Dog-friendly Scotland
Explore Scotland's dog-friendly destinations for an ideal holiday with your four-legged friend. Whether it's a quaint hotel, cosy cottage, B&B, 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.£192From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Tain, ScotlandSeascape is situated right on the edge of the sea in the pretty hamlet of Hilton. This pretty 19th-century stone terraced property enjoys spectacular, uninterrupted seascape views from the cottage and gardens. Located next door to the owner, it is a truly romantic seaside cottage for two. The attractive open plan living space looks out across the shoreline, where dolphins and porpoises are regularly seen. There is plenty of comfortable seating in the living area, and the bright modern kitchen is very well equipped and complete with a breakfast bar. A door leads out from here to a secluded patio garden with outdoor garden furniture. Cottage stairs lead up to the charming double bedroom where a small table and chairs at the far end look out across the sea, taking maximum advantage of the amazing views. There is a modern shower room on the ground floor. Opposite the cottage, across the tiny backwater lane, there is a delightful terrace garden overlooking the sea. With flower pots, tubs and outdoor garden furniture, it provides an ideal spot to enjoy a drink whilst watching the small craft bobbing on the bay in the tiny harbour.
Seascape is ideally located in this quaint seaside village and just a short walk to the adjoining ‘seaboard’ villages of Balintore and Shandwick. There is a pub, village shop, restaurant and café all within easy level walking distance along the seafront. The shoreline along this coast boasts wide sandy beaches interspersed with rocky outcrops. The area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with sailing, canoeing, surfing and fishing all local pastimes, and there is a slipway opposite the cottage, ideal for launching kayaks and small craft. Mountain biking, hill walking, golf and horse riding are also enjoyed locally. Just 10 minutes’ drive away is the pretty sandstone town of Tain, the oldest Royal Burgh of Scotland. Here a larger selection of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cafés and pubs are available, as well as wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities. This part of the Highlands is also easily accessible for exploring further afield. Head north to the wild open landscapes of Caithness, west to the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, or south to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands which is less than an hour’s drive away. Beach 50 yards. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ¼ miles.£66From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Dumfries, ScotlandSympathetically renovated, this 18th-century stone-built cottage has its own waterwheel and lies at the edge of the small hamlet of Glenmidge. Semi-detached, it lies next to the owner’s home by the Glenmidge Burn, where the odd glimpse of an otter can be seen. Surrounded by hills and forest, the area has abundant wildlife including roe deer, foxes, badgers, tawny and barn owls, buzzards and red kites. There are trail paths for walking, running and mountain biking on the doorstep, but there are also flat routes and quiet country roads along the valley (maps are available in the cottage).
Less than a mile away up the glen stands the remains of the Lag Tower, which was built by the wealthy Grierson family in the 15th century and was last occupied by Sir Robert Grierson towards the end of the 17th century. He was best remembered as a notorious persecutor of the covenanters, and his headstone is in a local graveyard.
Situated on the Kirkpatrick Macmillan Cycle Trail, the cottage is only 5 miles away from the old Courthill Smiddy at Keir, where Kirkpatrick Macmillan invented the first pedal-driven bicycle in the world. A replica is in the museum 3 miles further on at the 17th-century Drumlanrig Castle at Thornhill. Open to the public, the castle has one hundred and twenty rooms, seventeen turrets and four towers, and is home to the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. As well as beautiful grounds and river walks, it boasts one of the 7stanes cycle centres, with the Ae Forest close by.
Dalswinton Loch is 4 miles away with lovely walks, and there is a replica of the first paddle-driven steam boat in the world which made its first journey on the loch. The famous poet, Robert Burns, was one of the first passengers on board; he lived and worked the farm at Ellisland, where he wrote Auld Lang Syne and Tam o’ Shanter. Ellisland Farm is a museum and visitor centre, 3 miles away.
There are several golf courses to choose from in the area: Thornhill is 7 miles, and Dumfries is 9 miles, and both offer shops and plenty of restaurants and pubs. The highest golf course in Scotland is at Leadhills, near Wanlockhead, which is also the highest village in Scotland. Lying 17 miles away, it is famous for the mining of gold and lead, and you can visit the mining museum there. The River Nith and the River Cairn are both about 2 miles away in opposite directions, both being famous for salmon, sea trout and wild brown trout fishing. Day and season tickets are available to visitors. Each fisherman is permitted to keep two salmon per season. Loch fishing for trout and course fish are also available nearby. Beach 22 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.£58From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Wick, ScotlandKeiss is a very special place in the far north of Scotland situated in the old county of Caithness. The village is set just inland from its characterful harbour which was recently used for scenes in the Netflix series “The Crown”. Also nearby is Keiss Beach, an outstanding stretch of sand, as well as the ruin of Old Keiss Castle that clings to the sea cliffs near to the harbour. The coastal path beckons you to explore these amazing places on your doorstep. The Keiss Bolt-hull is Norse for The Keiss Bolthole! Set in the village, tucked away from the NC500 touring route that goes through the village, it’s a great base for couples -including those with a wee one- to base themselves for adventures in the far north of Scotland. It’s also tastefully decorated that whenever you’re out exploring, you’ll look forward to returning to what is a lovely Scandi inspired sanctuary. Also, near to The Keiss Bolt-hull is famous John O’Groats, in fact it’s only a 10-minute drive away.
Near to John O’Groats you have the iconic Duncansby Stacks that need exploring, the quick ferry from Gill’s Bay over to Orkney a must for a daytrip, the Castle of Mey (open in the summer), Dunnet Head and Beach, as well as characterful Thurso and Wick. There’s so much to see and do.
The accommodation itself is simple but really well finished, as already mentioned. Entering through the front door you go straight into the living/dining room, which is a lovely welcoming space. Beyond you have the well-equipped kitchen, spacious bathroom, and a great king-size double bedroom. There’s a door out to the back garden which is enclosed and has a shed for bicycle storage as well as water sports equipment if you have it. We love The Keiss Bolt-hull and know you will too.£74From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Skelmorlie, ScotlandThis spacious ground floor apartment is located only yards from the sea and is situated in a quiet, leafy, tree-lined street, just a short walk to the town centre and all its amenities. Largs is a lovely coastal town with plenty of pubs, restaurants, cafés and shops and has an excellent train line to Glasgow for a day out. The islands of Cumbrae, Arran and Bute are all easily reached and well worth a visit or take the ferry over to Dunoon from Gourock and explore the magic of the Cowal Peninsula and Argyll’s ‘Secret Coast’, filled with hidden lochs and mystical glens. The Argyll Forest, part of the simply gorgeous Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, can be accessed here and has numerous forest tracks, marked walks, cycle ways and wonderful waterfalls to explore.
Largs is situated on the Ayrshire Coastal path with a stunning backdrop of the ever-changing profile of the mountains of Arran, this coastline is steeped in history and teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, otters, and seals and is a haven for bird watchers. Ayrshire is steeped in history with many ruined castles and seaside villages to explore, is also known as ’Burns’ Country’, and is steeped in tradition and history. Visit Burns Cottage, The Burns Memorial Museum, and the Brig o’ Doon, the bridge from the famous poem, ‘Tam o’ Shanter’. Kelburn Castle is on the doorstep and has lots of activities and forest walks, while further up the coast is Culzean Castle, designed by Robert Adams and truly one of his masterpieces, one not to be missed with its dramatic clifftop location. Also worth a visit is the 18th-century Dumfries House, part of the Prince’s Foundation which is home to an unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture. The 2000-acre estate has been beautifully designed with stunning walks throughout the grounds. The Vanduara hotel which is situated on Largs promenade to the north was used by Lord Mountbatten with a lot of high ranking military personnel to plan the Invasion of Normandy in June 1944. please look up Largs Heritage Trail for inspiration.£66From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ayr, ScotlandThis spacious, detached house lies on the shore of Prestwick beach in Ayrshire. It is totally secluded yet only a 10-minute walk to the town centre with amenities including boutique shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. The 4-acre grounds include lawns, wilder areas and plenty of room to kick a ball and run around. The large grassed lawn leads directly down onto the beach and boasts stunning views over the sea to the Isle of Arran, renowned for its fantastic sunsets. There is also a private hot tub with views over the sea.
Situated directly on the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 100-mile long coastal walk with one of the finest panoramic coastlines in the British Isles. Crowned with a superb backdrop of the ever-changing profile of the mountains of Arran across the Firth of Clyde, this coastline is steeped in history and teeming with wildlife including red squirrels, deer, otters and seals; it is also a haven for birdwatchers. The River Ayr Way, a 40 mile ’source to sea’ walk is also easily accessed.
Inland, there are gardens and castles to visit and activities such as riding and golf to enjoy. The many golf courses include the world famous Royal Troon, Prestwick and Turnberry courses, both close to hand, with Turnberry also having a fantastic spa and outdoor centre. Culzean Castle (National Trust Scotland) is spectacular and is Ayrshire’s most popular tourist attraction.
The islands of Cumbrae, Arran and Bute are all easily reached by ferry for a day out. Troon and Ayr are only a short drive away. Prestwick town has a very good rail service 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 50 yards. Shops, pubs and restaurants ½ mile.£498From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
- Fort William, ScotlandSituated above Loch Linnhe with uninterrupted views over towards Corpach and Trislaig, you can watch the sea and golden eagles above from the decking of this pod, as well as the roe deer visiting you in the morning. Unlike other pods, Cheviot comes with a full-size shower, a wood burner, a kingsize bed, a sofa bed for two children and a kitchen with a mini fridge and freezer. This is the perfect spot to relax in and enjoy the area with many activities and attractions within driving distance.
The nearest pubs, restaurants and shops are within 1 mile from Cheviot pod. The train station (which is less than 2 miles will away) will take you on the Harry Potter Steam Train and over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, passing some of the most spectacular scenery and beaches that cannot be seen from the road down to Mallaig. The latter is renowned as a fishing village and also where you can get a ferry over to the Isle of Skye (remember to pre book the train as it fills up quickly).
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and is one of the munros you can enjoy a walk up to the summit. The Nevis Range hosts the European Bike Trials.
South of Fort William you have Glencoe; no matter what time of year you travel through Glencoe it is a mystical land and will not fail to impress. Again, it offers great walks for all abilities and there is also a ski lift for those that enjoy the winter sport (in the summer the dry ski slope is open for tubing, a great fun day for all the family). If you are looking for something to do on a rest day in Fort William itself, there is a cinema, soft play, ten pin bowling, swimming pool or enjoy a walk over to Neptunes Staircase.
Using Cheviot pod as your base, you can also visit the Acharacle Peninsula; the fish capital of the Highlands, Oban; Loch Ness; the Isle of Mull, Rum and Eigg and many more.
Undoubtedly whilst sitting with a drink on the decking watching either the sunset or the Northern Lights, you will undoubtably be planning your next visit to this amazing area and pod.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 8 guests.£68From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Acharacle, ScotlandEnjoy one of Scotland’s most scenic routes to get to the cottage, going past the Glenfinnan Viaduct which was used in the Harry Potter Films; you can stand at the front of the house and hear the steam train going past. Once inside the cottage the kitchen is to your right and is a bright area with a panel heater to keep it warm. The bathroom is opposite the kitchen and is pleasantly decorated, the living room is at the end of the hallway and is such a welcoming space, there is a dining table in one corner, a lovely corner suite and ample chairs for you to enjoy and of course, the wood burning stove.
Next to the living room is the utility room with ample space for you to hang up your outdoor gear. There is also a dog bed, dog bowl and towel for your furry friend, and outside there is a hose if you need to wash your dog after a day of walking. The bedroom is the last room in the house, and it has dual aspect windows, one overlooking the burn and the other the waterfall, a perfect way to fall asleep with the natural sound of running water.
The grounds of the cottage are delightful, surrounded by beautiful trees and shrubs, there is a lovely wee walk up past the cottage, where you can sit outside watching the burn flow past, and if there’s been rain the waterfall will be in full flow too!
If you want a totally relaxed stay, Druimbhan is one of those places, the railway is less than 200 yards to the cottage, not like a town or city station, this one will only stop if you advise the guard, and if you wish to go to Mallaig or Fort William by train you will have to book in advance to let them know.
The Local Inn is just a couple of hundred yards walk from the cottage serving local food and drink from Easter to October if you want to stay close to the cottage. There is another pub but that is 9 miles away but you have to travel through some breath taking scenery to get there. Stunning white sandy beaches are to be found along the coastal road to Arisaig on the way to Mallaig. Mallaig is a wonderful, thriving fishing village where you can purchase freshly caught fish, you can also get the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry over to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. If you are driving, a nice route is to go over by ferry, tour around the island and return back to the cottage via the Skye bridge and Eilean Donan Castle. Definitely a place to go and relax, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and a place you will want to return time and time again.£99From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Thurso, ScotlandHarland Cottage is a delightful bijou cottage for couples. This single-storey, detached cottage is beautifully presented throughout. The main living area is open plan and a large deep leather sofa looks out through French windows to the pretty cottage garden. The kitchen area is bright and modern, with built-in units and is well-equipped. The double bedroom has a kingsize bed and an en-suite with a large walk-in shower, which can also be accessed via the hallway. The garden is a real delight, enclosed by an original Caithness dry stone wall, there is a patio area with seating and a good-sized lawn area.
Harland Cottage is situated in Castletown, just 500 yards from one of the most spectacular beaches to be found anywhere in the British Isles. Dunnet Beach has 4 miles of sweeping sands, with high sand dunes providing a natural backdrop. There are lovely walks direct from the cottage, through woodland glades to the beach beyond. It is ideal for dog walks as well as numerous outdoor activities and there is also a pretty harbour to wander round. The area is renowned for its surfing, water sports, fishing and golf. For wildlife enthusiasts, there are often deer close by, numerous seabirds including puffins, whales, porpoises and dolphins are spotted along the coastline.
Castletown has a good selection of local amenities, including a pub with a good restaurant and a local mini-market, all within walking distance. The Heritage Visitors Centre is within a mile. The nearby town of Thurso is just 5 miles away and has further amenities, including supermarkets, bars, cafés, restaurants and a cinema. There are lovely riverside walks along the banks of the River Thurso and plenty to see and do in the region. A visit to the Castle of Mey, with its superb garden and interesting history is a must, along with a day trip to Orkney; the ferry is approximately 8 miles away. Caithness is renowned for big clear night skies so there is a good chance of seeing the northern lights during winter months from the top of Dunnet head the most northerly point on the Uk mainland only 4 miles away. The property is also on the North Coast 500.£48From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Peebles, ScotlandSet in the midst of fabulous rolling countryside with far reaching views over the surrounding hills, this comfortable, contemporary, semi-detached apartment is adjacent to the owners’ home. Single-storey, it is situated on the edge of a smallholding with sheep, midway between the picturesque market town of Biggar and the small village of Broughton, 3 miles away and home of Broughton Brewery and a tea room, doubling as a local pub at the weekend.
There is good walking and cycling from the doorstep with Broughton Heights and Trahenna Hill well worth the climb for the glorious views. Biggar has a great selection of excellent local food producers and hosts a surprising range of events throughout the year. Peebles, 15 miles away has good restaurants, galleries and independent shops. Glentress mountain bike trails are 17 miles away and Innerleithen 21½ miles. Edinburgh, using the park and ride, is a day’s entertainment while Glasgow is equally easily enjoyed. Fishing can be found nearby. Shop and restaurant 4½ miles, pub 3 miles.£57From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
