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.
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 & book
Price Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Acharacle, ScotlandShielside lies on the outskirts of the ancient crofting village of Acharacle, at the western end of Loch Shiel, on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. It offers four double bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities and bedrooms 2 and 4 are particularly spacious. It also has its own large, enclosed garden for guests to enjoy.
Ardnamurchan is a wild and beautiful place, designated as a National Scenic Area for its outstanding scenery and landscape, a popular holiday destination, rich in wildlife with some fabulous walks and great scenery. Acharacle has a village store and post office, Hotel and bar, local garage, café, medical practice and gift shop. Other villages within a short drive have similar facilities and there are plenty of opportunities for cycling, kayaking and wild swimming. Acharacle is 45 miles from Fort William via a single-track, well-surfaced road through the wild depths of Moidart.
Fort William, known as the “Outdoor Capital of the UK” has a wide variety of attractions which make ideal walking opportunities on the West Highland Way, the Great Glen Way, Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis. There are a variety of shops, hotels, restaurants, distilleries, a bus station and railway station with links to Mallaig, Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as an overnight sleeper to London. At the foot of Ben Nevis, you can enjoy a world-class mountain bike trail in summer, or skiing in winter. The steam train made famous by the ’Harry Potter’ films, can take you on a spectacular journey from Fort William through Glenfinnan and its famous monument to Bonnie Price Charlie and on to Mallaig. You will also find plenty of walking and cycling opportunities.£174From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Inverness, ScotlandDarris Farmhouse is a spectacular, luxurious holiday home near to the shores of Loch Ness. Situated on an amazing plot of land the farmhouse enjoys a wrap-around garden with panoramic views across pasture to woodland and mountains. The farmhouse has been extended beyond its original nineteenth century dimensions to include an attached, self-contained annexe which sleeps up to three. Darris Farmhouse sleeps nine people in total and is therefore perfect for an extended family, two families or group of friends.
On entering the farmhouse through the front door, there’s a cute vestibule before the hallway. Off to the right is the main living room with wood burner and large Smart TV, and enjoys fantastic views of the dramatic landscape. To the left of the hallway is a large kingsize double bedroom with en-suite shower room. The en-suite is in fact a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, so it serves as a downstairs toilet as well for the living accommodation. Through the Jack-and-Jill bathroom you reach a back hallway which has a door out to the courtyard area of the garden, a useful utility room and then to the right the brilliant open plan kitchen/dining room unveils itself with additional living room and another large Smart TV. This open plan space is accessible from the front hallway too. The kitchen has everything you’ll need to cook up a storm for family and friends and then gather round the large dining table. There’s access from the open-plan space to the patio and large garden. Back to the hallway and upstairs you reach the first-floor accommodation consisting of three large bedrooms and a spacious bathroom. There’s a kingsize double bedroom and a twin room, which are both double-aspect.
The annexe is self-contained, so has a separate entrance to the farmhouse. A few steps from the front door of the farmhouse you find the entrance to the annexe. Inside on the first floor there is a surprisingly large open-plan kitchen/dining/living space. The kitchen in well-equipped, but if yuou are part of a large family it’s more than likely you won’t use it but instead stroll over to the main kitchen in the farmhouse. The living space has a wood burner and large Smart TV, as well as access out to the courtyard garden. Stairs lead up from the living space to a kingsize double bedroom and a single room, as well as possibly the best bathroom in the whole farmhouse. There’s a fabulous freestanding bath with fabulous views of the surrounding countryside.
The garden is large, laid mostly to lawn and enjoys views in all directions. It’s very child and dog friendly, as it’s fully enclosed, and even has a small grassy paddock at the back where dogs can roam about easily from the back door. Darris Farmhouse makes an ideal holiday base for exploring the many delights of the Northern Highlands. Located on the outskirts of the Highland capital of Inverness and close to Loch Ness and the Moray Coast. The area is renowned for its natural beauty along with the many activities available, with fly fishing nearby costing £30 per permit. Other activies include golf, kayaking, water sports, mountain biking, climbing and hill walking to name just a few. Discover some of the many historic sites, such as Culloden Battlefield and Fort George, or stroll along some of the many unspoilt beaches. Beach 23 miles.£330From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Fort Augustus, ScotlandIn the picturesque village of Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness, this well-equipped detached holiday home makes an ideal base for touring. Walk or cycle along the Great Glen Way, take a pleasure cruise on Loch Ness or meander along the banks of the Caledonian Canal, watching the boats as they manage the locks. Visit historic castles and museums, explore remote magical glens, or follow the famous Whisky Trail. There are plenty of outdoor activities nearby and an abundance of wildlife. Fort William, Inverness and the Isle of Skye are all easily accessible. Shop ¼ mile, pub and restaurant 400 yards.£125From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Pinmore, ScotlandThis spacious holiday home sits within the Ayrshire countryside on a working farm, with walks from the door. Girvan, 6 miles. Explore the coast with sandy beaches or rocky paths. Golf at Turnberry, a short drive. Salmon and trout fishing available at cost. Explore the Solway from Newton Stewart. Wigtown offers many book shops and cafes. Private fishing by arrangement. Shops and pub 6 miles.£67From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
- Girvan, ScotlandArdstinchar Mews is a lovely terraced cottage located in the charming coastal village of Ballantrae with fantastic views over the sea. This is the ideal base for not only families but small groups of friends to explore the delights of beautiful Ayrshire and this stunning coastline. The local town of Girvan has been voted the ‘Most Dog Friendly Town in the UK’ and Ardstinchar Mews welcomes your four-legged friends.
The property looks across the mouth of Loch Ryan towards Corsewall Point and Northern Ireland, and Ballantrae itself is a pretty village overlooked by the ruins of Ardstinchar Castle. Guests will find plenty of opportunities for fishing nearby, and during the summer months the village hosts a variety of events. There is a visitor information point to help you plan your days and being situated on the Ayrshire Coastal Path (a fantastic 100 mile walking route), this coastline is steeped in history. Teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, otters and seals it is also a haven for bird watchers.
Heading north, the seaside town of Girvan with its harbour and leisure centre with a swimming pool, is only a 15-minute drive away and boat trips can be taken out to Ailsa Craig to see the varied birdlife. The towns of Ayr, Troon and Prestwick are all good for a day out, with plentiful restaurants, shops and bars. Heading further down the coast, ferries can be taken over to the islands of Cumbrae, Bute and Arran. Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily accessible for a day out. Further south, you will find Stranraer situated at the head of Loch Ryan. The town has an array of shops and there are plenty of places to dine out. There are many castles and gardens to visit as well as lovely harbour villages including Portpatrick, Drummore and Scotland’s most southerly point at the Mull of Galloway. Beach 500 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.£102From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ayr, ScotlandThis all on one level cottage situated on a working farm has enclosed private gardens with its own private hot tub and external games room.
The magnificent Ayrshire coastline and countryside is a paradise for walkers, bikers and hikers, with numerous coastal trails and country tracks to explore. The Ayrshire Coastal Path runs along this coastline and is very popular with walkers. The area is steeped in history, with many ruined castles to explore, such as Dunure, Turnberry and Greenan.
A visit and tour of Culzean Castle, designed by Robert Adams and truly one of his masterpieces, is one not to be missed with its dramatic clifftop location, as is a trip to the 18th century Dumfries House, part of the Princes Foundation and home to an unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture. The 2000-acre estate has been beautifully designed with stunning walks throughout the grounds.
The world-famous Royal Troon golf course is only a 5-minute drive. The pretty seaside towns of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are only a short drive and there are very good rail links for a trip to the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow. The islands of Cumbrae and Arran are easily reached for a day out. Beach 3 miles. Pub 1½ miles and shop 2¾ miles.£112From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Girvan, ScotlandSurrounded by beautiful scenery and away from the beaten track, Riverside Cottage in Barr offers a haven for wildlife and a welcome retreat to those seeking to unwind. There are many walking trails locally, of differing lengths and terrains, perfect for those out for a stroll or more challenging hikes for keen walkers and ramblers. The area has recently been awarded status as a UNESCO Biosphere and celebrates an environment that is wild and challenging, yet rich in diversity with flora and fauna to delight the naturalist, a haven for wildlife. For cyclists, the area lies on the Ayrshire Alps, a challenging 80-mile cycle route through great scenery, lovely villages and quiet roads. The town of Girvan is only a 15-minute drive away and boat trips can be taken out to Ailsa Craig to watch the nesting birds or for fishing trips. The town also has shops and a leisure centre with a swimming pool.
Ayrshire is steeped in history, with many ruined castles to explore, such as Dunure, Turnberry and Greenan Castle and all lie on the Ayrshire coastal path, a 100-mile coastal walk with a superb background of the mountains of the Isle of Arran. Also known as ‘Burns’ Country’, 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. A visit and tour of Culzean Castle Estate are one not to be missed with its dramatic clifftop location, as is a trip to the 18th-century Dumfries House, home to an unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture. The 2000-acre estate has been beautifully designed with stunning walks throughout the grounds. The islands of Cumbrae, Bute and Arran are easily reached for a day out and are well worth the effort.£173From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ayr, ScotlandMuirston Farmhouse is situated in the Ayrshire countryside on a working beef and sheep farm, yet private and relaxing. There is a Cotswold Eco Log Burning hot tub at the front of the property and the farmhouse has fantastic elevated views over the rolling fields to the sea and Arran beyond but still within an easy drive to local amenities. Ayrshire’s famous golf courses are a short drive away with good road links.
With four bedrooms there is plenty of space for guests to spread out and a large kitchen and dining room to enjoy a meal together after a day exploring. Ayrshire also known as ‘Burns’ Country’ 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. Ayrshire’s famous golf courses are all within a short drive. Children will be well entertained at the award winning Ayr Farm Park and the local beach parks, soft play areas, cinema, ten pin bowling and Craufordland Treetop Trials.
The area is steeped in history with many ruined castles to explore, such as Dunure, Turnberry, and Greenan. A visit and tour to Culzean Castle, designed by Robert Adams and truly one of his masterpieces, is 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 and is only a short drive away. Auchinleck House, home to the Boswell family is also a few miles away. Trelaw is also close to Ayrshire’s popular wedding venues.
The Galloway Forest Park is only a 30-minute drive away and is Britain’s largest forest park with 300 square miles of wild beauty waiting to be explored. The park boasts tranquil valleys, rugged rock faces, forest, moorland, lochs, and ancient woodland, and a huge diversity of wildlife including red and roe deer, wild goats, and many birds of prey. The park has also been awarded the status of one of only four Dark Sky Parks in the Western world and when the sun sets enthusiasts come to wonder at the universe revealed above. Muirston has access to the owners private course fishing loch and can also be used for paddle boarding. Horse riding, Blackstone Clydesdale Experience, Hannahston Alpaca’s and golf are also close by. There is plenty of country walks and cycling in the local area.
The pretty seaside towns of Prestwick and Troon are also close by and there are very good rail links for a trip to the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow and also historic Edinburgh. The islands of Cumbrae, Arran, and Bute are all easily reached for a day out while day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is just over an hour’s drive and is well worth a visit.
Muirston can be booked together with Trelaw (UK41532) to accommodate up to 14 people.£124From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Castle Douglas, ScotlandWelcome to Ceardach, a charming and spacious family holiday home nestled in the quiet village of Gelston, just a mere 2 miles away from the bustling market town of Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway. This enchanting holiday home is the perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity, comfort, and an authentic taste of rural Scotland. As you step into Ceardach, you’ll be greeted by a sense of home away from home. This generously proportioned residence is tailor-made for a large family or a group of friends eager to embark on a memorable vacation. The ground floor is a welcoming expanse with a well-appointed kitchen/dining area offering picturesque views over open fields at the rear. Adjacent to this, a spacious living room beckons you to unwind and relax. The ground floor also features a double bedroom with an en-suite shower, a utility room for added convenience, and a downstairs toilet. Venture upstairs, and you’ll discover three more generously-sized bedrooms, each designed with your comfort in mind. The family bathroom ensures that your every need is catered to with style and grace.
One of Ceardach’s standout features is its exquisite rear gardens. Delight in the serene beauty of the countryside, with rolling hills and fields stretching out before you. This outdoor oasis is the perfect setting for al fresco dining, or simply losing yourself in the beauty of nature. And here’s the best part – your four-legged friends are more than welcome to accompany you on your countryside adventure!
While you savour the comforts of Ceardach, don’t forget to explore the treasures that Dumfries and Galloway has to offer. The area is renowned for its lush landscapes, historical sites, and diverse activities. Head to Threave Castle, a captivating stronghold on an island in the River Dee, or visit Threave Gardens, a National Trust for Scotland property known for its impressive horticultural collection. For those with a penchant for outdoor adventure, the Galloway Forest Park is a haven for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. In Castle Douglas, you can indulge your taste buds with a visit to its renowned food shops and farmer’s markets, earning it the nickname ‘Food Town’. The town also provides a gateway to a variety of local attractions, from the picturesque Loch Ken to the Solway Coast, which offers opportunities for birdwatching and coastal walks. Ceardach is the ideal retreat for those looking to unwind in a picturesque setting, whilst also being close to a range of activities and attractions. It’s time to experience the best that Dumfries and Galloway has to offer, and Ceardach is the perfect starting point for your adventure.£138From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
