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.
Blairgowrie, ScotlandWaterloo Farm House is a traditional, stone-built, C-listed, detached cottage with a generous sized garden, providing a wonderful place for couples, friends and families to relax and enjoy this excellent property. Set in the quiet hamlet of Waterloo, it is believed that the original properties in the area were built for the soldiers returning from the Napoleonic Wars or for the widows of soldiers who did not return from the famous battle. It is thought that Waterloo Farm House was built around 1815 and in recent times was a berry farm but is no longer a working farm.
This beautiful cottage has been completely rebuilt internally to provide a modern layout and was just completed in summer 2019, yet still maintains its original charm and character. The welcoming and bright living/dining room has large, comfortable sofas, attractive lighting and a wood burner ensuring this space is a cosy hub for guests to gather. Leading off from the living/dining room is the kitchen, equipped with quality appliances, and a breakfast area. There are stereo ceiling speakers in all rooms providing a shared sound system throughout the house or independent music from your Bluetooth enabled device in your own room if you prefer. The back door leads to a small patio where guests can enjoy breakfast or a morning coffee. There is a large enclosed lawned garden at the front of the property with a patio and garden furniture, ideal for an impromptu barbecue.
Waterloo Farm House is in a great location for exploring this picturesque area which you can do on foot or by bike and there are lots of footpaths and quiet lanes directly from the doorstep. The village of Bankfoot is just 1 mile away, with a pavement all the way from the cottage and is very handy for a local store or one of the two local small hotels with bars. The attractive town of Dunkeld is only 5 miles away and makes a great day out with its historic cathedral and buildings, and a good selection of quality restaurants, coffee shops, delis, interesting independent shops, galleries and walks along the River Tay. Birnam is close by and is one of the best preserved historic towns in Scotland. The Arts Centre is home to the Beatrix Potter Exhibition and Garden which is well worth a visit. Walk along the riverside and discover magnificent old trees in the Birnam Wood which was mentioned in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The bustling city of Perth is only 10 miles away and is packed with places to eat and drink and has a theatre, museum, swimming pool and a great selection of shops including high street names and local boutiques. The railway stations at both Perth and Dunkeld have frequent services to Inverness and Aviemore, or you could be in the centre of Edinburgh in just over an hour without the stress of finding parking. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£178From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Castle Douglas, Scotland
"Idyllically set on a 3000-acre estate..."
Enjoying an idyllic situation on the 3000-acre Crofts Estate, surrounded by the Galloway Hills, these holiday cottages have enviable, dramatic views towards the Solway Firth and Cumbrian Hills beyond. Accessed along a private drive, and adjoining a cluster of well-maintained estate buildings, Stable Cottage (ref UUD) makes a romantic hideaway for two, offering stylishly furnished accommodation – its walls adorned with the original work of various Scottish artists. The larger Victorian detached Gardener’s Cottage (ref UXT) has been elegantly furnished, and features an attractive shared garden with a bridge over a burn and a small waterfall. Arkland Mill (ref STTZ) stands detached with a lovely large garden, a summerhouse and its own bridge over the stream. Marwhin House (SWWR) and Marwhin Cottage (ref SWWS) also stand detached, situated within 25 yards of each other, still with there own privacy, the latter two properties being set in gardens with a delightful stream and pond. Woodland walks and hillside trails radiate from the doorstep. Dumfries lies just 12 miles away, where there are plenty of shops, restaurants and museums, as well as a good theatre. Castle Douglas (8 miles) is a traditional market town with individual shops specialising in food and local produce. There are many beautiful beaches within easy reach along the Solway, and the National Trust Threave Gardens, 8 miles, makes for an interesting day out. Other tourist attractions in the area include the Galloway Kite Trail, the Galloway Forest Park and golf courses and museums in Dumfries. Village shop and pub within 4 miles.£59From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Castle Douglas, Scotland
"Idyllically set on a 3000-acre estate..."
Enjoying an idyllic situation on the 3000-acre Crofts Estate, surrounded by the Galloway Hills, these holiday cottages have enviable, dramatic views towards the Solway Firth and Cumbrian Hills beyond. Accessed along a private drive, and adjoining a cluster of well-maintained estate buildings, Stable Cottage (ref UUD) makes a romantic hideaway for two, offering stylishly furnished accommodation – its walls adorned with the original work of various Scottish artists. The larger Victorian detached Gardener’s Cottage (ref UXT) has been elegantly furnished, and features an attractive shared garden with a bridge over a burn and a small waterfall. Arkland Mill (ref STTZ) stands detached with a lovely large garden, a summerhouse and its own bridge over the stream. Marwhin House (SWWR) and Marwhin Cottage (ref SWWS) also stand detached, situated within 25 yards of each other, still with there own privacy, the latter two properties being set in gardens with a delightful stream and pond. Woodland walks and hillside trails radiate from the doorstep. Dumfries lies just 12 miles away, where there are plenty of shops, restaurants and museums, as well as a good theatre. Castle Douglas (8 miles) is a traditional market town with individual shops specialising in food and local produce. There are many beautiful beaches within easy reach along the Solway, and the National Trust Threave Gardens, 8 miles, makes for an interesting day out. Other tourist attractions in the area include the Galloway Kite Trail, the Galloway Forest Park and golf courses and museums in Dumfries. Village shop and pub within 4 miles.£55From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Colvend, ScotlandBengairn is a delightful lodge situated in a small select group of 10 similar properties, with open views over Colvend Golf Course, the local hills, and the Solway Firth, with the Lake District in the distance. It is beautifully presented, cosy, and inviting. The scenery is stunning, so why not take advantage of this from your very own balcony? You will probably be disturbed only by a glimpse of the odd badger, deer, or red squirrel! If you are feeling a little more energetic then stroll through the golf course to the beautiful Sandyhills Beach which is under 1 mile away. Your dogs are very welcome to this lovely lodge and we are certain they too will enjoy the walk to the beach!
Bengairn is easily accessible to everything this lovely corner of Dumfries and Galloway has to offer from the picturesque little villages of Sandyhills, Kippford, and Rockcliffe, where you can discover some of the 200 miles of stunning and dramatic coastline with secluded little bays and sandy beaches. Visit the many historical sites in the area such as Threave Castle, described as the most romantic place in Galloway, and to reach it, ring the bell at the jetty and the custodian ferries you by rowing boat over to the island! This area is also home to supreme mountain biking, challenging hill walks, and without a doubt some of the darkest skies in the world.
Visit the local towns of Dalbeattie, Castle Douglas, and Kirkcudbright with their variety of niche shops, art galleries, and excellent restaurants. Castle Douglas, the ‘Food Town’, has around fifty local businesses either selling or producing food. A visit to Kirkcudbright during their summer festivities is not to be missed with events such as the colourful Jazz Festival, the Riding of the Marches, and the spectacular Tattoo.
So whether it’s a relaxing holiday you are after, or something just a little more energetic, we have something for everyone. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£62From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Bridge of Dee, ScotlandIn a quiet setting on the site of an old siding in the former Bridge of Dee station, with countryside views, this converted 1957 railway carriage is 3 miles from Castle Douglas and close to Kirkcudbright and Gatehouse of Fleet. There are scenic coastal walks, marked forest trails and various walks. Sailing, swimming, riding, fishing, golf, boat trips and watersports nearby. The Solway Coast has sandy beaches and rocky coves, with fishing villages and harbours. Close to the Galloway Forest Park, which was awarded ’Dark Sky Park’ status in 2009, and central to five of the 7 Stanes, it is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.£66From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Annan, ScotlandThis beautiful 19th century historic property, with spacious rooms, has been sympathetically renovated to retain many of its original features whilst providing a luxury holiday location whatever your needs. With an accessible kitchen with rise and fall counters x-y ceiling track hoists in two of the five large bedrooms and one wet room, electric profiling beds in three bedrooms, two large specialised wet rooms with level-access showers, low level basin and emergency pull chord alarm system, not to mention the lift, this house caters for everyone no matter what their everyday needs may be. The house and grounds were built on the moat bank of an 11th century Motte-and-bailey castle, the original seat of the ’De Brus’ family who were the ancestors of ’Robert the Bruce’ who was featured in the iconic film ’Braveheart’. The other side of the moat bank can still be seen from the peaceful sensory garden.
The Moat House is only a very short walk from the main street of Annan where you can enjoy a range of pubs and restaurants, or take in a film at the local cinema. There is plenty to do in the area with forests and coastal walks. There are lots of castles to explore in Dumfries and Galloway but Caerlaverock Castle is particularly interesting being a moated, triangular castle. In comparison though Drumlanrig Castle is a very impressive building with 120 rooms, 17 turrets and towers, and it is equally stunning inside, being filled with beautiful French furniture and an art collection which includes Rembrandt’s Old Woman Reading. Mabie Farm Park is always popular with families, from feeding farm animals, a ride on the ‘Choo Choo Express’, a gentle paddle around the boating lake to racing quad bikes, there is fun for kids of all sizes. Alternatively Gretna Gateway Outlet Village can provide hours of retail therapy. It was while living and working in nearby Dumfries that JM Barrie befriended a local family, and their adventures inspired him to write Peter Pan, hopefully your family will have equally fantastic adventures on your holidays. Within 5 miles there is coarse and trout fishing (at cost), river fishing (day ticket permit required) and sea fishing (free) all available (rod licence may be required). Beach 1½ miles. Shop and pub 200 yards, restaurant 400 yards.£308From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Stranraer, ScotlandThis spacious, detached cottage sits within 3 acres of gardens and is located 3 miles from the village of Portpatrick, with restaurants, shops and picturesque fishing harbour. Stranraer is also just a short drive away and is a bustling town with fantastic amenities. The Old Schoolhouse is an old, rural family home and has some quirks that add to the charm, and is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
This beautiful location offers a stunning coastline, sandy beaches, rocky coves and windswept cliffs. The area is a walker’s paradise with everything from gentle walks to challenging hikes on offer, amidst picturesque landscapes.
Wildlife is abundant here, with many unusual species including pine martens, golden eagles, ospreys, red deer, red squirrels and the natterjack toad all to be spotted. The RSPB Mull of Galloway Visitor Centre is home to thousands of nesting birds dotted along the cliffs and is well worth a visit.
Sea fishing from Portpatrick and both trout and salmon fishing can be enjoyed close by. Other country pursuits are available including shooting and horse riding, and golf is available with the Dunskey and Lagganmore courses both close by. Beach 4½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.£81From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Stranraer, ScotlandRose Blair Lodge brings you the the most uplifting and tranquil retreat where the free-spirits can prance freely to the untamed beats of their hearts. Tucked into rolling meadows and matured woodlands, the lodge features an outdoor bathtub nestled among shrubs and flowing vines. This is a luxury abode where one can truly run wild, to meander down the path along a babbling brook to the long beaches and tidal rushes of the Dunskey Glen.
The best part of Rose Blair is the outdoor bathtub, where you can luxuriate in complete privacy, surrounded by green hedges and meadows. A large garden and lawn provides ample room for picnics, and a fire pit will add warmth for those sundowner cocktails. To make it even more special, a wishing well is right in the garden so you can channel your inner Disney princess and sing to the birds.
Right outside Rose Blair is a lovely trail, typically swathed in bluebells, wild garlic, and numerous wild flowers, that courses alongside a babbling brook. The trail leads all the way to the Dunskey Fairy Glen, through matured tree tunnels, across an ancient stone bridge and a gushing waterfall. Two private bays mark the end of the path, revealing the ocean, beach and cliff lines in spectacular splendour.
The owner provides an amazing spread of a barbecue kit and grill, and a picnic basket for two, so you can explore the Estate or take lunch and champagne on the loch on one of their boats.
You’re not simply staying in a castle estate; you are staying on one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. Dunskey Estate boasts two waterfalls, two lochs, and three beaches, with the most magnificent walks along the craggy Scottish coastline. This pleasure ground will be completely yours to explore, including a private walled garden and a maze. You will have the time of your life! Beach 880 yards. Shop 8 miles, pub and restaurant 800 yards.
Rose Blair Lodge can be booked together with Wild Geese Lodge (UK31046), Fern Forest House (UK31047), The Royal Castle Apartment (ref UK31086) and Fawn’s Velvet (ref UK7261) to accommodate up to 30 guests.£145From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Keith, ScotlandNestling in 24 acres of natural grounds and woodland, this lovely detached holiday cottage is in a beautiful, remote, sheltered location within easy reach of Dufftown. It enjoys direct views of heather clad hills and the majestic Ben Rinnes from the back garden, and regular sighting of local wildlife including red deer. Guests can collect fresh eggs from the hens, and are welcome to explore and enjoy of the grounds surrounding the property. Enjoy walking, fishing, skiing, horse riding and birdwatching locally. Shop, pub and restaurant 4 miles.£81From 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, detached, country house with large deck and its own hot tub, boasts stunning views over the open water and lies in a rural location, just a few yards from the shoreline. Most rooms enjoy sea views, the 6 bedrooms each have a TV, and some have a DVD player. Chandlers is full of elegance and charm and enjoys a cosy snug area with comfy sofas and a bar, which can be stocked to your requirements. The music room has a grand piano, guitars and amps for budding musicians, while the impressive dining room can easily seat 20.
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. 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 to spot including feral goats, buzzards and roe deer. Scalpsie Bay which is set against the magnificent backdrop of Arran, is the home of 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, the ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bute, and is 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 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. The house is licensed for weddings and many extras can be arranged such as catering, prior to arrival direct with the owner. Beach 40 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.There is also a loch/sea just 40 yards from the property.£448From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
