Dog-friendly Hotels Aberdeenshire

Constructed 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.

Lovingly and painstakingly renovated with care and attention, Greve Cottage is a delightful place to spend some relaxing time away with family or friends. The interior is warm and welcoming, with a high-ceilinged living room with a wood burner, opening onto the enclosed garden. There is an open plan kitchen/dining area, utility room and bedroom with en-suite Jack and Jill bathroom on the ground floor. Whilst upstairs, two double bedrooms also share another Jack and Jill bathroom. This is ideal family accommodation in a peaceful environment. Boasting superb uninterrupted views over the Howe o’ the Mearns, the elevated position makes the most of the scenery and the enclosed garden is lovely to sit in and drink in the view. The owners have built an enclosed barbecue hut, allowing al fresco dining even on cooler days.
There is much on offer in the surrounding area, with gorgeous sandy beaches at St Cyrus and Montrose an easy drive away. Wildlife is here in abundance, with osprey, otters and many wading birds spotted at the mouth of the River Esk, leading to the sea. River fishing is available by arrangement on the North Esk, while, inland, there is excellent walking in the five Angus Glens, with routes for hillwalkers and ramblers alike. Greve Cottage is just 2½ miles from St Cyrus, 4 miles north of the bustling seaside town of Montrose and 30 miles south of Aberdeen. Dunnottar Castle, Glamis Castle, the House of Dun and Fettercairn Distillery are worth a visit or alternatively take the Cairn o’ Mount Road to Royal Deeside, which winds through glorious scenery.
Maximum occupancy 6 guests.

These very comfortable and cosy lodges are in a perfect location for making the most of this fabulous region of Scotland.
Set in the picturesque grounds of Loch Kinord Hotel, backing onto Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve, visitors who enjoy wildlife and walking in the tranquil countryside will find these properties just what they need for a restful holiday. Guests are welcome to make use of the hotel’s facilities, with a fine dining restaurant and bar meals available as well as the lounge bar for sampling the many whiskies on offer, if you feel like a night off from cooking.
The reserve itself lies within the Cairngorms National Park and is a network of wetlands, moors and woods. Numerous bird species, squirrels, martens and a large variety of plant life have made it their home and there are hides throughout the reserve where you can discreetly observe them. The most spectacular aspect however is the Burn-o-Vat, which flows through a massive bowl shape of pink granite (the Vat), a testament to the power of glaciers which carved out the landscape we see today. You can make your way into the Vat through a narrow crack in the rock and listen to the strange echoes of water that seems to pour out of the rocks.
Close to the lodges, there are plenty of other leisure pursuits available in the area, from fishing, pony trekking, gliding, mountain biking and archery as well as skiing at the Lecht and Glenshee. Visit the village of Ballater known for its royal connections, with its artisan shops and eateries or head east to the city of Aberdeen, only a short drive away through Royal Deeside, with cultural attractions for all ages. Lodge B can be booked together with Lodge A (UK33088), Lodge C (UK33089), Lodge D (UK33090), Lodge E (UK33091), Lodge F (UK33092) and Lodge G (UK33093) to accommodate up to 30 guests.

This charming detached cottage is set in an elevated position with panoramic views from the grounds towards the sea at St Cyrus. A steep meandering walk down the hill to the beautiful beach starts from the cottage, and there are fine views over the bay towards Montrose Basin as you go down. The cottage is in a secluded position yet next to two other properties and has its own private, enclosed rear garden. The cottage is bright, fresh and welcoming with a wonderful living room with vaulted ceiling and beams where you can relax in front of the wood burner after an energetic day out.

St Cyrus’ beach is a renowned conservation area and visitors will love the wide sandy spaces, rock pools at one end and the opportunity to spot whales, dolphins, seals and otters which frequent the clear waters. Ornithologists are also well catered for, with the nearby Montrose Basin home to thousands of pink footed geese in winter as well as many other wading birds and seasonal visitors throughout the year.

Montrose itself has plenty of facilities including two golf courses, tennis and bowls, as well as being the venue for Mofest, an annual music festival which attracts big names as well as lesser known acts. Dundee is within easy reach for the culturally minded and a visit to the V&A Museum is a must, as well as the RRS Discovery or a trip to the theatre. Beach ½ mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Eagles 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.

These 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.

East Kilblean Cottage is set in the glorious Aberdeenshire countryside and is the perfect luxury getaway. Set on a working farm near Oldmeldrum, the cottages (refs UK31455 and UK35597) offer a unique heritage. Surrounded by open fields with wonderful views, the farm offers many opportunities for quiet off-road walking or for relaxing in the tranquil countryside. The cottage provides a comfortable, well designed layout with many small luxuries - Egyptian cotton bed linen, LT and Co toiletries, towelling robes and a welcome basket. Enjoy a peaceful soak in the bath after a day exploring Aberdeenshire and watch out of the window as the light changes while listening to the birdsong. The garden is equipped with a seating area overlooking the fields and you can enjoy the firepit and barbecue during the summer months. On the colder winter nights, cosy up in front of the wood burner.
East Kilblean Cottage can be booked together with West Kilblean Cottage (ref UK31455) to accommodate up to 6 guests.

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.