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.
Cruden Bay, Scotland
4.60With its traditional charm, lengthy history, and unbeatable cuisine, the dog-friendly Kilmarnock Arms is perfect for pooches seeking a coastal getaway in Scotland.
£160Price per night fromExplore & book
Price Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Dornoch, ScotlandOsprey Lodge is situated in an elevated position, deep in the Sutherland hills, tucked away down a private track, and enjoying unbelievable views across the surrounding hills and open countryside. This superb, detached solid wood lodge enjoys total peace and privacy, set in 50 hectares of croft land. The accommodation is presented to a very good standard throughout. The delightful open plan living space features a welcoming wood burner in the living area, as well as patio doors that open onto the raised decking, with a private hot tub and sitting-out area. There are two beautifully presented kingsize bedrooms with colour coordinated soft furnishings allowing for a good nights’ sleep. This property is very accessible for wheelchair users, with a level entrance and modern bathroom with a claw-footed bath and accessible wet room walk-in shower.
Situated on a working farm where the friendly cattle and sheep roam freely, this is a haven for wildlife and you may also stumble upon osprey, deer, pine martin, red kites, golden eagles and curlews. Whilst completely private, it is just over 1 mile to the pretty stone village of Rogart which is home to a thriving village pub that serves meals, as well as a shop, post office and railway station. It is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highlands, with many places of interest within a short drive. Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Duke of Sutherland, with its gardens modelled on Versailles is well worth a visit. Or experience salmon leaping up the famous Falls of Shin, and mountain biking, hill walking, fishing, and various water sports are all available locally. The historic seaside town of Dornoch is just 15 minutes’ drive away, where you can visit the sandy beach and the renowned championship golf course, as well as the 12th-century cathedral that dominates the central square. Beach 17¾ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.£216From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Buckie, ScotlandInverspey is a detached bungalow, set in its own grounds, enjoying uninterrupted views across open farmland to the hills and sea beyond. The interior of the cottage has been completely renovated throughout to an exceptionally high standard. The large living/dining room has deep leather sofa suites and a superb cylindrical wood burner set in the corner of the room. Floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors open onto the large decked area and lawned garden, where there is a barbecue, gas fire pit and outdoor dining furniture. The kitchen is extremely well-equipped, with high quality built-in units. A corridor leads down to the spacious bedrooms, one of which has a zip and link kingsize bed and an en-suite shower room with a large, walk-in shower. The second bedroom has a kingsize bed and a superb en-suite wet room complete with a deep double-ended feature bath. Outside you will find the beautiful garden which extend around the property. A particular feature is a second decked area with outdoor furniture, known as the ’Prosecco deck’, a lovely spot to sit and enjoy the distant sea views whilst planning the next day’s excursion or activity. Inverspey is ideal for couples and families looking for an indulgent and luxurious holiday in a wonderful location.
Inverspey lies on the Spey Bay Trail and on the edge of Spey Bay, a beautiful hamlet that leads directly onto the bay and the River Spey. The immediate area is renowned for its wildlife with the National Scottish Dolphin and Whale Centre just a few yards from the cottage, where you can learn about the amazing bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife that are regularly seen close by, including seals, osprey, minke whale and even rare sea eagles. The centre also runs bat watching tours and the opportunity to explore the UK’s largest surviving ice house. Spey Bay is home to the largest shingle beach in Scotland. There are wonderful walks direct from the cottage along River Spey, renowned for its salmon fishing (permits available locally, in season). The Spey Bay golf course is just a few minutes’ walk away; this lovely coastal links course is open to visitors and there are discounts available for guests, who can also visit the club house, which serves meals and also has a bar. The Malt Whisky Trail is situated over nine locations in Speyside and is well worth a visit. There are numerous sporting activities locally, including sailing, kayaking, fishing, golf, cycling and hill-walking, as well as plenty of interesting places to visit within a short drive. Beach 500 yards. Shop 6 miles, and restaurant 300 yards.£85From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Taynuilt, Scotland 4.75Completely renovated in 2021, this beautiful detached, single-storey holiday cottage enjoys an idyllic location, with Loch Etive to the front and the River Awe directly behind. Extremely well furnished and equipped the property has direct access onto the beach. It boasts stunning views across the sea loch to the mountains beyond from some of the rooms, and lovely views over the garden from the others. There is a well-equipped kitchen and a dining area seating eight guests. The house enjoys significant privacy with its only neighbours being seals, otters and yachts. Point Park is one of the very few properties to truly have a sea frontage, located just 5 metres from Loch Etive’s shore with direct beach access. In all rooms the bed can be made into double beds in all bedrooms if required.
The lovely little town of Taynuilt has a friendly community and offers a village grocery store, a post office, butchers, tea room, hairdressers, doctor’s surgery and a restaurant serving good food. There is also a train station, the line through Taynuilt runs from Glasgow to Oban so you can have a day in the city or head to the islands. Taynuilt’s golf course is just a few minutes’ walk from the cottage and offers 9 holes.
The bustling Victorian town of Oban known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ is just 20 minutes away by carand offers shops, bars, seafood restaurants, a cinema and leisure centre. Whisky lovers can visit the Oban Distillery to learn how it’s all made. Regular boat trips leave the busy harbour bound for the Inner Hebridean Islands, including Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Isles with their comical puffins.
Enjoy leisurely forest walks, horseriding, fishing, sailing, diving and golf, or for the more adventurous, Glen Nevis, one of the Highland’s most famous glens and the location of scenes from Harry Potter and Braveheart, is only a short drive and offers stunning scenery and bracing walks. Explore famous castles, historical sites and mature gardens. Visit Bonawe Iron Works, Cruachan Hollow Mountain or the Inveraray Jail. The abundant wildlife includes porpoises, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, deer and a wealth of seabirds. Glencoe and Fort William are easily accessible by car and offer popular climbing, skiing and mountain biking. All in all this is an ideal base for enjoying the pleasures of the great outdoors or just savouring the spectacular scenery of the Western Highlands. Shop and pub 1 mile.£158From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ruthven, Scotland 5.00Set on a working arable and cattle farm, within the owner’s 2000-acre estate in the Vale of Strathmore, these four welcoming and spacious holiday cottages have been restored to a very high standard. The most recent addition to the collection, Kingfisher Cottage (UK38211) is a renovated, detached, single-storey luxury cottage, tucked way down a farm track. With two stylish bedrooms and beautiful quality furnishings throughout, the high ceilinged open plan living room/kitchen features an eyecatching wood burner flanked by full length picture windows, making the most of the view for the ultimate relaxing experience. Islabank Farmhouse (ref SAAP) is a traditional, characterful, comfortable farmhouse which is ideal for families. Curlew Cottage (ref SYYJ) is a charming, beautifully converted, detached, single-storey property and a haven for wildlife. Still part of the farm but located 4 miles away is Osprey Cottage (ref UZQ), a delightful, light and sunny, single-storey detached cottage.
Set amongst beautiful farmland and fruit-growing country, they make an excellent choice for relaxing breaks in the heart of rural Perthshire. The estate makes an ideal base for exploring central Scotland, Edinburgh, Perth, St Andrews and the Highlands. Glamis Castle is a few miles away. Outdoor activities (golf, skiing, fishing, riding, cycling) are readily available. Shops and pub 3 miles.
Kingfisher Cottage (UK38211), Islabank Farmhouse (SAAP), Curlew Cottage (SYYJ) and Osprey Cottage (UZQ, 4 miles away) can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.£89From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ballater, Scotland 5.00These two, detached holiday properties are located in the heart of Ballater, within 100 yards of Ballater village green, restaurants, cafés, take-aways and shops, many of which feature the Royal ’By Appointment’ coats of arms. The Coyles (ref UK31466) is an impressive granite Victorian merchant’s house, with all the lovely high ceilings and details you would expect from a period property. Ideal for larger gatherings, whether enjoying a special birthday or a relaxing get together with friends, with plenty of living space and very good amenities throughout to ensure a memorable and convivial holiday. On two levels, it offers a high standard of comfort throughout and is a great choice at any time of the year. Built in 1888 using local granite, pitch pine and slate, it’s a true Victorian gem. It has its own enclosed garden and grounds, and enjoys lovely rural views to the south to Craig Coilleach. Quiet and secluded, the gardens are largely laid to lawn with a variety of mature trees and several flower borders with a variety of shrubs. There is a handy shed for bike and kayak storage, and for outdoor entertainment there is a paved patio area, with outdoor seating and barbecue. The Coyles Cottage (ref SBH) has its own garden and grounds and is well equipped throughout with a lovely sunny conservatory, and benefits from triple glazing and central heating throughout, affording year-round comfort.
Ballater sits in the heart of majestic Royal Deeside and is also located in the Cairngorms National Park, making it one of Scotland’s most scenic visitor spots. It boasts cosy cafés, quality restaurants, excellent shopping and great links to outdoor adventure, including hiking, climbing and skiing. Golf can be played in the beautiful surroundings of the 18-hole Ballater golf club and fishing is available, with the appropriate permits, on the River Dee. Ballater has many links to the Royal family and historic castles nearby include Balmoral, Crathes and Craigievar. The Grampians offer wonderful hill walking and wildlife, and the surrounding area of Deeside is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Leisurely walks abound on the banks of the River Dee or within a few miles there’s great walking at Burn O Vat, Lochnagar and Loch Muick.
Deeside is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast with a wide and varied range of sporting activities. The area has excellent hill walking and on/off road cycling facilities and the ski centres at Aviemore, Glenshee and the Lecht are within a short travelling distance. For the sportsman, the River Dee is one of the most popular salmon rivers in Scotland and the River Don is famous for its trout. Deer stalking and grouse shooting can be arranged in the locality. Relatively central for interesting and varied days out, the city of Aberdeen can be reached in around an hour, with Dundee, Perth and Inverness all accessible within 2 hours’ drive through spectacular scenery. Shop, pub and restaurant 100 yards.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 13 guests.£66From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Banff, ScotlandWillow Lodge has been freshly decorated and modernised making it a wonderful base from which to explore Macduff and the surrounding area. With three bedrooms, it is best suited to couples or families or friends groups looking for a comfortable modern home to relax in after a day exploring. It benefits from an attractive and fully enclosed landscaped garden set on multiple levels, giving plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors.
Within a 5-minute drive of the beach, this detached bungalow also has a very convenient location in Macduff and is within walking distance of many local attractions. MacDuff enjoys stunning sea views and wonderful sunsets and the architecture reflects its maritime heritage. A restaurant serving fresh local dishes is only a short walk away. The Macduff Aquarium will delights guests of all ages, with a wonderful selection of creatures from the sea and beyond. Learn about the history of the area at the beautiful Duff House, enjoy viewing the art work or strolling through the grounds. The Macduff Distillery is also a great place to visit and situated about 1 mile from Willow Lodge.
The north-east coast of Scotland is a hidden gem, with its atmospheric fishing villages dotted along the coastline, making it a wonderful place for easy exploration. Travel along the beautiful coastline offering stunning cliff top views, or head west towards Portsoy Harbour, with the chance to discover the remains of Boyne Castle, or watch out for some dolphins at Moray Firth. Other popular attractions in the area include Fyvie Castle, a magnificent structure, housing antiques and heritage-rich exhibits, and Pitmedden Garden & Museum of Farming Life. This area is also home to some wonderful beaches, with many easily reachable. There really is something for everyone in this fascinating region of Scotland.
This fantastic area of Scotland is a haven for golfers with many courses near by, including Royal Tarlair, Duff House and Turriff. Walkers and cyclists will also enjoy the many walks available. Why not try a walk along the stunning coast, exploring the small bays and beaches along the way? Take in views of the Moray Firth and try a spot of dolphin watching. Fishing in the River Deveron is also a popular pastime here. Beach 1½ miles. Shop 200 yards, pub and restaurant 700 yards.£89From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Duns, ScotlandSet in a lovely, rural village setting, in the beautiful Scottish Borders near Berwick-on-Tweed on the East Coast mainline. With a lovely, enclosed garden to relax in, river walks right next to the village and an award-winning pub on your doorstep - you’ll have everything you could wish for for a holiday in Scotland.
Purves Cottage is a prominent and historic yet homely and cosy building, formerly a tailor’s business, one of many in the village back in the early 1900s, which has now been lovingly converted to a delightful spacious holiday cottage. It is in perfect location for walks or fishing on the Whiteadder and Blackadder rivers at Allanton (just 100 yards from the cottage) and nearby on the Tweed in various locations throughout the borders. There is a separate fully enclosed garden out to the rear which is accessed across the parking area looking out over the field with basic BBQ facilities, table and chairs and a whirligig washing line should you need it. There is a log store here too, and a selection of outdoor games. There is a water hose fitted outside if you want to wash dogs from a muddy walk!
Allanton usually hosts a number of annual events including a summer beer festival and garden party (June). Being just 100 yards up the street it’s not far to stumble home after a tipple or two. Choose from over 40 gins, a great selection of wines and fabulous food. There is a beer garden to the rear and dogs are also welcome. On sunny days you can dine al fresco in the pretty garden overlooking the fields towards the coast.
There is play-park further up the village for young children, and you have access to some of the most beautiful countryside and riverside walks.
The cottage is perfectly located to enjoy an abundance of sights, places to visit, attractions and activities for all tastes including amazing walks, beaches, golf, fishing, shooting, cycle routes and surfing. St Abbs and Coldingham on the coast a few miles away are excellent for surfing, sea-kayaking, and diving. There are a number of historic houses and castles nearby such as Manderston, Thirlestaine, Mellerstain and Floors Castle all a short drive away throughout the Borders. Alnwick Castle & Gardens (of Harry Potter fame!) is a short drive down the A1, as is Bamburgh Castle on the fantastic Northumberland coast. You can take a drive down the coast through a number of pretty coastal villages and towns. Holy Island or Lindisfarne (featured in TV series Vikings and The Last Kingdom) is a real treat to visit with lovely local shops selling gifts, art and ice-cream, Lindisfarne Castle and beautiful historic priory to walk around. Holy Island is cut off twice-daily from the rest of the world by fast-moving tides which cover over the causeway road to and from the island - so be sure to check the crossing times or you’ll be stranded! Shop 1 mile. Beach 11 miles.
Please note that Allanton is in a rural area and August is the main harvest month here for farmers rushing to get the crops in dodging the rain, so farm traffic can be going through the village at all hours during this time.£116From 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
Aviemore, ScotlandNewly renovated in December 2022 to a luxury standard with a large kitchen boasting top end appliances, stunning new bathrooms with under floor heating, comfortable new bedrooms with lots of storage and an updated living/dining area with three huge sofas and coffee table, a snug with a desk, bean bags and games, and a large dining table with plenty of seating to suit everyone’s needs.
This stunning, detached, lodge property enjoys a peaceful and private location approximately a mile outside the forest village of Nethy Bridge, and makes the perfect base for exploring this lovely part of the northern Highlands. Sitting on the edge of the ancient Scottish Caledonian Forest, the lodge overlooks moorland and mountains with abundant wildlife which includes red squirrels, mountain hares, red and roe deer, and many species of song birds can often be heard in this secluded setting.
Mountain Bear Lodge is 12 miles from Aviemore which is situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and at the head of the Speyside Way. The whole area boasts a super range of shops, restaurants and bars along with a wide range of outdoor activities including skiing and snowboarding, (Cairngorm Mountains are within an hour’s drive. Glencoe and Glenshee are around 2½ hours’ drive) There is also mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking with a variety of water sports available on Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway or visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park or the RSPB Reserve at nearby Loch Garten, which are all within easy reach of the lodge.
Visit the testing Spey Valley golf course and the Dalfaber Resort with its wonderful array of leisure activities, or a day trip to the Moray coastline peppered with little fishing villages and beautiful beaches. For the less energetic, sit back in the hot tub set in peaceful garden grounds, relax and unwind. There’s a farm shop, pub and restaurant within 1 mile.£606From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
