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.

Set in 27 acres of grounds, this delightful house forms the north wing of the owners’ mansion. Dating back to 1687, the house is steeped in history and The Mews was added in 1842. The house has its original 1840 layout. Unfortunately there are no upstairs bathrooms as planning will not allow as the building is B listed. The house is conveniently laid out for family groups or couples with the bedroom areas accessed by two separate staircases on either side of a central lounge and kitchen area. On one side there are 2 adjoining bedrooms one can only be accessed via the other one, ideal for a family but not suitable for unrelated couples. There is a 48 bottle wine fridge in the kitchen which is well equipped but not overly large though you can seat 4 for dining. The dining room seats 8 in comfort.
Outside, guests have free access to the extensive walled garden at the rear and the parkland at the front, inhabited by the owners’ miniature Shetland pony herd and which leads down to a beautiful small lake with an island. An idyllic retreat, guests can explore the grounds or enjoy the many activities available in the area. Nearby, the Hill of Bennachie is a great place for walks, whilst the Lochter Centre near Inverurie (11 miles) offers outdoor activities to suit everyone, from archery to Segway and from go-karting to clay pigeon shooting, and much more! This is castle country and there are 14 of Scotland’s finest to choose from. Golf, fishing, and riding are all within easy reach in the area and there is a good selection of shops and eating places both in Insch and nearby Inverurie. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 800 yards.

A stunning location and wonderful gardens make this a real stand-out property! This lovely fishing lodge, built on the site of the demolished Blackhall Castle, is a real home from home. Its tastefully furnished interior is beautifully complemented by sweeping lawns and mature trees which were once part of the old castle gardens, and being in a superb position just a couple of hundred yards from the River Dee, there are lovely walks along this delightful river. With plentiful wildlife, you may encounter ospreys, otters, red squirrels and pine martens during a relaxing stroll. The seldom used owner accommodation is attached to the house but the gardens and grounds are all available to be enjoyed by guests at any time. A well stocked trout pond nearby is available for fishing by arrangement with the estate overseer.
Banchory, a bustling market town, is just a couple of miles away and has plenty of interesting shops and eateries as well as being the gateway to Royal Deeside. The area, a favourite haunt, first of royalty and ever since of tourists, has many delights to offer and makes an ideal base from which to explore castles, mountains and coastlines, all within an hour’s drive. Watch the salmon leap at the nearby Falls of Feugh, or visit Crathes and Drum Castle, just two of the many on the Castle Trail which winds its way through the area. A spectacular drive over the high pass of Cairn o’Mount will take you to the village of Fettercairn where there is one of the oldest whisky distilleries in Scotland. Slightly further afield is the delightful village of Ballater, Balmoral Castle (open most of the year to visitors) and skiing at the Lecht, only an hour’s drive. Quad biking, cycling, archery, horse riding and golf (two courses in Banchory itself) are all easily available and walking in the beautiful scenery (try Lochnagar and the Lairig Ghru) adds to the many outdoor activities available in abundance in this magical area. Beach 20 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 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.

Enjoy a city break in this lovely spacious townhouse just a short walk from Aberdeen’s golden beach and attractions. Set across three floors, this attractive and comfortable accommodation is perfect for friends and families who enjoy comfort and space in a home from home environment. The living room on the first floor has access to a small balcony overlooking the front of the property and the large fully equipped kitchen/dining area is a great place to chat about the day’s events over dinner. With an enclosed rear garden and private parking for 2 cars outside the house and it has everything you need for an enjoyable stay.
Aberdeen’s fabulous beach has been recognised for its popular recreational and sports area, attracting many visitors throughout the year.With a Leisure centre, Ice arena, cafés, restaurants and even Codona’s Fun Fair, there is plenty of fun to be had by all. Try learning to surf or stand-up paddleboarding on the River Dee or in the sea! Nearby there is also a cinema, retail park and a fitness gym.
Aberdeen City Centre is also within walking distance with many other cultural attractions including His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen Music Hall, superbly renovated Art Gallery and Tollbooth Museum one of several museums in the city, showcasing the culture of the Northeast. With parks and gardens, good restaurants and shopping, this city has it all. Further afield in Aberdeenshire, there are numerous other things to do and see – from great golf courses, horse riding, walking and hiking as well as many historic houses and castles worth visiting on the famous Castle Trail, you will be spoilt for choice.

Escape to South Lodge, a serene sanctuary that comfortably accommodates up to eight guests. This enchanting retreat is the ideal base for your Scottish getaway, offering comfort and the allure of nature’s beauty. This detached property boasts four spacious bedrooms, thoughtfully designed to ensure a restful night’s sleep for all. The inviting living room features a cosy fireplace, perfect for chilly evenings, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The well-equipped kitchen is a chef’s delight, and the dining area offers a convivial spot for shared meals. Step outside onto the private patio, where you can savour your morning coffee or evening cocktails while taking in the breathtaking countryside views.
The area surrounding South Lodge is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Just a stone’s throw away lies the enchanting Balmoral Castle, the official residence of the British royal family in Scotland. Explore its stunning grounds and gardens for a taste of regal grandeur. Outdoor enthusiasts will relish the proximity to the Cairngorms National Park, where hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting await. The nearby River Dee provides excellent opportunities for fishing and watersports. Tee off at the world-class golf courses in the vicinity or embark on scenic walks along the Deeside Way, all while soaking in the tranquil beauty of the Scottish countryside.
There is plenty of attraction within a 30-mile radius. History buffs will find themselves in a treasure trove of heritage sites such as the ancient stone circles at Tomnaverie, a Neolithic marvel shrouded in mystery. Delve into Scotland’s rich past at Drum Castle, a 13th-century fortress with captivating stories to tell. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the charming town of Banchory itself, with its quaint streets, local shops, and historical architecture. Immerse yourself in the local culture, perhaps attending one of the traditional ceilidh dances held in the area. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and discover the serenity of our holiday home just outside Banchory. Whether you seek outdoor adventures, historical intrigue, or a peaceful respite in nature, our accommodation offers the perfect haven for your Scottish holiday. Book your stay today and embark on a journey of relaxation and exploration in this enchanting corner of Scotland.