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.
Rhiconich, ScotlandOriginally the village school that served a small rural community in north west Sutherland, The Old School House has been transformed into a delightful stone cottage surrounded by its own enclosed landscaped cottage gardens. The lounge runs the length of the cottage. With the original high ceilings, large windows and Victorian fireplace, this superb room has a warm, welcoming ambience and provides plenty of space for guests to sit and admire the view whilst enjoying a wee dram or two in front of the open fire. There is a large double bedroom with a super king sized bed, a twin room and a small third bedroom with bunk beds for two children. They are all attractively presented with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings. The gardens are a real delight, with a stone slab path leading up through the flower beds to a garden seat from which there are spectacular views across the bay to Handa Island and the Outer Isles. The mountains of Foinavon, Ben Stack and Arkle are also visible.
The immediate area is haven for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors generally. Hill walking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing are all local activities. There is a thriving pony trekking centre in the nearby village of Sheigra, with rides amidst spectacular scenery. Fishing in the surrounding lochs and rivers as well as sea fishing is a popular pastime. The area is also a haven for wildlife, with seals and otters in the bay and numerous varieties of birds attracted to the region.
The beaches in this area are renowned. Sandwood Bay is particularly noted, with a wonderful walk across the machair to its secluded sweeping sands. The nearby beaches of Oldshoremore and Polin are also renowned for their unspoilt beauty. Kinlochbervie is the nearest main village. The most northerly port on the west coast of Scotland, this pretty village has an active working harbour and offers good local facilities, including a shop and post office, as well as a hotel with restaurant open all year to non-residents for meals.£57From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Benderloch, ScotlandEnjoying a peaceful setting, this detached, single-storey holiday cottage makes an ideal base from which to explore this glorious area of the west coast of Scotland. Close to the pretty village of Benderloch and the sandy beach at Tralee Bay, there are plenty of attractions including the Sea Life Centre, Castle Stalker, Bonawe Iron Works and Cruachan Hollow Mountain. There is superb walking and climbing with miles of forestry tracks and cycle ways to discover. The Hebridean islands of Mull, Lismore, Staffa and Iona are easily reached and offer wonderful scenery and wildlife. The nearby harbour town of Oban offers a full range of shops, excellent restaurants, leisure centre and a cinema.£79From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Wigtown, ScotlandRiver Cottage is a typical Galloway terraced cottage and stands across from the lovely River Bladnoch, with a children’s play area 110 yards away. It offers a cosy interior and a lovely enclosed garden with views over open farmland beyond. Whilst retaining the outward appearance of a Galloway cottage, the interior has been completely updated making it a comfortable holiday retreat. A lovely wood burning stove in the lounge is particularly attractive. The garden is a delight for both dogs and children being completely enclosed and there are facilities to wash bikes outside.
Set in a quiet location in a row of houses, the cottage is a short stroll from the country pub and restaurant, and within a few minutes’ drive of Wigtown, the Book Town, and close to Newton Stewart where there are many excellent shops and places to eat. With the Galloway Forest and Dark Skies Park close by, the cottage is ideally placed to explore the beauty of south west Scotland. Perfect for walkers, golfers and cyclists, with Glentrool, Kirroughtree and the 7Stanes mountain bike trails nearby, as well as a great choice of golf courses. There is an abundance of fishing, bird watching, beautiful and exotic gardens, many rocky coves, sandy beaches and quaint villages to explore along the Machars Peninsula.£83From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Walkerburn, ScotlandAn hour south of Edinburgh, set by the side of the beautiful River Tweed on the edge of the Border village of Walkerburn, this south-facing spacious holiday cottage enjoys uninterrupted views of the river and the hills beyond. Ideal for carefree family holidays or friends, it is very comfortably furnished with a good sized, enclosed garden surrounding. Take relaxing walks along the river or more strenuous hikes up into the hills from the doorstep. Try the adrenalin rush of downhill biking at Innerleithen, mountain tracks in Glentress or the Go Ape ropes course, only four miles away. Nearby, visit historic Traquair House, Kailzie Gardens and Dawyk Botanic Garden, with lots of choice of restaurants, coffee shops and independent shopping in Innerleithen (two miles), and Peebles (eight miles). There is a children’s play park 150 metres away from the cottage. There is a coffee shop and Post Office/small shop in the village but no other facilities like electric car charging points or any facilities for e-bikes this includes at the property.£74From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Gordon, ScotlandThe 200 acres of glorious parkland surrounding Mellerstain House, one of Scotland’s grandest stately homes, designed and built by William and Robert Adam, provide a wonderful setting for these two delightful cottages (S4568 and S4569). Visitors are welcome to roam the grounds including the fabulous Italian-style terraced gardens which command panoramic views over the lake to the distant Cheviot Hills. The scenic and historic attractions of the Border country are all close at hand and the beaches of Berwick and Holy Island are also easily accessible. Kelso, 6 miles, offers shops, inns and restaurants and is home of Floors Castle and the famous Kelso Horse Races, whilst Edinburgh, with its magnificent castle, museums, galleries and excellent shopping, is only a 35-mile drive. Fly fishing can be arranged locally, several golf courses are nearby and shops and pubs are just 3½ miles away. Beautifully appointed and very comfortable, these two properties offer a unique holiday opportunity. Clock House, ref S4568, has been beautifully converted to a high standard to form part of the Old Clock House dating from the early 18th century. Adjoining the Clock House is Courtyard Cottage, ref S4569, which has also been lovingly converted to a high standard and boasts three en-suite bedrooms. The courtyard coffee shop serves delicious home cooking on ‘house open’ days - and special occasions, large and small can be catered for by arrangement in the state rooms of Mellerstain House. Shop and pub 7 miles.£66From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Stonefield, ScotlandBoasting glorious sea views and a breathtakingly lovely setting on the shores of east Loch Tarbert, this beautifully renovated holiday cottage, originally built over 100 years ago for the quarryman, is now an idyllic and secluded holiday retreat. With a shoreside garden and great walking from the door, visitors can enjoy watching deer, seals and seabirds in their natural habitat, nearby is the village of Tarbert, a picturesque fishing and sailing port with a variety of shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants and craft galleries. The Mull of Kintyre is a delight to explore, there are fabulous sandy beaches at Carradale and day trips to the famous gardens on the Isle of Gigha or to the Isle of Arran are also easily accessible. Enjoy fishing in the sea which is directly in front of the property, or laze on the sandy beach, 5 miles. Shops and pubs 2 miles.£123From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Oakley, ScotlandEscape to this delightful detached holiday cottage, part of the Old Inzievar House estate which is situated in beautiful and natural parkland, on a working farm with varied livestock, about 6 miles west of Dunfermline and 1 mile from the historic Culross village and abbey on the Forth Estuary. Old Inzievar Cottage is in a delightfully secluded, rural woodland setting, surrounded by mature beech woods and rolling farmland. It has been lovingly furnished and benefits from a cosy open fire in the living room and a wood burner in the kitchen. South facing, it has its own private garden, a perfect hideaway for peace and tranquillity.
If you are feeling more energetic, try the owner’s tennis court near to Old Inzievar Cottage, or with permission from the owners, a tour of the restored walled garden can be arranged. This rural haven has excellent access to dog friendly walks, cycle paths, and outdoor amenities, but within easy access of Edinburgh 24 miles, Perth 33 miles and Stirling 18 miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant 2 miles.£72From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Upper Largo, ScotlandJust 10 miles from St Andrews, this charming, single-storey holiday cottage is attached to another property on a tiny lane beside the church in picturesque Upper Largo, just minutes’ drive from the beach and golf course. Thoughtfully furnished for comfort and ease, there are views of Largo Law from the small enclosed garden. An ideal base from which to explore the East Neuk of Fife with quaint fishing villages strung along the coast, or easy access to Edinburgh, Dundee or Perth and The Trossachs. Golf ½ mile, watersports at Elie, coastal walks, Sea Life Centre, Deer Park, and historic houses and gardens. Shop 2 miles and pub 200 yards.£85From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
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.£173From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Straiton, ScotlandThese historic cottages (refs SSAJ to SSAQ) are set within the stunning Blairquhan Castle Estate in a beautiful valley with the River Girvan winding through. Blairquhan Castle, a Regency era castle, is protected as a category A listed building and the grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, the national listing of significant gardens. Used as a location for the Oscar winning film The Queen, starring Helen Mirren, Blairquhan has also featured in other TV programmes.
The stables, designed by William Burn in 1820-24, are also of architectural interest and, along with the lodges on the estate, form the holiday accommodation. Blairquhan Bridge was also designed by William Burn; it is a single arch, stone, hump-back bridge, possibly 18th-century and B listed. The woods of Blairquhan are a major feature of landscape. Beautifully integrated into the 200 acres of parkland that make up the estate, the unique gardens at Blairquhan Castle were originally laid out back in 1816 and much of the landscaping still remains to this day, most notably the unique walled garden. The rising ground to the south allowed the landscapers to create an unusual three-walled perimeter. During its construction the main wall was built with flues installed so that it could be heated to protect the precious fruit trees during the colder Scottish months. A famous tree at Blairquhan is the ’Dool’ tree, a large sycamore sited on the lawn to the east of the house was used for execution by hanging after trial by the laird. With well-established woodlands, beautifully manicured lawns, an avenue of 18th-century lime trees and many other magnificent vistas, the estate creates a unique atmosphere and provides the ideal holiday surroundings to escape everyday life.
Nestled in the heart of Burns’ Country, the area is steeped in tradition and history. Fans of Burns will be able to visit many attractions including Burns Cottage, the Burns Memorial Museum and the Brig o’Doon - the bridge from the famous poem Tam o’Shanter. Blairquhan is within walking distance to the small Ayrshire village of Straiton, and a short drive from Kirkmichael and Maybole. The entire area is known for its gently rolling landscape and hills dotted with sheep and traversed by the winding River Girvan. On a clear day, Ailsa Craig can be seen in the distance.
Ayrshire is home to 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 bird watchers.
Inland, there are gardens and castles to visit and activities such as riding, racing and golf to enjoy. The many golf courses include the world famous Turnberry course which is close at hand. Culzean Castle (owned by the National Trust for Scotland) is spectacular and is Ayrshire’s most popular tourist attraction.
Day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan, and a short drive leads to Ayr, a traditional seaside town. Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh are perfect for a day out, as is Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, with ferry links to the islands of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae all within easy reach. Beach 10 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£108From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
