Dog-friendly Hotels Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire has an abundance of dog-friendly hotels. The beautiful rural countryside is dog-walking heaven and our selection of pet friendly hotels means you can explore Aberdeenshire with your four-legged friend. These Aberdeenshire hotels will let you take in the sights of Balmoral Castle, Royal Deeside, Aberdeen city centre and some of the surrounding areas of Ballater, Stracham, Braemar and Gardenstown.
- Old Bewick, Scotland
A charming 13th-century Baronial mansion house in rural Aberdeenshire - this impressive dog-friendly hotel is set in a 240-acre estate offers a fabulous away from it all doggie getaway in stunning scenery.
£99Price per night from
- Banff, ScotlandConstructed in 1864, this picturesque, renovated church building that has been lovingly restored making it a luxurious place for you and your family or friends to stay. Its exterior form has happily been retained, bearing clear witness to its original function, whilst inside a stained glass window is the central feature to the first floor living room. Other features of note include high ceilings, large windows, plenty of spacious accommodation and large mature gardens. The majority of the living space is to the ground floor. The open plan kitchen and dining area with sliding door opening to the rear garden was formerly the church hall. Five bedrooms have been stylishly designed, along with a contemporary bathroom and two additional shower rooms, whilst a cinema and games room will keep you busy on a rainy day. The extensive gardens of an acre comprise of a woodland driveway to the front. The enclosed rear garden has mature trees and shrubs, including a monkey puzzle tree, lawns and three patio seating areas. The summerhouse and patios are the ideal place for enjoying a morning coffee or evening drink while taking in the surrounding views and starlit sky.
The property is nestled in a very beautiful part of Scotland and offers many activities in short striking distance, including walking, cycling, golfing, fishing and the seaside. The property is just 3 miles from Mintlaw, home to Aden Country Park covering 230 acres. Recognised as one of Scotland’s top green spaces, the park is a popular spot for walkers, cyclists and families thanks to its picturesque surroundings and busy events calendar. Mintlaw hosts a wide variety of amenities including pub, takeaways and local supermarket.
8 miles to the east is Cruden Bay, which has a sweeping expanse of pink sands and dunes approximately 1½ miles in length. This sandy beach is popular with day trippers, water sports enthusiasts and for sea fishing. Here you can also visit the remains of Slains Castle, once a place where celebrities were entertained on numerous occasions in the 19th Century. One of the most notable guests was Bram Stoker and it is believed the castle is the inspiration for the setting of ’Count Dracula’. 14 miles south of Torreagles is Newburgh beach, home to a colony of around 400 seals, adjacent to which are Forvie Nature Reserve and Foveran Links, a site of special scientific interest.
Golfers will appreciate numerous challenging courses less than a half hour’s drive from the property, including three of Scotland’s top twenty championship courses, Cruden Bay Golf Club, Trump International Golf Links and Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. Whatever you decide to do during your stay, this is an ideal base to explore this lovely part of Scotland. Beach 8 miles.£182From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Ballater, ScotlandThese 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.£65From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Aberdeen, ScotlandThis 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.£224From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Banchory, ScotlandA 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.£163From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Ballater, ScotlandA romantic ‘castle’ in the heart of the Cairngorms; grandeur and cosy are hard to find together but Craigendarroch House combines the two with ease. In truth, a traditional Scottish baronial Villa modelled on Balmoral Castle, Craigandarroch House with turrets and tower was designed by the architect William Smith who also designed Balmoral, a short drive up along Royal Deeside. You’ll find Craigendarroch House traditionally and stylishly decorated with all the convenience of contemporary living for a comfortable family holiday. Every attention to detail has been made, with comfortable seating and dining in the delightful garden, luxury bed linen and towels and even indoor and outdoor bars. From the moment you come through the gates up the sweeping driveway you’ll appreciate the traditional Scottish architecture with the stunning backdrop of Craigendarroch Hill behind the house. Any sprightly visitors must make the effort to walk up and admire the views from the top – a strenuous but short (30-minute) climb.
Whilst the house has all the convenience of being central to the delightful and busy town of Ballater, it also provides total privacy inside and out. Ballater and the surrounding area has a wealth of restaurants and coffee shops, some within easy walking distance, with the benefit of having the Highlands right on your doorstop for exploring further.
The house is exceptionally well maintained, with six large bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms and three further family bathrooms, all with modern fittings and tastefully decorated. Full central heating throughout is extremely efficient – you will be lovely and cosy in winter and there is an open fire in drawing room. The home benefits from large rooms for all the family, but there are smaller rooms for a quiet game of chess or reading in the snug or conservatory. Overlooking the front garden, the drawing room is large and sunny with seating for whole family, ideal for relaxed entertaining with its large fireplace. There is also a formal oak panelled dining room with wall-to-wall books. There is an indoor bar with TV and wine/beer fridges, perfect for having a wee dram while watching Scotland win the rugby!
There is certainly plenty to explore in the stunning surrounding countryside with the glorious river and mountain landscape of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, leisurely walks can be enjoyed along the banks of the river while the adventurous can tackle the region’s famous mountains. There are good opportunities for canoeing and mountain biking, as well as skiing at the Lecht and Glenshee Centres during the winter months. Golf is available in Ballater itself, as well as Braemar and Banchory. There are castles and gardens at Balmoral, Crathes and Craigievar which are all well worth a visit.
Slightly further afield, the coastal and whisky trails offer the chance to explore the area’s heritage through stunning scenery. In August and September, Highland games are prevalent in all the towns and villages throughout the region. Shop ¼ mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£524From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Banff, ScotlandEagles Gate Lodge is located just 2 miles away from the busy seaside town of Banff with its beautiful beach and good selection of shops and restaurants. This picture-postcard cottage was refurbished in late 2020 without losing its original character; with a new kitchen, bathroom, carpets and paintwork throughout. Superbly set in enclosed front and back gardens, its enjoys the sun for most of the day so you can sit outside to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. The back garden looks out on the woodland and fields of Deerpark Farm, where it is common to see the deer strolling by in the early morning, and the rose-filled front garden is perfect for relaxing on a sunny afternoon with plenty of space for the kids to run around. The property sleeps up to six in three bedrooms, all with garden views. It has a bright, airy kitchen, dining room and living room with wood burner, and is ideal for dog owners with some amazing walks nearby.
Not only does Eagles Gate Lodge enjoy its own sunny microclimate, it is also set within the stunning grounds of the former Duff House estate, once owned by the Duke of Fife. Indeed, this surprisingly spacious Grade A listed cottage was once one of the lodge houses for the estate and enjoys an enviable location in the countryside, yet only a mile from Duff House itself and all the amenities of Banff and its quiet, sandy beaches.
The towns of Banff and Macduff, only a couple of miles away, sit on either side of Banff Bay where you can regularly see dolphins and even the occasional Orca whale during the summer months. Banff has a marina and Macduff a fishing harbour, and both towns have a number of pubs and excellent places to eat offering a variety of cuisines including vegan and seafood. Additionally, the nearby Deveron is a salmon river where day tickets can be purchased. It is a great base to explore the wider Aberdeenshire area, from the numerous castles and historic monuments, to fantastic outdoor activities along the beautiful noth-east coastline. Explore the Whisky Trail further inland which wends its way through dramatic scenery, or visit the city of Aberdeen, approximately 1 hour away, for retail therapy, cinemas and theatre. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.£82From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Banchory, ScotlandThese lovely detached holiday lodges are set in an elevated position with marvellous views towards Cairn O’Mount. Situated in 8 acres of natural woodland, all the properties are very stylishly furnished with good attention to detail. Mountshade (ref 30297) has been constructed to make the most of its surroundings with its concertina doors from the living room, relax and enjoy the views from the decking area after a busy day out exploring. Park Lodge (ref 17329) has an open-plan living room with a cathedral ceiling, opening on to a well-equipped kitchen. Cairn View (ref 30456), as its name suggests, boasts a wonderful view towards Cairn O’Mount and sleeps 6 in comfort, ideal for families or couples. All three lodges have plenty of space between them, ensuring good levels of privacy. The local and surrounding area provides the perfect holiday for families, friends and couples of all ages. Visit Balmoral Castle, (open in summer to visitors), or tour Royal Deeside, which begs to be explored, with fantastic walks on moor and mountain, river and loch fishing, cycle trails and pony trekking, or take in the scenic majesty of Lochnagar. The popular town of Banchory is just 5 miles away with interesting shops and restaurants, and the area is renowned for its Highland Games in summer. Aberdeen is approximately 30 minutes’ drive with its theatres, bars, gardens and shopping centre, and when the weather starts to cool down, the ski resorts of Lecht and Cairngorm are easy to reach. Shop and pub 5 miles.£71From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Aberdeen, ScotlandMurlin 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.£144From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Banff, ScotlandFisherman’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.£104From price per night based on 7 night stay