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.
Arden, Scotland"Stunning cottages in the heart of Loch Lomond National Park..."
Situated in the heart of Loch Lomond National Park, these stunning holiday properties have been lovingly restored and furnished to provide wonderful retreats.
Auchendennan Farm Cottage (SLLX) is a single-storey holiday cottage; within the house there is a large family sauna which can be used as an ideal way to unwind. Outside on the sun decking, there is a sunken hot tub which is large enough for all the family and powerful enough to give tired muscles a proper massage. Rose Cottage (SRRG) is a single-storey conversion adjoining the owner’s farmhouse. Combining modern and traditional furnishings, the property boasts a superb hot tub and external sun decked area for relaxing and unwinding. Burnbeag (SVVE) is a stunning, detached cottage to the rear of the steadings and has a stream running through its private enclosed garden, which has a decked area and hot tub. Courtyard Studio (SVVD) is a single-storey barn conversion set in the courtyard, behind the main house. Chestnut Cottage (SXXO), Willow Cottage (SXXP), Primrose Cottage (SXXQ) and Ivy Cottage (SXXR) are all pretty single-storey, semi-detached holiday cottages, with open-plan living areas and a cosy, wood-burning stove.
In summer, Loch Lomond’s ancient oak woods ring with birdsong. Look out for redstarts, pied flycatchers and wood warblers. Ospreys are summer visitors to the loch and nearby Lake of Menteith. In the high country of Breadalbane, golden eagles may be seen soaring over mountain slopes richly carpeted in alpine plants. Watch out for porpoises and seals and glimpse Loch Lomond’s herd of fallow deer as they bound through the trees. Loch Lomond and Loch Earn are some of Scotland’s prime venues for sailing and water-skiing, while the rivers Balvaig and Teith are popular with canoeists. The Teith is also a great salmon river and one of many places popular with anglers. For golfing enthusiasts, the famous courses of Loch Lomond are just a short distance from the property, with an abundance of courses for all standards within easy reach.
Walking is a popular pursuit, from gentle low-level strolls to strenuous mountain climbs. Ben Lomond, Ben Lui, Ben Ime and Ben Vorlich are among the 21 Munros (mountains over 3000 feet). The West Highland Way stretches from the edge of Glasgow to Fort William, hugging the banks of Loch Lomond and passing through the spectacular mountain scenery of Strathfillan. There are great opportunities for cycling on and off road on National Cycle Network Route 7, which passes through the National Park from Balloch to Killin. Cameron House, the 5 star golf/spa resort is just minutes from the property where one can enjoy fine dining, day spa packages and championship golf. Lomond Shores, again a short distance from the property, offers designer shopping, loch cruises and an aquarium. The cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily accessible by car boasting award winning restaurants, theatres, galleries and concert venues, designer shopping as well as many tourist attractions including the breath-taking Edinburgh Castle. Shops 2 miles, pub ¼ mile.
Auchendennan Farm Cottage (SLLX) can be booked together with Rose Cottage (SRRG) to accommodate up to 10 guests.£267From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
Price Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Oban, Scotland"Stunning locations in breathtaking scenery..."
In a magnificent setting by the sea, Ardmaddy Castle sits in its own bay with unrivalled views over Seil Sound and the world famous local Slate Islands, designated one of Scotland’s National Scenic Areas. Graded ‘4 Star’ by the Scottish Tourist Board, these four cottages (SBZ, SRW and SRY) and Caddleton Farmhouse (UNP) are set in secluded, peaceful locations around the estate and offer an ideal base for exploring this stunning part of the West Coast of Scotland.
The Stables (SBZ) is and immaculate and sensitive conversion of the former stables overlooks Ardmaddy Bay and is furnished to Visit Scotland ‘4 Star’ standard. Modern and comfortable, it still retains much of its traditional character and warmth, and has patio doors overlooking the sea. All four bedrooms are tastefully furnished and have fitted cupboards.
The castle’s spectacular gardens are open all year round through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme and are a delight for gardening enthusiasts. The area is renowned for its abundant wildlife with porpoise, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, deer, eagles and wealth of seabirds often seen. Sailing, rowing and motor boats are all available for guests to hire, and there is free fishing on Ardmaddy’s stocked hill loch. Guests can also use the castle’s tennis court.
The bustling harbour town of Oban known as the ‘Gateway to the Islands’ is only 12 miles away and has wonderful seafood restaurants, shops and bars. From Oban there are boat trips to the Inner Hebridean Isles, including Mull, Iona, Staffa, Colonsay and Tiree. For the outdoor enthusiast, local activities include horse riding, coasteering, canyoning, canoeing, sailing, diving and golf. Fort William and Glencoe are a short drive away offering very popular climbing and skiing. Explore beautiful gardens and ruined castles in an area rich in historical legacy or take a leisurely walk or cycle along one of the many forest tracks. Visit Bonawe Iron Works, Cruachan Hollow Mountain, the Sealife Centre and Inveraray Jail. Or relax and enjoy the unspoilt natural beauty surrounding the cottages at Ardmaddy. Shops 12 miles, pub/restaurant 2½ miles.£125From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Southerness, ScotlandThis delightful, detached, single-storey beach house stands in a magnificent position with direct access onto 2 miles of sandy beaches and rock pools, and sits right next to the 13th green of the local golf course, making it an ideal holiday location. The uninterrupted views of the sea and shore line with the Lakeland Fells to the south and Criffel and the Galloway hills to the east are breathtaking. This seaside holiday home provides comfortable and well equipped ’beach house’ style accommodation with level access to the oceanside patio from the living room, the en-suite bedroom, the adjacent bedroom and the conservatory. The light and spacious, open plan living space has three large picture windows spanning three of the walls taking advantage of the spectacular panoramic views and making this a wonderful year round retreat. The shower room is large and has a walk-in shower, and is wheelchair accessible. The small village of Southerness with its quaint lighthouse stands on the Solway Firth and is home to an outstanding championship golf course which borders the property and welcomes visitors. For bird watchers the RSPB nature reserve is just along the coast at Mersehead. Golf, cycling, walking and exploring rock pools is direct from the doorstep, so overall this is an ideal holiday location for beachcombers and outdoor enthusiasts (there is room for bike and golf club storage the property). Other attractions nearby include, Sweetheart Abbey, Drumlanrig Castle and gardens and Mabie Farm Park and Forest, which has wonderful cycle routes. This area of Dumfries and Galloway is steeped in Border history and is rich in historical attractions including many castles, Robbie Burns connections and interesting towns and villages which host a lively calendar of festivals and events. Shop 500 yards, pub 400 yards.£169From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
- Newton Stewart, ScotlandSituated only yards from the shoreline, this spacious, detached cottage has fantastic views over the sea to the Mull of Galloway and the Isle of Man. West Barr Cottage has a private garden and direct access to the beach. Known as the Machars of Galloway the area boasts a stunning coastline with amazing cliff top walks. These include Burrow Head, famed for being the location of the closing scene in the cult movie ‘The Wicker Man’, to the Isle of Whithorn, a walk well worth the effort. There are beaches galore to explore, everything from sandy to rugged rocky beaches. The Mull of Galloway is home to the RSPB Nature Reserve and is part of a much larger Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation for its seabirds, plants and coastal habitats. Here you can see many species of birdlife, the cliffs being home to guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes, while ravens and peregrine falcons are regularly seen around the cliffs. Out to sea there are dolphins, porpoise and minke whale to spot and tours can also be taken from the lighthouse. There are many historical areas of interest to visit and the Whithorn Visitor Centre is a mine of information. The area is a walkers and cyclists paradise with the Southern Upland Way passing close by and offering everything from gentle walks to challenging hikes. The town of Stranraer is 20 miles and offers shops, restaurants and pubs and the town of Newton Stewart is also 20 miles away in the opposite direction. There are many coastal villages to explore, and sea fishing, golf and horse riding are all available locally. Day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. Beach 30 yards. Shop and restaurant 2 miles, pub 5 miles.
West Barr Cottage can be booked together with West Barr Farmhouse (UK5766) to accommodate up to 12 guests.£67From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Stranraer, ScotlandEnjoying a wonderful setting only a few yards from the harbour in the picturesque centre of Portpatrick, this spacious semi-detached house with sea views offers an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area. From the challenging uplands of the Galloway Hills to gentle seaside trails, rolling moors and dramatic cliff-top walks, the Southern Upland Way passing close by presents the ideal focus from which to enjoy the many and varied shorter walks within the region. The dramatic scenery is home to a rich company of flora and fauna, with many unusual species including pine martens, golden eagle, ospreys, red deer, red squirrels and the natterjack toad.
The area has many renowned gardens to visit including the Botanic Gardens in Port Logan. Wigtown, Scotland’s official book town, is also home to a charming gallery, excellent cafés and is located only a few miles from Bladnoch Distillery where visitors can sample the local malt whisky. For fishermen the area offers a wide variety of opportunities including sea fishing from Portpatrick and both trout and salmon fishing close by. Other country pursuits are available including shooting and horse riding. Golfers will feel equally at home in this area with Stranraer, Portpatick and Lagganmore golf courses within a 20-minute drive. Turnberry, with its world famous course, is only 45 minutes away and also offers a spa, off road driving, quad biking activities and restaurant facilities.
For the active, there are numerous cycle routes set out in stunning forestry commission surroundings and cycle hire is available at these centres. Sailing is available via the local marina, and for those happy to travel slightly further afield, there is the Galloway Sailing Centre where visitors can also try windsurfing, canoeing and power boating. From Stranraer, 15 miles away. there is the ferry service to Ireland for a day trip. Beach 200 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 250 yards.£109From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Carradale East, ScotlandSituated in the pretty fishing village of Carradale, this spacious, detached house has been beautifully renovated and has lovely views across fields and golf course to Carradale Bay and Kilbrannan Sound. Bayview is a wonderful holiday base from which to explore the unspoilt surroundings of Carradale, the Kintyre Peninsula and the nearby islands of Arran, Gigha, Islay and Jura. The beautiful, rugged countryside and coastline can be explored through walking or cycling whilst you enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the hidden gem that is South Kintyre.
Bayview is ideally situated in the village with the golf course and pub/hotel/ice-cream parlour 135 yards, tea room 545 yards and fishing harbour 765 yards away. Multiple beaches, bays, endless forestry trails and a children’s playground are within a short walk from the house. Bike hire is available locally, with horse riding, sea fishing, whisky and gin distilleries, and wildlife reserves in neighbouring villages. Shop ½ mile, pub and restaurant 135 yards.£104From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Shandon, ScotlandRosmuire is a fully detached, secluded and spacious four bedroom house located on a quiet farm road with its own grounds, including garden, woods and fields of over 3 acres. This house lies a mile from the Loch Lomond National Park, and from a beautiful hillside position it enjoys sea views over the Gare Loch and the rugged hills of the Argyll Forest Park to the west. Rosmuire provides an excellent base to explore the natural beauty of the west of Scotland, as well as easy access by train or car to Glasgow, Stirling or Edinburgh.
The cottage is bright, spacious and warm, and is furnished with distinctive charm as a home from home, with stunning views over the loch and hills. Its tranquil surroundings include a large landscaped garden with a large south-facing area of decking directly off the kitchen; enjoy eating alfresco or relaxing outside, perfect for watching the sun set on the hills behind the loch. There is a fully enclosed garden area and grounds of 3 acres with streams, fields, and woodland, which is perfect for children and dogs to explore. Pets are especially welcome without charge and there are excellent dog-friendly walks straight from the cottage door. There is also a garage/games room with table football and a badminton court with racquets provided; the driveway has parking for six cars.
The area offers a wide range of areas of interest and activities for all ages. The seaside town of Helensburgh is a short 10-minute drive away with restaurants, gift shops, supermarkets, a swimming pool, and a small boutique cinema. There are various boat trips available including the Waverly vintage paddle steamer from Helensburgh pier as well as boat or seaplane trips from nearby Loch Lomond.
There are excellent outdoor activities including walking, cycling, fishing, horse riding and pony trekking, and water sports nearby. Walk a stretch of the famous West Highland Way or cycle through the dramatic scenery of nearby Glen Fruin, the site of a clan battle in 1603, or explore some of Scotland’s most picturesque areas. There are numerous hill and mountain walks, with about 20 hills above 3000ft, as well as winter skiing and mountain biking at the Glencoe Mountain Resort all within an hour’s drive.
The cottage has good access to a wide range of places of interest, with direct train or car to Glasgow and Edinburgh, which offer theatres, restaurants, festivals and shopping. There is also easy access to many golf courses including the Loch Lomond championship course. The Loch Lomond Shores centre offers shopping, restaurants and cafés, and loch cruises and a sea life aquarium and are about 15 minutes away. There are various nearby distilleries which offer tours, including the famous Glengoyne Distillery. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.£178From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Tarbert, ScotlandIn an elevated position with panoramic views across Loch Fyne, this detached holiday home is ideal for those wishing to explore the west coast of Argyll. The idyllic village of Tarbert has a bustling harbour where you can sit and watch the boats coming and going, enjoy the cafés and bars and visit the local art galleries. Tarbert hosts several popular seafood and music festivals throughout the year and is home to the Scottish Series Yacht Race. From the harbour you can catch one of the regular ferry crossings to Portavadie and explore the Cowal Peninsula. The beautiful islands of Arran, Islay, Gigha and Jura are also easily accessible from nearby ferry ports. Head south for the Mull of Kintyre with white sandy beaches and magnificent golf courses, or north to Kilmichael Glen steeped in history and archeological sites. Campbeltown Distillery, and Inveraray Jail and Castle also make for great days out. There is an abundance of wildlife and a variety of outdoor activities including sailing, sea fishing, cycling, walking and windsurfing. For the less adventurous, the garden at Devania Croft is the perfect place to sit and unwind, whilst taking in the stunning views. Beach 3 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£94From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
ScotlandSituated on the most accessible of the west coast islands and straddling the Highland Line, this spacious apartment boasts stunning views over the open water and lies in a rural location, just a few yards from the shoreline. A popular destination for fishing, the inland lochs are popular with anglers for coarse and game fishing. Loch Fad offers the opportunity to fish for rainbow trout and is only 3 miles away. Relax as you explore the gently undulating hills, catch glimpses of the wildlife and marvel at the vistas.
Seaview Cottage (UK4769) is perfect for a couple’s getaway, offering a comfortable double bedroom with an additional sofa bed for flexible sleeping. The cottage also boasts a private garden with enclosed seaview patio and bubbling hot tub for cosy evenings under the stars.
For such a compact island, Bute offers varied landscapes from the lush, fertile and rolling hills of the island’s heart to the craggy, heather-covered moorlands of the north and the delightful sandy beaches around the coastline. A haven for walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, Bute has a wealth of wildlife including wild goats, buzzards and roe deer. Scalpsie Bay, set against the magnificent backdrop of Arran, is home to a large colony of seals.
There are many historical sites to visit including the standing stones at Ettrick Bay, the ancient chapel of St Blane, and the vitrified Iron Age Fort at Dunagoil. Visit the Victorian Gothic mansion of Mount Stuart, open to the public along with its beautiful gardens, Bute Museum, Rothesay Castle and the fabulous gardens of Ascog Hall and Ardencraig. There are many events held throughout the year, including the famous annual Jazz Festival, the spectacular Highland Games, traditional agricultural shows, concerts and art festivals; whatever your interest it can be found on the Isle of Bute. Catch the ferry for the 5-minute trip to Colintraive on the Cowal Peninsula and explore Argyll’s Secret Coast where you have easy access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, or head north to Inverary and beyond. Take the ferry from Portavadie over to Jura and Islay, and Tarbert where you can explore Kintyre. Beach 50 yards.£218From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
St Andrews, ScotlandThe Roundel is set in a most fantastic rural location with uninterrupted views over the open rolling countryside of Fife. It is the perfect location for weekend celebrations or getaways for your whole family who can revel in the space, ambience and warmth of this remarkable holiday home. On the ground floor, the focal point of this semi-detached house is the living/dining room, which has three sets of patio doors leading to the garden. Its floor-to-ceiling windows take full advantage of the views. For younger members of the group, there is a special toy corner. Outside, there is ample space for everyone to enjoy, and the patio with garden furniture is great for al fresco dining.
There is much to do in the area, and guests are in an ideal location for exploring coastal Fife. In a small quiet hamlet, The Roundel provides a rural location with miles of sandy beach and dunes less than 6 miles away, and the bustling city of Dundee and historic St Andrews are both only 15 minutes away (6 miles) with activities for all ages and tastes. Just 10 minutes away lies the picturesque market town of Cupar, which is ideal for picking up supplies. For families there is the Scottish Deer Centre, St Andrews Aquarium, sandy beaches at Tentsmuir Forest and beach, as well as riding stables.
The historic city of St Andrews can be reached within a 15-minute drive, making The Roundel ideal for guests visiting friends and family who are based at St Andrews University or attending one of the graduation ceremonies. As a popular tourist location, St Andrews offers a great selection of quality cafés, bars and restaurants, excellent shopping as well as a sandy beach, harbour and many historic buildings. Renowned worldwide as the ‘Home of Golf’ and regularly playing host to the Open Championship, this is a golfers’ paradise with eight courses to suit all abilities, as well as the British Golf Museum.
Dundee has lots to offer for a day out, the Olympia Sports Centre has a swimming pool, great for keeping your childen entertained on wet days. A visit to RRS Discovery at the multi award-winning Discovery Point makes for a good day to see how Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton made their epic journeys. Falkland Palace and its garden are well worth a visit - this is one of Scotland’s finest Renaissance palaces and is steeped in history. Fans of the TV series ‘Outlander’ will recognise the location which was used as 1940s Inverness, and there are many more locations in the area that were used in the series. Beach 6 miles. Shop and restaurant 2 miles, pub ½ mile.£116From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
