridge into the grounds you will not be disappointed. There is a steep incline to the property which leads to a large parking area where you can enjoy the views over the glen.
The property provides a good level of comfort throughout. There is an open plan living area with the centrepiece being a roaring fire and the kitchen provides a light and airy feel. There is a well fitted family bathroom with a walk-in shower and a separate bath and an adjoining separate toilet. There is a king size bedroom on the ground floor, whilst on the first floor there are two further bedrooms, one is a zip and link super kingsize and the other has twin beds. There is a great selection of traditional board games and jigsaws for those lazy days in front of the fire. Outside, the gardens are lawned and offer a safe environment for children and the four legged members of the family.
There is a rustic outdoor seating area around a large firepit for an evening of watching the stars and toasting marshmallows under the moonlight. This area is one of natural darkness so for the apprentice astronomers, the location is ideal. There is a large open barn with table tennis and a selection of toys.
There is an abundance of history and wildlife on your doorstep with wild deer, a visiting barn owl and nesting sand martins to name but a few. The location is ideal for exploring the Cairngorms National Park, the famous whisky trail, Royal Deeside, Balmoral and National Trust properties. Glenbuchat and Kildrummy Castles and Gardens are also close by. The surrounding hills have trails for mountain bikers as well as many road-based cycle routes; golfers can also enjoy the courses nearby, where visitors are always welcome. Riding in the area offers spectacular treks, and there are numerous wonderful walks available to take you up the hills of Strathdon, such as Ben Newe or more challenging Mountains over 3000 feet, are close by in the Cairngorms. Fishing is available in the River Don along with the local Mossat Fishery. Cultural events are held throughout the year at our local Glenbuchat Hall.
In late summer, the world-famous Braemar Gathering and Highland Games are worth visiting to see the athletic performances. Bellabeg, 6 miles has a well provisioned Spar market, and the Steading pub at the Lonach provides live entertainment and local beers. Kildrummy Inn provides a restaurant well worth visiting, and taxis are available by arrangement. The pretty market town of Alford nearby has a good selection of shops and eateries. Aberdeen is an hour drive for a wider range of facilities and entertainment. Shop 6 miles, pub and restaurant 7 miles.£86From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
