Dog-friendly Hotels Aberdeenshire

This is a birdwatcher’s paradise and is within an easy walk of the village shop, café and hotel. Furnished with care to maximise the light, inside this single-storey property there are full length picture windows in the bright living room and a well-equipped kitchen. The extensive garden with mature trees and expanse of lawn, is a wonderful sun trap to enjoy after a brisk walk along the beautiful sandy beach.

St Cyrus beach is nestled at the bottom of the cliff, which is accessed either by a steep walk from the local church just a few hundred yards away, or for the less adventurous, there is an easy drive down to the beach on the outskirts of the village at the nature reserve. A walk along the shoreline offers a good chance of spotting porpoises and other marine life in the clear waters. The spectacular cliffs and dunes are a National Nature Reserve and home to a variety of wildlife - peregrine falcons and fulmars are often spotted, as well as divers and other sea birds. Deer inhabit the wooded area at the top, and rare butterflies and plants can be found throughout the reserve. The owner has thoughtfully provided binoculars for your enjoyment. St Cyrus is between Montrose and Stonehaven, both bustling seaside towns with golf courses, shops and leisure centres, whilst inland the Angus Glens are easily reached for some excellent walks and spectacular scenery. Fishing is also available locally. Beach 300 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Set in an enviable position right in the heart of Banchory and across the street from the golf course, West Lodge could not be better placed to enjoy all that this area has to offer. With river and hill walking paths less than a mile away and within walking distance to cafés, restaurants and local shops, there really is so much choice right on the doorstep.

West Lodge is a lovely two bedroom property set all on the ground floor. This property would be perfect for couples or a small family looking to enjoy the delights of the region. An open fire provides warmth throughout the house making it a cosy place to relax and unwind in after a long day of hill walking or fishing.

Less than a mile away you will find the Falls of Feugh. This popular attraction is a great place to watch the salmon jumping upstream. Afterwards, you could sample the local Scottish cuisine at the nearby restaurant. Banchory is also conveniently placed to enjoy the Castle Trail. Crathes Castle, with its stunning gardens is a short drive away. Here you will find the adventure course of Go Ape, sure to delight the daredevils in the family.

Drum Castle and the fantastic Dunnotar Castle are also within easy driving distance. Fishing is a very popular pastime in this area of Scotland as well, with many beats accessible nearby. From Banchory, you are less than 40 miles from Braemar and the stunning Balmoral Castle, summer residence of the Royal Family, another fantastic day out. The diverse city of Aberdeen is around a 30-minute drive from West Lodge, and offers a beach, fun fair, swimming pool, parks and gardens. West Lodge in Banchory really is a fantastic property in a wonderfully convenient location, perfect for all the family. Beach 16 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 550 yards.

The Annexe at Shieldaig Cottage is situated just over a mile from the picturesque village and golden sands of St Cyrus. It is attached to the owner’s house and completely self-contained with stunning views over open countryside. An entrance porch leads through to the open plan living area, and French doors open onto the pretty patio - an ideal spot for alfresco dining or relaxing with a glass of wine. Adjoining the living area is a modern well-equipped kitchen. There is a very attractively presented kingsize bedroom with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings and a shower room all on the ground floor. The first floor has a further attractive king size bedroom and a second living room with views of the countryside to one side and the sea to the other. A utility room with washing matching and clothes airer is at the side and is a great place to store outdoor clothing.
The village of St Cyrus is located on the east coast of Scotland and is famous for its Nature Reserve, a haven for nature lovers, bird watchers and dog walkers. The village offers local amenities including a village shop and post office, a coffee shop and a hotel, pub and restaurant. A perfect base to explore the coastline, hills and glens which surround The Mearns, home of Lewis Grassic Gibbon, write of A Scots Quair. The Grassic Gibbon Centre is located in nearby Arbuthnot. There is no shortage of good walks within easy reach in and around the Angus Glens, Forfar and Kirriemuir areas.
Other nearby attractions include the towns of Montrose and Stonehaven. Montrose sits on the edge of a tidal lagoon known as the Basin. Just south of the town on the A92 you will find the Basin Wildlife Centre where a resident ranger leads guided walks around the reserve. Montrose is also home to several links golf courses. Stonehaven has a beautiful harbour from where you can take boat trips to experience the rugged coastline and bird life. Beach 2¼ miles. Pub 5 miles.

Crofts is situated in an elevated position on the fringes of the Cairngorms National Park and offers guests a magical experience, from the moment you drive over your private bridge into the grounds you will not be disappointed. There is a steep incline to the property which leads to a large parking area where you can enjoy the views over the glen.
The property provides a good level of comfort throughout. There is an open plan living area with the centrepiece being a roaring fire and the kitchen provides a light and airy feel. There is a well fitted family bathroom with a walk-in shower and a separate bath and an adjoining separate toilet. There is a king size bedroom on the ground floor, whilst on the first floor there are two further bedrooms, one is a zip and link super kingsize and the other has twin beds. There is a great selection of traditional board games and jigsaws for those lazy days in front of the fire. Outside, the gardens are lawned and offer a safe environment for children and the four legged members of the family.
There is a rustic outdoor seating area around a large firepit for an evening of watching the stars and toasting marshmallows under the moonlight. This area is one of natural darkness so for the apprentice astronomers, the location is ideal. There is a large open barn with table tennis and a selection of toys.
There is an abundance of history and wildlife on your doorstep with wild deer, a visiting barn owl and nesting sand martins to name but a few. The location is ideal for exploring the Cairngorms National Park, the famous whisky trail, Royal Deeside, Balmoral and National Trust properties. Glenbuchat and Kildrummy Castles and Gardens are also close by. The surrounding hills have trails for mountain bikers as well as many road-based cycle routes; golfers can also enjoy the courses nearby, where visitors are always welcome. Riding in the area offers spectacular treks, and there are numerous wonderful walks available to take you up the hills of Strathdon, such as Ben Newe or more challenging Mountains over 3000 feet, are close by in the Cairngorms. Fishing is available in the River Don along with the local Mossat Fishery. Cultural events are held throughout the year at our local Glenbuchat Hall.
In late summer, the world-famous Braemar Gathering and Highland Games are worth visiting to see the athletic performances. Bellabeg, 6 miles has a well provisioned Spar market, and the Steading pub at the Lonach provides live entertainment and local beers. Kildrummy Inn provides a restaurant well worth visiting, and taxis are available by arrangement. The pretty market town of Alford nearby has a good selection of shops and eateries. Aberdeen is an hour drive for a wider range of facilities and entertainment. Shop 6 miles, pub and restaurant 7 miles.

Blissfully set on the Glenkindie Estate, an active sporting and agricultural estate, Braemorlich is a modern and extremely cosy, detached cottage with stunning, elevated views over the surrounding farmland towards the Glenkindie and village of Towie. Situated along a rough track, it lies approximately 1½ miles from the other properties on-site. With numerous walks from the doorstep, this is a real peaceful retreat for couples or families with plenty of space around.

Glenkindie Estate is set amongst glorious scenery at the edge of the stunning Cairngorms National Park, where there are wonderful views in all directions. To the southeast is Royal Deeside, home to many fine castles including Balmoral Castle and several National Trust for Scotland properties. Kildrummy Castle and Gardens is also within easy reach and makes for a great day out. In late summer, the world-famous Braemar Gathering and Highland Games are well worth a visit, and for those who enjoy mountain sports, there are exceptional opportunities as many of the finest Munros (mountains over 3000ft) are found here. Fly fishing is also available on-site at an additional cost, however please remember to bring your own equipment! The annual Lonach Highland Gathering is also held locally. The Lecht nearby offers seasonal skiing and snowboarding when the conditions permit, and there is easy access to the famous Whisky Trail. The surrounding hills offer the perfect terrain for mountain bikers as well as many road-based cycle routes, whilst golfers can enjoy some lovely golf courses nearby, where visitors are always welcome. Riding in the area offers spectacular treks, and there are numerous wonderful walks available to take through this breathtaking countryside. Whatever time of year you come, there will always be things to see and do. The pretty market town of Alford nearby has a good selection of shops and eateries. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant 5 miles.
Braemorlich can be booked together with Brow Cottage (ref UK5512), Tornahatnach (ref UK5177) and Home Farm Cottage (ref UK10382) to accommodate up to 21 guests.
Please note: Braemorlich is isolated from the other properties on-site and is not within walking distance.

West Kilblean Cottage is set in the glorious Aberdeenshire countryside and is perfect for that rural break away. Beautifully renovated and decorated throughout the cottage is both inviting and comfortable. Set on a working farm close to Old Meldrum the rural views are just lovely. After a day exploring the area come back to West Kilblean Cottage and enjoy an evening in the garden taking in the peace and tranquillity or, on chillier nights, cosy up in front of the inviting wood burner. With its enviable location just 1½ miles from Old Meldrum where you will find all local amenities including a restaurant and pub, and also within close distance for exploring the many attractions in the area. Bennachie, the local ’mountain’ is just 10 miles from the cottage and offers wonderful walks and views of Aberdeenshire from the sea to the Cairngorms. Only 11 miles distant is the famous Seal Beach at Newburgh and the chance to spot some of the many seals is sure to delight everyone.
Slightly further afield you will find the wonderful sand dunes at Balmedie beach, stretching for over 14 miles, with many walks, a picnic area and a play park, providing a great day out. Inland is the lovely Pitmedden Garden, where you can spend time enjoying the woodland walks or learning about the local history in the Museum of Farming Life. Both Tolquhon Castle and Haddo House provide two great places to explore. Whether you prefer the coast or countryside, West Kilblean Cottage provides a fantastic base from which to explore this dynamic area of north east Scotland. Beach 11 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.
West Kilblean Cottage can be booked together with East Kilblean Cottage to accommodate up to 6 guests.

Located within the picturesque and bustling village of Ballater, and within the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, Eleanor Cottage is the owner’s family home and provides a wonderful contemporary environment whilst retaining its original charm. The hub of this detached cottage is the amazing open-plan living space, which is very spacious and flooded with natural light. In contrast, the older part of the cottage has a cosy snug with a second wood burner providing a tranquil space in which to relax. Both external doors open into the fully enclosed, private, south-facing garden with a barbecue and patio area set up for outdoor dining, and a summer house which provides a welcoming, informal space.
Ballater has a supermarket, pubs, cafés, restaurants and an array of independent shops many of which boast ‘By Royal Appointment’ to either HM The Queen and/or HRH The Prince of Wales.
There is an abundance of things to do including hiking, walking, cycling, climbing, golf, tennis, fishing, bowling or skiing options. It is a brilliant place to simply pack a picnic, pick up your camera or sketch book and breathe in the fresh mountain air. There are lots of options for days out including a visit to a neighbouring village for a tour of a castle (there are several, including Balmoral which is the highland home to the Royal Family); a tour of a whisky distillery or perhaps enjoy the sights and sounds of a traditional Highland games. The city of Aberdeen is an hour’s drive, with its many cultural and leisure attractions while inland, the ski resorts of Glenshee and Cairngorm are an easy drive through spectacular scenery.

Willow 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.

This gorgeous cosy cottage has the best of both worlds – peace and quiet with a totally private and enclosed rear garden down a quiet lane, yet just a short walk to Ballater’s fine selection of shops and eateries. A perfect place for that restful holiday in total comfort, Logiemar Cottage has it all. With stylish touches throughout the cottage, the owners have thought of everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The eco-credentials are also very much in evidence without compromising on luxury, with a wood-fired hot tub (with bubbles and lights) and a biomass boiler and solar panels, so you will always be warm whatever the weather or time of year. In addition, the delightful living room features a wood burner to relax in front of with a glass of the local whisky or a soothing cup of tea. The bedrooms are decorated in calming colours and while the second bedroom is smaller with a ¾ bed, it is perfect for children or an adult to sleep in real comfort.
Surrounded by amazing scenery and situated on the banks of the salmon fishing River Dee to the west, it’s fascinating history and royal connections are renowned the world over. Being the nearest village to Balmoral Castle, members of the Royal Family are often here, which explains the many ‘By Royal Appointment’ signs that can be seen on local shops and business. For whisky lovers, a visit to the nearby Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which produces one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies, is highly recommended. For the energetically minded, there are plenty of opportunities for canoeing and mountain biking, as well as skiing at the Lecht and Glenshee during the winter months. Golfers have a good selection of courses in the area, most notably the local Ballater Golf Club, which is within walking distance of the cottage. An 18-hole golf course, it is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the upper Deeside within a circle of hills, making a round here a true delight. If you like a bit of history and culture, you don’t have to travel far to the castles and gardens at Balmoral, Crathes and Craigievar – all are well worth a visit. With so much to do in this fabulous part of Scotland, be sure to book again to continue your adventures!
Restaurant and pub within ¼ mile. Scottish Letting Licence AS00079F.