Dog-friendly Hotels Aberdeenshire

These 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.

Nestling in a secluded, wooded position overlooking the River Dee valley, this superior stone house has been totally restored to offer the finest facilities and provide every comfort to ensure an enjoyable stay. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and fine views, and the drawing room has an open fire making the property ideal for all year round holidays. Herds of red deer, stags and hinds, graze by the river during the evenings giving a feeling of tranquillity amidst the beautiful Highland scenery. It is situated in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, within the Cairngorm National Park and offers access to some of the best walking and climbing in Scotland, with the challenging Cairngorm mountains within easy reach. Fishing, stalking and shooting may be arranged through the estate. Winter sports are also catered for with skiing at Glenshee only a 20-minute drive.
For the less energetic a visit to the 16th-century Crathes Castle and Gardens at Banchory (40 miles) offers an exciting day out. The gardens provide a wonderful display at any time of the year with great yew hedges and a fascinating presentation of the art of topiary dating from 1702. There is also a children’s adventure playground. Closer to Mar House is Balmoral Castle – the Royal family’s Highland residence which offers the opportunity to pony trek and the chance to view various exhibitions, including one on the local wildlife. Golf is available at Braemar only 4 miles away and there are also excellent courses at Ballater and Aboyne.
Inverness is within easy reach and offers many attractions for all the family. Unusual places of interest include the Kiltmaker Centre, where a small visitor centre explains the whole process of making tartan, and the novel Balnain House, which explores the development of Highland music. Inverness Castle, perched above the river, offers the Castle Garrison Encounter, an entertaining interactive exhibition in which the visitor plays the role of a new recruit in the 18th-century Hanoverian army. Shop and pub 3 miles.

A spacious and very well-equipped traditional stone house, sitting in a woodland area on Mar Estate at Inverey. Offering magnificent views across the Upper Dee Valley to Ben Macdui, the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, here you will find mountain activities which have made this part of the Highlands a famous tourist area. It is an ideal area for those who simply wish to wander through idyllic scenery and perhaps see a glimpse of an osprey, golden eagle or capercailzie.
Braemar village nestling amongst heather covered hills, is the setting for the annual Highland Gathering, also Braemar Castle with its barrel-vaulted ceilings, underground prison and central tower with spiral staircase, has much historical interest. The area abounds with castles, including Balmoral, the Scottish baronial mansion which has been a royal residence since 1852. The Royal Family traditionally spend their summer holidays here, and the grounds are ideal for walking and pony trekking. Dunnottar Castle is one of Scotland’s finest ruined castles, a huge 9th-century fortress set on a three-sided sheer cliff jutting into the sea, with dramatic views out to the crashing sea.
Well worth a visit is the Cairngorm Whisky Centre in Tomintoul (1 hour), with its tasting room offering more than 1,000 brands of whisky.
There is extensive hill walking and challenging mountain climbing opportunities from the door and in the winter months if sufficient snow, good skiing at Glenshee (20 mins). For those who do not wish to climb the mountains but still want to see the awe inspiring views, take the chairlift at Glenshee to the observation point a short distance from the top of the Cairnwell mountain. Braemar golf course (18 holes) is a gem. Fishing on the River Dee (for information see caretaker). Roe and red deer are present and stalking can be arranged (in advance) through the Estate. Shop and pub 4 miles.

Set in 27 acres of grounds, this delightful house forms the north wing of the owners’ mansion. Dating back to 1687, the house is steeped in history and The Mews was added in 1842. The house has its original 1840 layout. Unfortunately there are no upstairs bathrooms as planning will not allow as the building is B listed. The house is conveniently laid out for family groups or couples with the bedroom areas accessed by two separate staircases on either side of a central lounge and kitchen area. On one side there are 2 adjoining bedrooms one can only be accessed via the other one, ideal for a family but not suitable for unrelated couples. There is a 48 bottle wine fridge in the kitchen which is well equipped but not overly large though you can seat 4 for dining. The dining room seats 8 in comfort.
Outside, guests have free access to the extensive walled garden at the rear and the parkland at the front, inhabited by the owners’ miniature Shetland pony herd and which leads down to a beautiful small lake with an island. An idyllic retreat, guests can explore the grounds or enjoy the many activities available in the area. Nearby, the Hill of Bennachie is a great place for walks, whilst the Lochter Centre near Inverurie (11 miles) offers outdoor activities to suit everyone, from archery to Segway and from go-karting to clay pigeon shooting, and much more! This is castle country and there are 14 of Scotland’s finest to choose from. Golf, fishing, and riding are all within easy reach in the area and there is a good selection of shops and eating places both in Insch and nearby Inverurie. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 800 yards.

A stunning location and wonderful gardens make this a real stand-out property! This lovely fishing lodge, built on the site of the demolished Blackhall Castle, is a real home from home. Its tastefully furnished interior is beautifully complemented by sweeping lawns and mature trees which were once part of the old castle gardens, and being in a superb position just a couple of hundred yards from the River Dee, there are lovely walks along this delightful river. With plentiful wildlife, you may encounter ospreys, otters, red squirrels and pine martens during a relaxing stroll. The seldom used owner accommodation is attached to the house but the gardens and grounds are all available to be enjoyed by guests at any time. A well stocked trout pond nearby is available for fishing by arrangement with the estate overseer.
Banchory, a bustling market town, is just a couple of miles away and has plenty of interesting shops and eateries as well as being the gateway to Royal Deeside. The area, a favourite haunt, first of royalty and ever since of tourists, has many delights to offer and makes an ideal base from which to explore castles, mountains and coastlines, all within an hour’s drive. Watch the salmon leap at the nearby Falls of Feugh, or visit Crathes and Drum Castle, just two of the many on the Castle Trail which winds its way through the area. A spectacular drive over the high pass of Cairn o’Mount will take you to the village of Fettercairn where there is one of the oldest whisky distilleries in Scotland. Slightly further afield is the delightful village of Ballater, Balmoral Castle (open most of the year to visitors) and skiing at the Lecht, only an hour’s drive. Quad biking, cycling, archery, horse riding and golf (two courses in Banchory itself) are all easily available and walking in the beautiful scenery (try Lochnagar and the Lairig Ghru) adds to the many outdoor activities available in abundance in this magical area. Beach 20 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

This fabulous detached cottage sits on the outskirts of Peterculture, Aberdeenshire. Family-friendly. Off-road parking. Smart TV. Sauna. Open fires. Woodburning stove. Aberdeen 8.7 miles; Stonehaven 10.6 miles; Banchory 11.6 miles.

Escape to South Lodge, a serene sanctuary that comfortably accommodates up to eight guests. This enchanting retreat is the ideal base for your Scottish getaway, offering comfort and the allure of nature’s beauty. This detached property boasts four spacious bedrooms, thoughtfully designed to ensure a restful night’s sleep for all. The inviting living room features a cosy fireplace, perfect for chilly evenings, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The well-equipped kitchen is a chef’s delight, and the dining area offers a convivial spot for shared meals. Step outside onto the private patio, where you can savour your morning coffee or evening cocktails while taking in the breathtaking countryside views.
The area surrounding South Lodge is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Just a stone’s throw away lies the enchanting Balmoral Castle, the official residence of the British royal family in Scotland. Explore its stunning grounds and gardens for a taste of regal grandeur. Outdoor enthusiasts will relish the proximity to the Cairngorms National Park, where hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting await. The nearby River Dee provides excellent opportunities for fishing and watersports. Tee off at the world-class golf courses in the vicinity or embark on scenic walks along the Deeside Way, all while soaking in the tranquil beauty of the Scottish countryside.
There is plenty of attraction within a 30-mile radius. History buffs will find themselves in a treasure trove of heritage sites such as the ancient stone circles at Tomnaverie, a Neolithic marvel shrouded in mystery. Delve into Scotland’s rich past at Drum Castle, a 13th-century fortress with captivating stories to tell. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the charming town of Banchory itself, with its quaint streets, local shops, and historical architecture. Immerse yourself in the local culture, perhaps attending one of the traditional ceilidh dances held in the area. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and discover the serenity of our holiday home just outside Banchory. Whether you seek outdoor adventures, historical intrigue, or a peaceful respite in nature, our accommodation offers the perfect haven for your Scottish holiday. Book your stay today and embark on a journey of relaxation and exploration in this enchanting corner of Scotland.

A spacious, modern, and well-equipped holiday home that exudes warmth and comfort. With five bedrooms, it can comfortably accommodate eight guests, making it perfect for families or a group of friends. The open-plan living area is flooded with natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
The lower West Wing hosts the large, fully-equipped kitchen, two main living rooms, a dining room (seats six with two extra dining chairs in the kitchen) and a single toilet on the ground floor. You will find the master bedroom in the upper West Wing with an en-suite.
The East Wing has two bedrooms on the ground floor (a double bedroom and a single room). Both have easy access to the large bathroom on the ground floor. In the upper East Wing, there are two further double bedrooms, sharing a bathroom. Please do note that there are three small steps between the West and East Wing, and both areas are connected inside the house.
A short drive away, visit the iconic Balmoral Castle, a favourite retreat of the British royal family. Explore the magnificent gardens and enjoy a tour of the castle’s interior. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Cairngorms, ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. In winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the nearby resorts. Aberdeenshire is known for its whisky production. Visit local distilleries like Glenfiddich and Glenlivet for a taste of Scotland’s finest spirits. Savour delicious Scottish cuisine in the nearby restaurants and pubs, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, hearty stews, and traditional haggis.
Discover the rich history of Aberdeenshire by visiting historic sites like Dunnottar Castle and Crathes Castle. A peaceful retreat with easy access to a wealth of attractions and activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply wish to relax and unwind in the picturesque Scottish countryside. Beach 6 miles.