Dog-friendly Scotland
Explore Scotland's dog-friendly destinations for an ideal holiday with your four-legged friend. Whether it's a quaint hotel, cosy cottage, B&B, or a charming country house, find the perfect spot for a short break with your pooch. Discover stunning Scottish landscapes and create lasting memories on your next adventure.
Buckie, ScotlandInverspey is a detached bungalow, set in its own grounds, enjoying uninterrupted views across open farmland to the hills and sea beyond. The interior of the cottage has been completely renovated throughout to an exceptionally high standard. The large living/dining room has deep leather sofa suites and a superb cylindrical wood burner set in the corner of the room. Floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors open onto the large decked area and lawned garden, where there is a barbecue, gas fire pit and outdoor dining furniture. The kitchen is extremely well-equipped, with high quality built-in units. A corridor leads down to the spacious bedrooms, one of which has a zip and link kingsize bed and an en-suite shower room with a large, walk-in shower. The second bedroom has a kingsize bed and a superb en-suite wet room complete with a deep double-ended feature bath. Outside you will find the beautiful garden which extend around the property. A particular feature is a second decked area with outdoor furniture, known as the ’Prosecco deck’, a lovely spot to sit and enjoy the distant sea views whilst planning the next day’s excursion or activity. Inverspey is ideal for couples and families looking for an indulgent and luxurious holiday in a wonderful location.
Inverspey lies on the Spey Bay Trail and on the edge of Spey Bay, a beautiful hamlet that leads directly onto the bay and the River Spey. The immediate area is renowned for its wildlife with the National Scottish Dolphin and Whale Centre just a few yards from the cottage, where you can learn about the amazing bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife that are regularly seen close by, including seals, osprey, minke whale and even rare sea eagles. The centre also runs bat watching tours and the opportunity to explore the UK’s largest surviving ice house. Spey Bay is home to the largest shingle beach in Scotland. There are wonderful walks direct from the cottage along River Spey, renowned for its salmon fishing (permits available locally, in season). The Spey Bay golf course is just a few minutes’ walk away; this lovely coastal links course is open to visitors and there are discounts available for guests, who can also visit the club house, which serves meals and also has a bar. The Malt Whisky Trail is situated over nine locations in Speyside and is well worth a visit. There are numerous sporting activities locally, including sailing, kayaking, fishing, golf, cycling and hill-walking, as well as plenty of interesting places to visit within a short drive. Beach 500 yards. Shop 6 miles, and restaurant 300 yards.£89From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Skelmorlie, ScotlandSouth Steading is located on a small farm, on the outskirts of West Kilbride; Scotland’s first accredited Craft Town. It’s been lovingly converted by the owners, with views overlooking the surrounding countryside, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings whilst having village amenities only a short 5 min drive away.
Converted by the owners, South Steadings is rich in character with traditional stone floors. All on one level, the barn offers a high standard of comfort throughout and is a great choice at any time of the year. Ideal for couples or families, there are three bedrooms with welcoming cosy beds, a king-size bedroom with en-suite walk-in shower room, a double room and a twin served by a stylish family bathroom with bath & shower over. The large open plan living/kitchen/diner is a great social space with a log burner to keep you warm whatever the weather!
Perfect for families, there’s a large enclosed garden with Hot Tub, log cabin, plenty of toys/books to occupy the kids plus a travel cot & highchair available. Storage space for outdoor gear, bikes and kayaks in private barn storage. Dogs are most welcome who will also enjoy the enclosed garden, with an outside tap, ideal for giving them a bath or cool down!
Just 2 miles from South Steading, is the pretty seaside town of West Kilbride with fantastic views across the water to Arran and surrounding islands. Designated Scotland’s first Craft Town, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the village where they will find a range of cafes, mini galleries, a dedicated craft centre, pubs and gift shops. Also offering the more practical elements for your holiday such as a post office, small supermarkets and a railway station.
Ayrshire is famous worldwide for golf and offers world class championship courses at Turnberry, Royal Troon and Prestwick. The West Kilbride Golf Club offers a championship links course located in Seamill, 3 miles from the farm.
Largs and Ardrossan are popular seaside towns, 8 miles and 7 miles away respectively, where there are watersports offered. Sandy beaches in Seamill. The Firth of Clyde has excellent sailing with yachting clubs and marinas at Ardrossan,Largs, Inverkip and Troon. There are also good opportunities for hill walking and mountain biking, field sports including horse riding, shooting and fishing. Visitors will enjoy visiting the historic castles at Portencross, Hunterston and Law Castle and enjoy the views from the local Tarbert Hill and Law Hill.
Ferries from Ardrossan a short distance from the barn take you to isle of Arran and short ferry hop from Largs to the small island of Cumbrae to visit the only town on the island, Millport for an icecream or enjoy a cycle, 11miles around the whole island.£126From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Taynuilt, Scotland
4.75Completely renovated in 2021, this beautiful detached, single-storey holiday cottage enjoys an idyllic location, with Loch Etive to the front and the River Awe directly behind. Extremely well furnished and equipped the property has direct access onto the beach. It boasts stunning views across the sea loch to the mountains beyond from some of the rooms, and lovely views over the garden from the others. There is a well-equipped kitchen and a dining area seating eight guests. The house enjoys significant privacy with its only neighbours being seals, otters and yachts. Point Park is one of the very few properties to truly have a sea frontage, located just 5 metres from Loch Etive’s shore with direct beach access. In all rooms the bed can be made into double beds in all bedrooms if required.
The lovely little town of Taynuilt has a friendly community and offers a village grocery store, a post office, butchers, tea room, hairdressers, doctor’s surgery and a restaurant serving good food. There is also a train station, the line through Taynuilt runs from Glasgow to Oban so you can have a day in the city or head to the islands. Taynuilt’s golf course is just a few minutes’ walk from the cottage and offers 9 holes.
The bustling Victorian town of Oban known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ is just 20 minutes away by carand offers shops, bars, seafood restaurants, a cinema and leisure centre. Whisky lovers can visit the Oban Distillery to learn how it’s all made. Regular boat trips leave the busy harbour bound for the Inner Hebridean Islands, including Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Isles with their comical puffins.
Enjoy leisurely forest walks, horseriding, fishing, sailing, diving and golf, or for the more adventurous, Glen Nevis, one of the Highland’s most famous glens and the location of scenes from Harry Potter and Braveheart, is only a short drive and offers stunning scenery and bracing walks. Explore famous castles, historical sites and mature gardens. Visit Bonawe Iron Works, Cruachan Hollow Mountain or the Inveraray Jail. The abundant wildlife includes porpoises, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, deer and a wealth of seabirds. Glencoe and Fort William are easily accessible by car and offer popular climbing, skiing and mountain biking. All in all this is an ideal base for enjoying the pleasures of the great outdoors or just savouring the spectacular scenery of the Western Highlands. Shop and pub 1 mile.£153From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Gatehouse of Fleet, Scotland 3.67Situated on a working farm, The Barn has been converted out of the old part of the farm steading and refurbished in 2018. Nestled in the Girthon Valley and surrounded by some of the best scenery in Galloway, with great walks, both woodland and coastal. Galloway has 200 miles of beautiful coastline, wild mountains and moorland, pretty towns and charming villages. The area also offers a wide range of activities for the whole family to enjoy, be it visiting the local ice cream factory, Cream O’ Galloway at Sandgreen, CocoaBean Chocolate Factory at Twynholm or why not visit Laggan Outdoors, which has one of the longest zip wires in Europe. There are many exciting and beautiful cycle paths straight from your door or try the world famous 7Stanes challenge. There is an abundance of local lochs and rivers if fishing is preferred! There is something for everyone in this beautiful unspoilt corner of Scotland. The cottage is only a few minutes drive from the charming town of Gatehouse of Fleet which offers a wide range of places to eat and relax. There are many attractions in and around the town including the Mill on the Fleet Visitor Centre and Cardoness Castle. Beach 1½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.
The Barn can be booked together with The Stable (CC537233), Valley View (CC537234), Middle Byre (CC537236) and The Bothy (UK5803) to accommodate up to 22 guests.£77From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Eyemouth, Scotland 4.50Tucked away on the edge of the picture postcard village of Coldingham, Garden Cottage has lovely light, spacious living areas and a great bathroom with both a shower cubicle and a bath. This property is perfect for guests with younger children, as there is a cot and highchair available. There are gardens to both front and rear, and it is just a few minutes’ walk into the village where there is a priory, as well as local shops and a couple of cosy pubs serving food. You can also enjoy circular walks round the village. Sandy, sheltered Coldingham Bay, popular with surfers and divers, is 20 minutes’ walk, and Coldingham Loch offers fly fishing. St Abbs is a fishing harbour with a café/restaurant, and St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve is a coastal headland with breathtaking panoramic views and awesome cliffs where thousands of seabirds nest in the spring. You can enjoy amazing coastal walks, including a 30-mile route from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Cockburnspath, or take a boat trips from Seahouses to the Farne Islands, or from Berwick-upon-Tweed on the River Tweed out into the North Sea. Edinburgh is under an hour by train from Berwick, a fascinating Elizabethan walled town. There is a working harbour and golf in Eyemouth, historic houses and castles galore, fishing nearby, and plenty of crafts and galleries. Beach 1¼ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£81From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Nairn, Scotland 1.50This charming former fisherman’s cottage, with enclosed garden, is set in the heart of Fishertown which forms part of the lively town of Nairn. Located on the Moray Coast, Nairn boasts a sandy beach which is just a few minutes’ walk from the holiday cottage. A toy cupboard provides amusement at the cottage. Seashell Cottage is ideally situated to enjoy the variety of facilities the town has to offer including a links golf course, fishing and boat trips to see the bottlenose dolphins. Cawdor and Brodie Castle are nearby along with numerous distilleries - take the Whisky Trail on Speyside. Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield and Inverness, the Highland capital are all within a short drive. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.£52From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Auldearn, Scotland 5.00Enjoying a peaceful yet central setting within the pretty village of Auldearn, this semi-detached, traditional holiday property has been furnished and equipped to a good standard to ensure as comfortable and relaxing holiday as possible. Just three miles from the seaside village of Nairn with its long sweeping sandy beaches and local amenities, Tigh Na Bruiach (Gaelic for ‘House on the Hill’) makes a super holiday base for exploring this wonderful part of the Northern Highlands. Visit Culloden Battlefield, Fort George, Inverness, and Loch Ness, all within a very easy drive. Brodie and Cawdor Castles are just a short distance and well worth a visit. You can meander along the Moray Coast and visit some of the beautiful, unspoilt beaches and hopefully catch sight of the dolphins, seals and large variety of birdlife this area is renowned for. Take a trip along the Malt Whisky Trail – the only one of its kind in the world! Further afield, go to the scenic West Coast, Fort William or the enigmatic Orkney Islands. Golf, mountain biking, kayaking, hill walking and photography are some of the many activities available.£52From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Port Appin, Scotland 5.00This beautifully renovated and extended cottage enjoys an idyllic, rural location just a hundred yards or so from the crystal clear waters of the Lyne of Lorne, and has wonderful sea views. Located at the head of Airds Bay at the end of a private track approximately 1 mile long, Cliff Cottage stands detached and makes a wonderful retreat from which to explore this scenic area and to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside.
An easy walk away is the pretty fishing village of Port Appin, which overlooks Loch Linnhe with its several islands and backdrop of mountains. From here ferries to the Isle of Lismore can be taken, where several places of interest can be visited. Apart from the fortified Tirefour Broch, there are the ruins of the 12th-century Castle Coeffin and the abandoned quarry village of Sailean with its disused kilns, as well as the ruins of Achanduin Castle and the island’s highest point Barr Mor. To the north of Port Appin, the romantic Castle Stalker can be found - much loved by photographers. Appin is a destination for food-lovers with several very highly rated restaurants in the immediate area.
Within easy reach, the Victorian resort of Oban is the second largest town in Argyll. It has the McCaig’s Folly as its landmark, which was built in imitation of Rome’s Colosseum. A tour of the Oban Distillery is a popular experience for whisky lovers whilst boat trips to Mull, Iona, Staffa, Seal Island and the Treshnish Isles can be made from the harbour at Oban. A short ferry ride from Oban takes visitors to the Isle of Kerrera - a small easily explored island from where panoramic views of Mull, the Slate Islands, Lismore and beyond can be admired.
In the opposite direction lies Fort William, with Ben Nevis - Britain’s highest summit - rising up in the background. One of the Highland’s most impressive glens, Glen Nevis, can be found just a further 10-minute drive away and apart from being the starting point for the ascent of Scotland’s highest peak, has been the location for several films, including Rob Roy and Braveheart.
The area is superb for walking, fishing and boat trips, which are all close by, whilst further afield are the fabulous mountains of Glencoe (with skiing in winter). Shop ⅓ mile. Pub ½ mile.£110From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Shandon, Scotland 5.00Close to Loch Lomond, this light and airy cottage style accommodation has French windows, woodburning stove and small secluded walled garden. Excellent walking and cycling. Gareloch is just down the lane with a launching slip, ideal for canoeing, windsurfing, dinghies and fishing. Loch Lomond National Park and golf course, 15 minutes. Monro’s, Cobbler 20 minutes, Ben Lomond 40 minutes. Helensburgh 10 minutes, Glasgow 45 minutes. Shop 2 miles.£68From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Tarbert, Scotland 5.00Rhunahaorine Cottage, built around 1880, has been thoughtfully and lovingly restored by the owners and provides a luxurious, well-equipped, stylish, holiday home with space for guests to relax and enjoy their surroundings. The cottage is surrounded by an abundance of natural wildlife, the clean environment and clear waters are home to all sorts of interesting wildlife. Guests can relax on the sitting area by the wildlife pond and watch the wildlife come and go. The Machrihanish Seabird/Wildlife Observatory is located nearby at Gauldrons Beach and is fantastic for watching migratory birds.
Campbeltown is one of a handful of areas in Scotland categorised as a whisky producing region, and is home to the Campbeltown Single Malt, at one point having 34 distilleries and proclaiming itself the whisky capital of the world. The town boasts two distilleries, museum, heritage centre, harbour, cinema, leisure centre and an annual regatta and music festival.
The town is well-served with supermarkets, independently owned shops, and excellent hotels and restaurants offering the finest local produce.
The lovely village of Tarbert with its harbour, marina and ancient castle is another opportunity to explore.
The Kintyre area is well-known for its fine, white sandy beaches including Westport surfing beach, Macrihanish, Point Sands, A’Cleit, Peninver and Carradale beaches as well as the stunning beach of Dunaverty at Southend.
Unspoilt countryside abounds and whether cycling or walking there are scenic views on East and West coasts of the peninsula.
Lying just off the west coast of Kintyre, the Isle of Gigha offers a pleasant day trip. There is easy access to the Isles of Islay, Arran and Jura. Jura is one of the wildest and most mountainous of the Inner Hebrides. Islay is great for wildlife enthusiasts as it boasts a large RSPB reserve, a wintering population of barnacle and white-fronted geese, and a wildlife information centre.
For the outdoor enthusiast, there are three golf courses, walking along the Kintyre Way, cycling, fishing and water sports. Beach 1 mile. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant 4 miles.£89From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
