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.
Gatehouse of Fleet, ScotlandSituated within 600 acres of the Fleet Oak Woods, this spacious, semi-detached holiday cottage, with woodland walks direct from the door, offers a peaceful retreat from which to explore the Solway Coast, with its many sandy beaches and rocky coves. Situated within the grounds of the Cally Palace Hotel, guests have free access to the hotel’s facilities, including the swimming pool and gym, putting green and croquet lawn. Golf is available at a discounted rate. It is within walking distance of the Burgh of Gatehouse of Fleet, with shops, cafés and restaurants. The town also boasts the Mill on the Fleet, an exhibition of historical arts and skills. There is great walking throughout the area, with the Galloway Forest Park having marked cycle paths and walks, bird and wildlife to enjoy. Also available throughout the area are fishing, golfing and water sports. Kirkcudbright, the artist’s town, offers boat trips and many art and craft shops, as well as Castle Douglas, Scotland’s food town, with many specialist shops close by. Cardoness Castle and the Cally Gardens, with an unusual variety of plants, are well worth a visit. Cream of Galloway for adventure playgrounds, family entertainment and of course, ice cream. Just 6 miles away is The Cocoabean Company, a great, interactive day out for young and old alike. Beach 3 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant 500 yards.£121From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Garlieston, ScotlandSituated in the charming village of Garlieston and only 200 yards from a sandy beach, this holiday cottage, one of a row, has many original features and provides an ideal base from which to explore the Solway coastline with rocky coves and picturesque villages. The cottage is full of history and oozes character. The owner is a member of Clan Hannay, and there are a number of features throughout the cottage reflecting that family connection, including tartan in the twin bedroom and local ancestor portraits in the dining room. The clan’s seat is at Sorbie Tower, which is nearby and well worth a visit.Other activities include fishing, sailing and golf. Wigtown, Scotland’s national book town, and Whithorn’s historic dig are nearby, while Newton Stewart has a good range of shops, a cinema and swimming pool. Shop and pub 250 yards.£91From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Southerness, ScotlandThis delightful, detached, single-storey beach house stands in a magnificent position with direct access onto 2 miles of sandy beaches and rock pools, and sits right next to the 13th green of the local golf course, making it an ideal holiday location. The uninterrupted views of the sea and shore line with the Lakeland Fells to the south and Criffel and the Galloway hills to the east are breathtaking. This seaside holiday home provides comfortable and well equipped ’beach house’ style accommodation with level access to the oceanside patio from the living room, the en-suite bedroom, the adjacent bedroom and the conservatory. The light and spacious, open plan living space has three large picture windows spanning three of the walls taking advantage of the spectacular panoramic views and making this a wonderful year round retreat. The shower room is large and has a walk-in shower, and is wheelchair accessible. In the conservatory, there is a bar area with a drinks chiller. The small village of Southerness with its quaint lighthouse stands on the Solway Firth and is home to an outstanding championship golf course which borders the property and welcomes visitors. For bird watchers the RSPB nature reserve is just along the coast at Mersehead. Golf, cycling, walking and exploring rock pools is direct from the doorstep, so overall this is an ideal holiday location for beachcombers and outdoor enthusiasts (there is bike and golf club storage in the property). Other attractions nearby include, Sweetheart Abbey, Drumlanrig Castle and gardens and Mabie Farm Park and Forest, which has wonderful cycle routes. This area of Dumfries and Galloway is steeped in Border history and is rich in historical attractions including many castles, Robbie Burns connections and interesting towns and villages which host a lively calendar of festivals and events. Shop 500 yards, pub 400 yards.£169From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Colvend, ScotlandBengairn is a delightful lodge situated in a small select group of 10 similar properties, with open views over Colvend Golf Course, the local hills, and the Solway Firth, with the Lake District in the distance. It is beautifully presented, cosy, and inviting. The scenery is stunning, so why not take advantage of this from your very own balcony? You will probably be disturbed only by a glimpse of the odd badger, deer, or red squirrel! If you are feeling a little more energetic then stroll through the golf course to the beautiful Sandyhills Beach which is under 1 mile away. Your dogs are very welcome to this lovely lodge and we are certain they too will enjoy the walk to the beach!
Bengairn is easily accessible to everything this lovely corner of Dumfries and Galloway has to offer from the picturesque little villages of Sandyhills, Kippford, and Rockcliffe, where you can discover some of the 200 miles of stunning and dramatic coastline with secluded little bays and sandy beaches. Visit the many historical sites in the area such as Threave Castle, described as the most romantic place in Galloway, and to reach it, ring the bell at the jetty and the custodian ferries you by rowing boat over to the island! This area is also home to supreme mountain biking, challenging hill walks, and without a doubt some of the darkest skies in the world.
Visit the local towns of Dalbeattie, Castle Douglas, and Kirkcudbright with their variety of niche shops, art galleries, and excellent restaurants. Castle Douglas, the ‘Food Town’, has around fifty local businesses either selling or producing food. A visit to Kirkcudbright during their summer festivities is not to be missed with events such as the colourful Jazz Festival, the Riding of the Marches, and the spectacular Tattoo.
So whether it’s a relaxing holiday you are after, or something just a little more energetic, we have something for everyone. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£54From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Langholm, ScotlandSurrounded by hills and fells in the heart of the Borders, and just 5 miles from the quaint Scottish town of Langholm, this detached, Victorian schoolhouse offers superb walking from the doorstep. Retaining many original features, it makes a very comfortable year round retreat with immediate access to the scenic, historic Borders route to Edinburgh. Riding, a sports centre, the Langholm Walks, Buccleuch Theatre, golf and fishing are nearby. Shops and pubs 5 miles.£158From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Wigtown, ScotlandRiver Cottage is a typical Galloway terraced cottage and stands across from the lovely River Bladnoch, with a children’s play area 110 yards away. It offers a cosy interior and a lovely enclosed garden with views over open farmland beyond. Whilst retaining the outward appearance of a Galloway cottage, the interior has been completely updated making it a comfortable holiday retreat. A lovely wood burning stove in the lounge is particularly attractive. The garden is a delight for both dogs and children being completely enclosed and there are facilities to wash bikes outside.
Set in a quiet location in a row of houses, the cottage is a short stroll from the country pub and restaurant, and within a few minutes’ drive of Wigtown, the Book Town, and close to Newton Stewart where there are many excellent shops and places to eat. With the Galloway Forest and Dark Skies Park close by, the cottage is ideally placed to explore the beauty of south west Scotland. Perfect for walkers, golfers and cyclists, with Glentrool, Kirroughtree and the 7Stanes mountain bike trails nearby, as well as a great choice of golf courses. There is an abundance of fishing, bird watching, beautiful and exotic gardens, many rocky coves, sandy beaches and quaint villages to explore along the Machars Peninsula.£91From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Portpatrick, ScotlandEnjoying a wonderful setting with views over the picturesque town, harbour and out to sea, this spacious detached house offers an ideal holiday base from which to explore the surrounding area. Enjoy the challenging uplands of the Galloway Hills, or gentle seaside trails, rolling moors and dramatic cliff-top walks. The Southern Upland Way passing close by is ideal for enjoying the many and varied shorter walks. The dramatic scenery is home to a rich company of flora and fauna, with many unusual species including pine martens, golden eagle, ospreys, red deer, red squirrels and the natterjack toad. The area has many renowned gardens to visit including the Botanic Gardens in Port Logan. Wigtown, Scotland’s official book town, is also home to a charming gallery and excellent cafés, and is located only a few miles from Bladnoch Distillery, where visitors can sample the local malt whisky. For fishermen, the area offers a wide variety of opportunities including sea fishing from Portpatrick and trout and salmon fishing are close by. Other country pursuits include shooting and riding. Golf courses within a 20 minute drive at Stranraer, Portpatrick and Lagganmore. Turnberry, with its world famous course is only 45 minutes away and offers a spa, off road driving, quad biking and restaurant. For the more active, there are numerous cycle routes set out in stunning forestry commission surroundings and cycle hire is available at these centres. Sailing is available via the local marina, and slightly further afield there is the Galloway Sailing Centre where visitors can try windsurfing, canoeing and power boating. From Stranraer, 15 miles, there is the ferry service to Ireland for a day trip. Shops, pubs and restaurants 300 yards.£140From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Castle Douglas, ScotlandThis spacious detached house, with large enclosed gardens, is situated in the popular traditional market town of Castle Douglas, known as Scotland’s Food Town, only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. This unspoilt area of south west Scotland offers magnificent scenery, some of the finest beaches and golf courses in Scotland, riding, fishing and water sports.
An excellent area for walkers and cyclists with Dalbeattie 7Stanes a mere 10 minutes away. The Galloway Forest Park offers fantastic scenery and wildlife and the Galloway Hills are within easy reach. For those with young children there are also a number of great days out on the doorstep including Cream o’ Galloway, an amusement park on a working dairy farm, 15 miles, and The Cocobean Company, with childrens play area and chocolate workshop, 9 miles away.
If arts and culture are a passion, a quick glance at the surroundings will see exactly why the region has inspired so many artists, writers and craftsmen, from the artist’s town of Kirkcudbright, the region’s infamous Spring Fling, Eden Festival, Electric Fields Festival and Knockengorroch Festival are amongst many other events that take place all year round. The Solway coast has many extensive sandy beaches and rocky coves to explore, with many traditional fishing villages and harbour ports. Kirkcudbright, the artists’ town, has art galleries, antique shops, museums and shops while Castle Douglas has many artisan food shops, galleries and independent shops. Beach 12 miles. Shop 250 yards, pub and restaurant 400 yards.
Just when you think this property can’t get any better, it will undergo impressive renovation from January - March 2023, including a new fitted kitchen; new bifold doors from the kitchen, a raised patio area, a brand new WC room downstairs and the removal of the current sitting area to create a large open plan living space, perfect for all of your family and friends.£373From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Newton Stewart, ScotlandThis cosy semi-detached cottage is situated in the lovely village of Wigtown, known as Scotland’s ‘Book Town’. The town provides a variety of shops, galleries, tea rooms and a pub. Located in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway amidst some of the finest scenery in southern Scotland, and ideally located to explore Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, wilderness and romance. The breathtaking scenery runs from the Galloway Hills and the Galloway Forest Dark Skies Park, with their many hidden lochs, burns and waterfalls, to the beautiful Solway coastline with sandy beaches, rocky coves and picturesque villages to explore.
Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve is the largest local reserve in the UK. It has significant numbers of pink-footed geese, greylag geese, and several species of duck and wading birds that visit in the autumn and winter months. Spend time at the Interpretation Centre where you can watch via video camera the Galloway ospreys during their nesting season (April to August), or the local wetlands during the rest of the year. Take time to visit the distillery at Bladnoch which has a large visitor shop and offers guided tours, or meander around Wigtown browsing the gift shops, gallery, plant nursery, and the numerous book shops and many cafés.
This beautiful region boast an exceptional number of activities to try, from a quiet afternoon fishing on one of the excellent rivers, or trying one of the challenging 7 Stanes cycle tracks. You will find horse riding, golf, sailing, diving and numerous walks all in the area and with its famously mild climate and the balmy influence of the gulf stream, Dumfries and Galloway is home to some of the most beautiful and exotic gardens in Scotland. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 250 yards.£49From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Annan, ScotlandThis beautiful 19th century historic property, with spacious rooms, has been sympathetically renovated to retain many of its original features whilst providing a luxury holiday location whatever your needs. With an accessible kitchen with rise and fall counters x-y ceiling track hoists in two of the five large bedrooms and one wet room, electric profiling beds in three bedrooms, two large specialised wet rooms with level-access showers, low level basin and emergency pull chord alarm system, not to mention the lift, this house caters for everyone no matter what their everyday needs may be. The house and grounds were built on the moat bank of an 11th century Motte-and-bailey castle, the original seat of the ’De Brus’ family who were the ancestors of ’Robert the Bruce’ who was featured in the iconic film ’Braveheart’. The other side of the moat bank can still be seen from the peaceful sensory garden.
The Moat House is only a very short walk from the main street of Annan where you can enjoy a range of pubs and restaurants, or take in a film at the local cinema. There is plenty to do in the area with forests and coastal walks. There are lots of castles to explore in Dumfries and Galloway but Caerlaverock Castle is particularly interesting being a moated, triangular castle. In comparison though Drumlanrig Castle is a very impressive building with 120 rooms, 17 turrets and towers, and it is equally stunning inside, being filled with beautiful French furniture and an art collection which includes Rembrandt’s Old Woman Reading. Mabie Farm Park is always popular with families, from feeding farm animals, a ride on the ‘Choo Choo Express’, a gentle paddle around the boating lake to racing quad bikes, there is fun for kids of all sizes. Alternatively Gretna Gateway Outlet Village can provide hours of retail therapy. It was while living and working in nearby Dumfries that JM Barrie befriended a local family, and their adventures inspired him to write Peter Pan, hopefully your family will have equally fantastic adventures on your holidays. Within 5 miles there is coarse and trout fishing (at cost), river fishing (day ticket permit required) and sea fishing (free) all available (rod licence may be required). Beach 1½ miles. Shop and pub 200 yards, restaurant 400 yards.£308From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
