Pet Friendly Holidays Dumfries and Galloway

East Lodge is a delightful gate lodge, set just off the New Abbey Road, in the pretty hamlet of Islesteps. It has enclosed gardens, perfect for enjoying at any time of the year. Inside, East Lodge is warm and very comfortable, with a cosy open fire in the living room, two lovely bedrooms with comfortable beds and luxurious bedding, and a well-equipped kitchen. The cottage has everything to make your holiday most comfortable and enjoyable.

East Lodge is just 1 mile from the heart of Mabie Forest, where you can enjoy a variety of activities including many and varied walking trails and some of the world-class 7Stanes mountain biking trails. Your little ones are also well catered for with outdoor play areas nearby, and of course your four-legged friends have masses of walks to enjoy too. Another must for your children is a visit to Mabie Farm Park, which is nestled just below Mabie Forest, where you can feed the animals and see the Belted Galloways, alpacas, llamas and much more.

Further afield, this beautiful area of South West Scotland has so much more to offer, from the quiet sandy coves and cliff top walks to the many castles, such as Caerlaverock and Drumlanrig. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the area has plenty of beautiful gardens to visit, including Threave Gardens (National Trust) and Logan Botanic Gardens, Scotland’s most exotic garden. A stay here would not be complete without taking a drive along the coast and a wander round the little seaside villages of Southerness, Rockcliffe and Kippford. Beach 13 miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Butterhole Farmhouse is in a truly delightful setting with fabulous views. Renovated in 2019 and with the owners living adjacent, Butterhole Farmhouse is spacious and most of the rooms take advantage of beautiful views. Enjoy a meal with family or friends in the dining room which also boasts a large wood burner, perfect for those cosy winter nights.
Upstairs, the bedrooms are spacious with a family bathroom and en-suite. Particularly pleasant is one of the kingsize rooms which has double-aspect windows with picturesque views to wake up to in the morning.
Set in the heart of Mabie Forest, Butterhole Farmhouse is the ideal location to enjoy a variety of activities all within walking distance, including many walking trails and some of the world class 7stanes mountain biking trails. There is even a butterfly reserve! There is so much open space for the kids to run around and enjoy the adventure playground.
A must for the kids is a visit to Mabie Farm Park which is nestled just below Mabie Forest, where you can feed the animals and see the belted galloways, alpacas, llamas and much more. It will certainly keep you entertained all day.
Further afield, this beautiful area of South West Scotland has so much more to offer from the quiet sandy coves and cliff-top walks, to the many castles, including Caerlaverock and Drumlanrig. Warmed by the Gulf Stream the area has many beautiful gardens to visit, including Threave Gardens (National Trust) and Logan Botanic Gardens, Scotland’s most exotic garden. A stay here would not be complete without taking a drive along the coast and a wander round the little seaside villages of Southerness, Rockcliffe and Kippford.
After a day packed with adventure take a leisurely stroll from Butterhole Farmhouse to Mabie House Hotel and enjoy a well earned drink! Butterhole Farmhouse can be booked with Butterhole Cottage (UK10736) and Brae Cottage (UK5909) to accommodate up to 16 guests. Beach 9½ miles, shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

The Nook at Balcary is a beautiful detached cottage with a modern open plan living area boasting floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors opening on to the most fantastic views of Auchencairn Bay and Hestan Island.

Everything at The Nook at Balcary is perfect from the moment you step inside. Not only will the view amaze you, but the attention to detail throughout is stunning from the comfortable sofas, the large walk-in shower to the sumptuous bed. On fine nights, sit outside in the most peaceful of locations watching the stars and enjoying the sound of the sea. The perfect place to relax.

The area surrounding The Nook at Balcary is just as impressive. From your doorstep take a walk over the cliffs, or a short drive will take you to many lovely little towns and villages including Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright, Kippford and Rockcliffe to name but a few.

This corner of south west Scotland, warmed by the Gulf Stream, also has many beautiful gardens to visit, including Threave Gardens (National Trust). Close to the Galloway Forest Park, the first Dark Sky Park in the UK, and central to 5 of the 7Stanes, it is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Beach 50 yards. Shop 2 miles, hotel bar and restaurant next door.

One of a pair of original gardener’s cottages, Shore Cottage is a traditional stone holiday cottage with an enclosed garden only yards from the secluded, tree-lined, sandy beach at Rigg Bay. This charming cottage, on the edge of the original walled garden of Galloway House, retains many period features. Beachcombers will love this location, as will writers, painters, nature and garden visitors, activity seekers or honeymooners. Attractive walks for all ages and abilities start from your door, and you can head south on the shore path through primrose woods to Cruggleton Cliffs and the castle beyond. Or head north towards Garlieston village via the woodland garden and arboretum of 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 world class 7Stanes mountain bike trails. Wigtown, Scotland’s book town, as well as Whithorn, the cradle of early British Christianity, and the harbour villages of Isle of Whithorn and Port William, are a short drive or cycle ride away on quiet roads. Beach 50 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

This cosy, detached holiday property, originally the Old Smiddy, is located in Glasserton, close to the lovely former Royal Burgh of Whithorn. This lovely holiday home can accommodate up to four guests and is pet friendly, with a dog run and outdoor hose available in the fenced and gated, secure garden. The town is famed for having the first recorded Christian church in Scotland built by St. Ninian in about 397. The ruins of Whithorn Priory and the museum are well worth a visit. The harbour village of the Isle of Whithorn is nearby, as well as Wigtown, known as ’Scotland’s Book Town’. Why not take a stroll along nearby Monreith Beach.
Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve is the largest local reserve in the UK. It has internationally recognised, significant numbers of pink-footed geese, greylag geese, many species of duck and wading birds visiting in autumn and winter. Visit the Interpretation Centre where you can view by video camera the Galloway ospreys during their nesting season (April to August), or the local wetlands for the rest of the year.
Take a look at the distillery at Bladnoch, established in 1814, which offers a large shop and guided tours, or meander around Wigtown appreciating the high quality gift shops, small gallery, numerous book shops and many cafés. The southern Scotland regions boasts an exceptional number of activities, from spending a quiet afternoon with a rod and reel beside one of the area’s many excellent rivers, or pushing yourself to the limit along a challenging 7 Stanes cycle track. Horse riding, golf, sailing, diving and numerous walks are available in the area, and with its famously mild climate and the balmy influence of the Gulf Stream, Galloway is home to some beautiful and exotic gardens. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

The Soup Kitchen has played an important role in village life and the local community of Borgue over the last 150 years or so. You won’t find soup served in The Soup Kitchen today but you will find a stunning holiday home to call yours for the week.
This upside down house sits on the edge of the village and enjoys superb views. One particular feature is the spacious living room with floor to ceiling windows and patio doors opening onto a covered veranda, which makes the most of the views and is perfect for sitting enjoying the morning sun over breakfast. From the living room there is a kitchen, again allowing you to enjoy the views and a lovely dining room which overlooks the village. Venture outside and you will not be disappointed, a hot tub is situated in a purpose built cabin so you can enjoy the bubbles in rain, sleet or snow.
Starting life as a house, then a Free Church and a school, it then became apparent that there was no need for two schools in such a small community so it became a store. On the 5th of December 1844 the idea came about to ensure every child in the community had the opportunity to have a hot meal during the months of October to March, hence the name “The Soup Kitchen”.
Borgue is a charming little village with a local pub serving food so no need to cook, allowing you to really relax and enjoy the area. The village is close to many beautiful beaches, coastal walks and stunning rolling countryside. A short drive away will take you to Kirkcudbright, a lovely town on the estuary which still has a bustling harbour. Stroll through the town and visit Broughton House, once home to the famed Scottish painter E. A. Hornel. Kirkcudbright is known as “the artists’ town”, having hosted generations of painters, craft-makers and artisans, a culture that is still thriving today. The town attracts visitors throughout the year, drawn in 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. The area has numerous walks available, from scenic coastal strolls to forest trails. With sailing, swimming, riding, fishing, golf, boat trips and water sports all close by there is sure to be something for everyone. Warmed by the gulf stream there are many beautiful gardens to visit, including National Trust Threave Gardens. Close to the Galloway Forest Park, the first Dark Sky Park in the UK, and central to 5 of the 7Stanes, it is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Beach 3 miles. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant 50 yards.

Gilnockie is a stunning architect designed lodge, set in a peaceful location in the beautiful and popular coastal village of Kippford. The property is set above the village providing lovely views of the estuary. The living area is particularly attractive with large picture windows to the front, impressive high vaulted ceiling and a lovely wood burner, perfect for those chillier nights. The patio doors in the dining room lead out to a covered terrace. The master bedroom on the ground floor also boasts a covered terrace where you can enjoy your early morning cup of tea, it’s the perfect way to start your day.
Kippford is a pretty little village on the Solway Coast. A short stroll from the property takes you into the centre of the village with two excellent pubs/restaurants, a tea room and a small shop selling local gifts. Take a walk along the sea front and over the Jubilee Path to Rockcliffe, another pretty little village just around the coast. Sailing is at the hub of life in the village and each August culminates with Kippford Week, a week of racing and excitement on the estuary for all ages.
Further afield this beautiful corner of Dumfries and Galloway has much to offer. Try your hand at the 7 Stanes mountain biking courses at Dalbeattie Forest, the zip wire and mountain balling at Laggan. Enjoy the many historic castles, National Trust gardens and the RSPB sites in the region. For the younger guests there are ice cream farms and even a chocolate factory where you can make your own chocolate, so there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Beach 4 miles. Shop 2 miles and pub serving food ½ mile.

Woodend is a delightful, semi-detached cottage, situated on the fringes of the ancient Royal Burgh of Dumfries, in a semi-rural location, but with easy access to all amenities in the town. This lovely cottage is beautifully presented with all rooms being on the ground floor. The living room is one of the best features of this quaint cottage, with double doors that open right onto the secluded rear garden boasting beautiful views.

Dumfries, the county town of beautiful Dumfries and Galloway, is the ideal place to base yourself. The town itself has much to offer including numerous museums, the Camera Obscura, Robert Burns’ house or mausoleum - Scotland’s most famous poet spent the last years of his life here. Not far from the town, a visit to Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, a spectacular 1400-acre wild reserve, will keep you busy all day no matter what time of year. If you want to explore more of this beautiful area, there are attractions in abundance, from beautiful sandy beaches to dramatic cliff tops along the majestic Solway Coast. With sailing, swimming, horse riding, fishing, golf, boat trips and water sports close by, there is something for everyone. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, there are many beautiful gardens to visit, including National Trust Threave Gardens. Close to the Galloway Forest Park, home to the first Dark Sky Park in Europe, and central to five of the 7Stanes, at Mabie and Dalbeattie Forests, it is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Beach 16½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

This pretty, grade II listed farmhouse is ideal for families or groups of friends. Set in a peaceful rural location overlooking fields it is the perfect retreat. The Castle Loch walk can be accessed by turning right out of the courtyard and is ideal for walks with children and dogs. The house is ideally situated for exploring, with handy transport links. With its golden, sweeping beaches, rugged forests, pretty coastal villages and historic houses and castles Dumfries and Galloway is an often overlooked treasure that is well worth exploring. When the sun is shining there are lovely walks taking in the stunning scenery, alongside world class mountain bike trails and nature reserves of international importance, due to the bird species they attract. Even in poorer weather there’s still a multitude of things to enjoy from Robert Burns’ house, the Camera Obsura, the Annadale Distillery to the magical Moat Brae; the birthplace of Peter Pan. Beach 15 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Situated on a working cattle farm, this pair of detached cottages are in the ideal location to explore Dumfries and Galloway, from the Galloway Hills and the Galloway Forest Dark Skies Park, with many hidden lochs, burns and waterfalls, to the beautiful coastline with sandy beaches, rocky coves and picturesque villages. You may even be lucky and spot seals and minke whales, and will most certainly see a host of seabirds.

The area is steeped in history and the landscape diverse, a haven for artists, birdwatchers and walkers. The Mull of Galloway, with its lighthouse and grass topped visitor centre, is Scotland’s most southerly point with amazing views of Ireland, England, the Isle of Man and Scotland! Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve is the largest local reserve in the UK. It has internationally recognised, significant numbers of pink-footed geese, greylag geese, many species of duck and wading birds, visiting in autumn and winter.

Horse riding, golf, sailing, diving and numerous walks are available in the area and with its famously mild climate and the balmy influence of the Gulf Stream, Galloway is home to some of the most beautiful and exotic gardens. Beach 3 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

Mid Bishopton Cottage (ref UK10910) can be booked together with Cotters Cottage (ref UK10922) to accommodate up to 8 guests.