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.£182From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
Price Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Dunoon, ScotlandIvy Cottage is a charming one bedroom cottage located on a quiet residential road close to the town of Dunoon. Totally refurbished in 2020, this charming detached property is well appointed and decorated to a high standard and is fully insulated and double glazed.
The cottage is situated in the West Bay less than 400 yards to the beach and only 5-minutes’ walk in to the Kilbride Forest and Bishops Glen. The surrounding area offers a broad range of tourist attractions and activities throughout the year to suit all tastes. With the town centre within a 15-minute walk one can explore all that Dunoon has to offer on foot, from the Castle House Museum, a walk along the promenade with a visit to the Victorian Pier, or a stroll through the town to browse the many craft shops and galleries.
For the more active there are various cycling tracks, and walks through the Argyll Forest which includes Puck’s Glen and the Benmore Botanic Gardens, or enjoy sailing or charter boat trips on the Firth of Clyde. Nearby Fishing at Dunoon Reservoir is excellent, producing double figure Rainbow Trout.
At various times of the year there are popular events and music festivals that draw tourists from all over the world. One such event is the Cowal Gathering at the end of August which claims to be the largest and most spectacular Highland Games in the world. There is a leisure centre with pool and Golf at Cowal Golf Club and Innellan Golf Club. Dunoon is the Firth of Clyde’s most popular tourist resort and Ivy Cottage is well located to enjoy all that the town and surrounding area has to offer. Beach 400 yards. Shops 1 mile, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.£71From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Stirling, ScotlandJust a short 10-minute walk from the picturesque town of Dollar, this charming one-bedroom lodge offers a cosy retreat with breathtaking views overlooking the majestic Ochil Hills. The lodge offers a perfect and peaceful relaxing retreat, inviting guests to unwind and immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the Scottish countryside. Sit and enjoy the views across the fields and hills from the large decking where you can eat al fresco or immerse in the next best seller. Inside, the lodge boasts a kingsize bedroom, a cosy living area with a fireplace, a well-equipped modern kitchen, and a bathroom with some complimentary toiletries.
Dollar, a quaint and historic town, offers an array of activities to make your stay truly memorable. Wander through the charming streets, lined with traditional Scottish architecture and inviting cafés. Don’t miss a visit to Dollar Glen, a picturesque nature reserve with enchanting woodland walks and serene waterfalls, ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics. For those seeking to explore beyond Dollar, the vibrant city of Stirling is a short drive away. Stirling Castle, a historic fortress perched atop a hill, offers an immersive journey into Scotland’s rich history. The Battle of Stirling Bridge Visitor Centre provides insight into the legendary battle fought by William Wallace.
A leisurely walk around the city unveils captivating architecture and a bustling arts scene. For adrenaline junkies, book a flight at Balado airport or try skiing at Fir Park dry slope. Quad bikes, high ropes course, archery, shooting, watersports and numerous other activities are all available within a 45-minute drive. Back in Dollar, golf enthusiasts can tee off at the Dollar Golf Club, an 18-hole course boasting stunning panoramas of the surrounding hills. After a day of exploration, indulge in traditional Scottish cuisine at local eateries, savouring hearty dishes and locally sourced ingredients.£60From 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
- 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
Port of Menteith, ScotlandGamekeepers Lodge is the most recent addition to Lakeview Cottages at Mondhui and it must be said that it’s arguably the finest. Hand built by the owners with attention to detail and fine craftsmanship the quality is hard to ignore. Constructed with Siberian Larch and finished with high quality oak the cottage gives a cosy almost log cabin feels yet presents a real guest experience. Situated on a hillside with one of the most beautiful views across the Lake of Menteith and the Trossachs towards the Campsie Hills.
The open plan living space emphasises the quality timbers used in the build. The bespoke kitchen is handmade again by the owner with impressive precision. Everything you’ll need to prepare, cook, and enjoy a meal is found including everything from quality crockery and glassware to appliances like a dishwasher, fridge freezer and washing machine. At the end of the day the King Size 4 poster bed will be welcome sight and is very comfortable with Egyptian Cotton sheets. Completing the property inside is the shower room, almost a Wet room this space is tiled tastefully and as expected has quality sanitary ware fitted. All of Lakeview Cottages have their own private space and gas BBQ, the private space at Gamekeepers Lodge has arguably the most private position and has the finest, uninterrupted view over Inchmahome Priory and the Lake.
Mondhui itself has been a settlement since prehistoric times and above the property there are ’cup and rings’ markings. Within the grounds is a duck flighting pond which is ideal for bird watchers and beside the cottage there is a small pond. The area is a haven for birds and other wildlife including osprey, red kites, red squirrels, red deer, pine marten and badgers. From the door of the Cottage, you can walk directly up into the Menteith Hills and join the Rob Roy Way with hundreds of miles of forest track easily accessible. It really is in the perfect setting for those who love outdoor pursuits including walking, cycling, golf, pony trekking and fishing - the Lake of Menteith is Scotland’s premier trout fishing venue. It is also a great location for those simply wanting to chill out and enjoy the fabulous view of the Lake.
Nick Nairn’s famous Cook School is only a few minutes’ drive away as is the popular Lake Hotel which serves good food at the Lakeside. This is an ideal location from which to explore one of Scotland’s most picturesque areas or to use as a base to tour central Scotland. Within ten minutes from this Cottage, you can be in Aberfoyle, Callander, the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park at the David Marshall Lodge or taking a sail on the Sir Walter Scott steamship on Loch Katrine. Stirling with its ancient castle is 20 minutes away. Scenic Loch Lomond, the single biggest expanse of inland water in the British Isles, with its charming villages and bays to explore is only half an hour from the cottage. Gleneagles is 40 minutes’ drive. The cosmopolitan city of Glasgow is less than an hour’s drive with Perth and Edinburgh just over an hour away. There are many historic buildings, castles, and distilleries to visit in the area.
Gamekeepers Lodge can be booked together with The Mews (UK5061), The Stable (UK5062) and The Old Barn (UK5871) to accommodate up to 8 guests.£167From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
- Port of Menteith, ScotlandThis cosy semi-detached cottage is situated on the private estate of Mondhui within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, in a courtyard garden beside the original farmhouse, which dates back several hundred years. The cottage sits in an elevated position in the hills above the Lake of Menteith, Scotland’s only Lake, with stunning panoramic views of the Lake and historic Inchmahome Priory (founded 1238) which Mary Queen of Scots visited. Guests also have a 10% discount on dining at the fabulous Lake Hotel and Waterfront Restaurant at the side of the lake.
Mondhui itself has been a settlement since prehistoric times and above the property there are “cup and rings” markings. Within the grounds is a duck flighting pond which is ideal for bird watchers and beside the cottage there is a small pond. The area is a haven for birds and other wildlife including osprey, red kites, red squirrels, red deer, pine marten and badgers. From the door of the cottage you can walk directly up into the Menteith Hills and join the Rob Roy Way with hundreds of miles of forest track easily accessible. The cottage is furnished in a contemporary, country style with handmade wooden kitchen units, granite worktops and solid oak flooring throughout. Egyptian cotton linen and hotel quality towels are provided.
It is in the perfect setting for those who love outdoor pursuits including walking, cycling, golf, pony trekking and fishing - the Lake of Menteith is Scotland’s premier trout fishing venue. It is also a great location for those simply wanting to chill out and enjoy the fabulous view of the lake from the covered porch, courtyard or from the comfy couch in front of the wood burner. Nick Nairn’s famous Cook School is only a few minutes drive away as is the popular Lake Hotel which serves good food at the lakeside. This is an ideal location from which to explore one of Scotland’s most picturesque areas or to use as a base to tour central Scotland. Within 10 minutes from the cottage you can be in Aberfoyle, Callander, the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park at the David Marshall Lodge or taking a sail on the Sir Walter Scott steamship on Loch Katrine.
Stirling with its ancient castle is twenty minutes away. Scenic Loch Lomond, the single biggest expanse of inland water in the British Isles, with its charming villages and bays to explore is only half an hour from the cottage. Gleneagles is 40 minutes drive. The cosmopolitan city of Glasgow is less than an hour’s drive with Perth and Edinburgh just over an hour away. There are many historic buildings, castles and distilleries to visit in the area. The Trossachs is a wonderful area to visit and no trip to Scotland would be complete without spending some time in the area. Shop 4 miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
The Mews can be booked together with The Stable (UK5062), The Old Barn (UK5871) and Gamekeepers Lodge (UK35302) to accommodate up to 8 guests.£117From 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
ScotlandThis spacious house is set in a delightful position in the coastal town of Rothesay, on the beautiful Isle of Bute. One of the most accessible Scottish islands, the Isle of Bute is just a short ferry ride across the Firth of Clyde. Here you will find the Victoriana meets art deco-style resort of Rothesay with its palm trees and promenade. Bute has some extraordinarily varied landscapes considering it is only 15 miles long and 4 miles wide.
Set over three floors with a main house and annex, Argyle House is a wonderful base for families and friends to come together for a special occasion or family catch-up. The well-equipped kitchen is perfect for rustling up a holiday feast to enjoy together in the impressive dining room, means there is plenty of space to spread out and relax after a busy day.
When you’re ready to explore, the captivating town of Rothesay offers plenty of amenities from independent shops to pubs, bars and restaurants, not to mention the impressive castle ruins and Mount Stuart House. To the north of Rothesay, through the small community of Porth Bannatyne, lies Ettrick Bay, Bute’s most accessible beach, which is a haven for able swimmers· Bute is perfect for cycling, and the circuit of the island on the quiet roads is about 21 miles with none of the hills being too taxing· There are plenty of lovely beaches for a seaside stroll, and there is sea fishing off the piers if you want to try for mackerel and inland there are lochs to catch rainbow trout and pike· The Firth of Clyde is a sailing paradise, and golf enthusiasts are well catered for on the Isle of Bute· This quaint island even has its own gin distillery, definitely worth a visit! Exploring the rest of Scotland could not be easier; simply catch a ferry across to Glasgow and make the most of the fabulous attractions and amenities on offer. Beach 50 yards.£366From 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
