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.
- Cruden Bay, Scotland
With its traditional charm, lengthy history, and unbeatable cuisine, the dog-friendly Kilmarnock Arms is perfect for pooches seeking a coastal getaway in Scotland.
£131Price per night from
- Strachan, 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.£87Price per night from
- Turriff, ScotlandThis charming holiday home is bright and attractive, tucked away amongst trees in a natural unspoilt secluded spot, 3 miles out of Turriff. A quiet relaxing setting, well placed to visit the various shops, golf course, swimming pool and leisure centre in the town. National Trust properties, Duff House and Galleries are 10 miles.£68Price per night from
- Saint Cyrus, ScotlandThis charming, 19th century (built in 1822), semi-detached cottage is peacefully situated on a quiet lane at the edge of the coastal village of St Cyrus, 30 miles south of Aberdeen with international airport. The completely natural garden provides a haven for local wildlife, birds and plants and backs onto open farmland at the rear. The holiday cottage retains many quaint features giving it a unique character and a welcoming atmosphere. The village shop, cafes and hotel are within walking distance, as are the miles of golden sands for which St Cyrus is renowned. The cliffs and dunes surrounding the beach are a National Nature Reserve where a plethora of wildlife including peregrine falcons can be spotted. Shops, pub and restaurant 5 miles.£47Price per night from
- Banchory, ScotlandNestling in the grounds of Fasque Estate, these two stunning detached cottages sit in the glorious countryside of southern Aberdeenshire, on the border of the Scottish Highlands. Ideal for a short or long break at any time of the year, they have been meticulously designed with traditional comfort and an individual elegance in mind. Guests are free to roam the extensive grounds of the estate, which is home to a wealth of wildlife - look out for the private deer herd on the banks of the lochan, or you may see squirrels, woodpeckers and buzzards whilst following the many paths and walkways that criss-cross the grounds. Activities are available on site, including shooting, clay pigeon shooting and horse riding, and catering and housekeeping are available by arrangement. The estate would have been one of the main employers in the area. Employees were housed in the properties on the estate, as indeed they still are today. Sir John Gladstone bought the Fasque mansion in 1829 and his son, William Gladstone, Queen Victoria’s prime minister, was a frequent visitor throughout his life.
The Stables (ref UKC3863) was built in a square shape with a fully enclosed inner courtyard landscaped with water features and stylish planting, the house is a wonderful choice for extended families with children of all ages. It has has been featured on the BBC when Nick Nairn filmed there. Guests will love the different sitting areas, styled with flair and comfort in mind and the beautiful bedrooms offer a boutique experience with partial walls concealing extravagant en-suite bathrooms, luxurious beds and plenty of space. The Garden Rooms (ref UKC2426) makes for a truly romantic retreat, with its turret, compact kitchen and cosy open fires in the living room and bedroom. Set in the walled garden of the estate, this is a wonderful property offering privacy and has been imaginatively furnished to emphasise comfort and luxury.
Country houses and castles abound in the surrounding areas, such as Crathes Castle near Banchory, with its turrets and gargoyles. There are gardens and woodland walks, as well as craft activities for the children. The ruins of Dunnottar Castle may look familiar to film fans, as the castle was one of the inspirations for Disney Pixar’s animated ’Brave’. Dating back to 1824, Fettercairn Distillery near Laurencekirk is one of Scotland’s oldest malt whisky distilleries, and offers summer tours Monday to Saturday. Royal Lochnagar Distillery lies next to Balmoral Castle in Royal Deeside, and retains much of its original charm. Match your desire for whisky knowledge to one of Lochnagar’s three tours throughout the year. Brechin Castle Centre provides a variety of activities for families, including nature trails, miniature railway and model farm. For those keen on wildlife, there is a visitor centre at Montrose Basin Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy a telescopic view of the local wildlife, from migratory birds to seals. Visitors to Fasque Castle are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities. For golfers, the championship links at St Andrews and Carnoustie are tantalisingly close, and several local golf courses are available at Brechin, Letham Grange, Stonehaven and Montrose. Beach 12 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 14 guests.£100Price per night from
- Banchory, ScotlandGlen Dye is a private estate of approximately 30,000 acres with the cabins and cottages situated in the centre, surrounded by forest and moorland. Here you are right on the banks of the River Dye, where you can be at one with nature and wander through the luscious surroundings to your heart’s content.
Situated right next door to No.4 and equipped to the same high standard, this semi-detached house will accommodate seven in a spacious living area and comfortable sleeping arrangements- no detail has been spared during the design of this house. To the back of No.5, for your exclusive use, lies The Smiddy - a beautiful stone building housing a fabulous games space for you and your family. To the back of The Smiddy you will find an amazing, secluded outside entertaining space complete with a Swedish wood fired hot tub, a Big Green Egg barbecue, fire bowl and seating for you to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Glen Dye.
There are three holiday cottages on-site, No.4 The Steading (UK7080), No.5 The Steading (UK7074) and North Lodge (UK7081). Each have their own outdoor, wood-fired hot tubs and North Lodge has its own private cabin.
This location is fabled; watched over by the impressive granite tor of Clachnaben and at the northern end of the Cairn o’ Mount mountain pass. This is where the Howe of the Mearns finally gives in to the Highland boundary fault; wild, beautiful and very quiet. Beach 23 miles. Shop, pub 8 miles and restaurant 6 miles.
No. 5 The Steading can be booked together with No 4 Steading (UK7080) and North Lodge (UK7081) to accommodate up to 20 guests.£466Price per night from
- Banchory, ScotlandThis 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.£72Price per night from
- Ballater, ScotlandCrofts 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.£80Price per night from
- Banchory, ScotlandSet 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.£122Price per night from
- Ballater, ScotlandBlissfully 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. 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.£64Price per night from