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.

Auld Kirk Hall is a stunning, recently converted village hall that offers guests a great level of comfort throughout and retains some amazing features, including a vaulted roof within the living space. Upon entering the property, you are met with a stunning, hand crafted dog leg staircase leading to the first floor. The main living space is open plan and comprises of a superb kitchen/breakfast area with a central cooking island. This continues into a formal dining area, and beyond extends into the sitting area with comfortable leather furniture that wraps around a wood burner. The living area has French doors that lead to a private patio and an enclosed garden. On the ground floor there is a double bedroom and a bathroom with a shower over, there is also a utility room. On the first floor there are two bedroom suites, one triple room consisting of one single bed and one trudle which can be changed from single to double or two singles. The other upstairs bedroom is a kingsize, both have their own private en-suite shower rooms.

This fantastic area of Scotland is a haven for golfers with many courses nearby, 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. The Macduff Distillery is also a great place to visit and situated less than 2 miles from Bears Haven. 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. Shop 8 miles, pub and restaurant 4 miles.

Murlin is a stunning, reverse plan holiday home nestled in an elevated position with unrivalled views over the coast and beyond. There is an abundance of beautiful walks to be enjoyed in the area, some leading down to the beach, making this a truly magical place.
On the ground floor are two bedrooms, both with super kingsize beds and stunning en-suite shower rooms. There is an additional family bathroom and a utility room with a washing machine and tumble dryer, great for drying off after a busy day of exploring. There is an integral double garage with electric door, and within the garage are dog crates and a shower for your four legged friend! Upon heading upstairs, the natural light and views are breathtaking with floor to ceiling sliding doors which lead you to the balcony, boasting views over the coast and sea. The living space is open plan and offers a superb level of comfort. This extends into the beautiful hand crafted and well-equipped kitchen with a wraparound breakfast bar and a walk-in larder. The dining area leads off of the kitchen and is a comfortable space to enjoy home cooked meals together. There are two further bedrooms on this floor, both with kingsize beds and en-suite shower rooms. Outside is a nice garden with a seating area, garden furniture and a gas barbecue, perfect for some al-fresco dining.
Collieston is a former fishing village that provides dramatic views all year round. Just 5 miles away are Newburgh and Cruden Bay golf courses, and the Trump International links course is within a 10-mile drive. There are a number of amazing beaches to visit nearby, including Cruden Bay, Newburgh and Balmedie to name but a few, all within 10 miles! A visit to the neighbouring village of Newburgh to see the seals is a must, as is a tour around the famous BrewDog Brewery located in Ellon. The larger city of Aberdeen is 16 miles away and provides plenty of amenities and attractions. Beach 200 yards. Shop 6 miles, pub and restaurant 5 miles.

Fisherman’s Cottage is a gem of a holiday home tucked away in the historic harbourside village of Gardenstown, near Banff in Aberdeenshire. Located right on the water’s edge, Fisherman’s Cottage is within the jumble of cottages that make up Seatown within Gardenstown. Right beside the water, at high tide the sea laps the harbour wall only five yards from the living room. And at low tide you can hop down from the property onto the rocky beach to go exploring. It’s an amazing situation that the cottage makes the most of with a mesmerising picture window in the living room (there’s little need for television here!).
The accommodation is set over two floors. On the ground floor is a great living room with amazing views over Gamrie Bay, to More Head and out to the Moray Firth. Keep a look out for the chance of spotting seals, porpoises and dolphins. Also on the ground floor is a great kitchen/dining room and a kingsize double bedroom with en-suite shower room. On the first floor there are two further bedrooms and a bathroom with bath. The first floor bedrooms comprise another double and a family room with a double and a single.
From the cottage in Seatown you can stroll either east or west to explore the village of Gardenstown or Gamrie as locals call it. To the east you have the Sneuk beach which is shingle and there’s a coastal path beyond that leads round the bay to atmospheric Crovie (although the path is temporarily closed due to rockfalls). To the west is the sandy beach of Gardenstown, stretching from Seatown to St. John’s Church which stands sentinel over the bay and has been doing so since 1004. Further afield from Gardenstown you have Pennan, famous for its Local Hero connections, and brilliant coastal villages and towns like Banff, Portsoy and Cullen.
There are fantastic driving routes to explore in this area as well as hiking trails to enjoy. Here you are also close to many distilleries if you wish to venture off on some whisky trails. Speyside is an easy day trip from Fisherman’s Cottage. Beach 30 yards.

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.