Dog-friendly Hotels Dumfries and Galloway

Cree lodge with its modern interior boasts stunning views over the Solway Firth and is located close to the village of Creetown and the town of Newton Stewart, with its many shops restaurants, cafés and pubs.

Situated on a working sheep and dairy farm, stabling is also available by prior arrangement, should you wish to bring your horse along too. The lodge is enviably located at the edge of the Galloway Forest Park, Britain’s largest forest park with three hundred square miles of wild beauty just waiting to be explored. The park boasts tranquil valleys, rugged rock faces, forest, moorland, lochs and ancient woodland alongside a huge diversity of wildlife including red and roe deer, wild goats and many birds of prey.

The park has also been awarded the status of one of only four Dark Sky Parks in the western world, and when the sun sets enthusiasts come to wonder at the universe revealed above. Dalmellington at the far end of the park is home to the Scottish Dark Observatory, and for the outdoor enthusiast nearby Galloway offers hill walking, mountain biking and water-sports, with many renowned gardens and ancient woodland to explore with a chance to glimpse the abundant wildlife.

The towns of Castle Douglas, ‘the food town’, Gatehouse of Fleet and Kirkcudbright, ‘the artist’s town’ are all within a short drive. Gatehouse of Fleet offers a wider range of places to eat and drink, and there are many attractions in and around the town including the ‘Mill on the Fleet’ Visitor Centre, Cardoness Castle and the popular Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre, home to one of Europe’s longest zip wires. Kirkcudbright attracts visitors throughout the year drawn by the harbour, its historic high street and the diverse range of annual events and visitor attractions. The popular programme of summer festivities culminates with the spectacular Tattoo, an event not to be missed. Beach 7 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Cree Lodge can be booked together with Willow Lodge (ref UK13637) to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Welcome to Ceardach, a charming and spacious family holiday home nestled in the quiet village of Gelston, just a mere 2 miles away from the bustling market town of Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway. This enchanting holiday home is the perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity, comfort, and an authentic taste of rural Scotland. As you step into Ceardach, you’ll be greeted by a sense of home away from home. This generously proportioned residence is tailor-made for a large family or a group of friends eager to embark on a memorable vacation. The ground floor is a welcoming expanse with a well-appointed kitchen/dining area offering picturesque views over open fields at the rear. Adjacent to this, a spacious living room beckons you to unwind and relax. The ground floor also features a double bedroom with an en-suite shower, a utility room for added convenience, and a downstairs toilet. Venture upstairs, and you’ll discover three more generously-sized bedrooms, each designed with your comfort in mind. The family bathroom ensures that your every need is catered to with style and grace.
One of Ceardach’s standout features is its exquisite rear gardens. Delight in the serene beauty of the countryside, with rolling hills and fields stretching out before you. This outdoor oasis is the perfect setting for al fresco dining, or simply losing yourself in the beauty of nature. And here’s the best part – your four-legged friends are more than welcome to accompany you on your countryside adventure!
While you savour the comforts of Ceardach, don’t forget to explore the treasures that Dumfries and Galloway has to offer. The area is renowned for its lush landscapes, historical sites, and diverse activities. Head to Threave Castle, a captivating stronghold on an island in the River Dee, or visit Threave Gardens, a National Trust for Scotland property known for its impressive horticultural collection. For those with a penchant for outdoor adventure, the Galloway Forest Park is a haven for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. In Castle Douglas, you can indulge your taste buds with a visit to its renowned food shops and farmer’s markets, earning it the nickname ‘Food Town’. The town also provides a gateway to a variety of local attractions, from the picturesque Loch Ken to the Solway Coast, which offers opportunities for birdwatching and coastal walks. Ceardach is the ideal retreat for those looking to unwind in a picturesque setting, whilst also being close to a range of activities and attractions. It’s time to experience the best that Dumfries and Galloway has to offer, and Ceardach is the perfect starting point for your adventure.

Situated in an elevated position in the centre of the picturesque Rhins of Galloway Peninsula and enjoying a wonderful outlook over Loch Ryan towards the Firth of Clyde with stunning panoramic views of Ailsa Craig, Isle of Arran and Mull of Kintyre, Cairncroft Cottage is an ideal base for a relaxing holiday with family or friends.
Adjacent to the owners’ home and recently renovated, Cairncroft Cottage is perfectly placed to enjoy the delights of this lovely corner of south-west Scotland.
The spacious kitchen/dining room has a halogen hob and provides the perfect place to enjoy a meal while chatting with friends, or why not challenge them to a game of pool in the large games room? Perfect for your evening entertainment. The lovely sitting room has views over the gardens which are also a delight, not only if you want to sit out and relax but also for the kids and four-legged friends to run around and enjoy.
Only 10 minutes from the picturesque holiday village of Portpatrick and also 10 minutes from the coastal town of Stranraer, you have the best of both worlds, wonderfully secluded and quiet, while attractions, restaurants, bars and services are all within easy reach.
There are many miles of quiet country lanes to explore, excellent for both walking and cycling, with an abundance of wildlife to see. As well as stunning wildlife, the area boasts an interesting and colourful history with numerous sites and monuments of historical interest, ranging from the early Christian remains of Kirkmadrine to the more recent WW2 activity of Loch Ryan. The rugged coastline, dramatic cliff-top walks, secluded sandy beaches and pretty little harbour villages all provide great wildlife and nature spotting opportunities with endless spectacular scenes to photograph or paint - the natural light in the area is exceptional. Why not visit Dunskey Castle, a ruined tower house dating from the 16th century, only a short cliff-top walk from Portpatrick, or spend the afternoon in the village, on Dunskey golf course or the putting green by the harbour? The village has a good selection of places to eat and drink and also hosts a monthly craft fair and producers market. Within Stranraer, Agnew Park has various attractions to entertain younger guests, and The Ryan Centre has gym facilities, swimming pool, children’s pool and cinema.
Well worth a visit is The Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s most Southerly point, with its lighthouse, visitor centre and amazing views of Ireland, England, Isle of Man and Scotland. Seabirds are a certainty and seals are common in the sheltered bays, lucky guests may even spot minke whales or basking sharks feeding in the temperate waters. Another must is visiting one of the many gardens in the area which include the world-renowned Logan Botanic Garden, Castle Kennedy Gardens with their Monkey Puzzle Avenue and Lily Pond or the unique Glenwhan Gardens.
With so much to see and do, come back to Cairncroft Cottage and sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

Curlew Cottage is situated in a lovely rural area with amazing views from the wood fuel hot tub towards the Moffat Hills. Renovated completely in 2021, Curlew Cottage offers the perfect holiday cottage for you to get away from it all and relax. It is delightfully decorated throughout, and a particular feature of the cottage is the large living room with low windows making the most of the views. There is a small snug with cosy open fire perfect for those chillier evenings. With a large kitchen/diner, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, Curlew Cottage will suit families or groups of friends to meet and enjoy. There is outside to enjoy too with its spacious garden and perhaps in an evening you can sit on the patio and marvel at the starry night skies.

Amazing local towns nearby such as Lockerbie, Moffat and Thornhill. Situated just a few miles from the market town of Lockerbie, which provides all local amenities including some lovely little shops and restaurants. Lockerbie has a train station if you fancy a day trip to Edinburgh or Glasgow. However, Dumfries and Galloway is so beautiful there is plenty to keep you entertained during your stay at Curlew Cottage. The area boasts rugged coastlines and secluded sandy beaches with many beautiful gardens to explore. Enjoy world-class mountain biking, walking routes, riding, fishing and birdwatching all within easy reach.

No 2 Mote View, built in 2021, is a luxury semi-detached bungalow perfect for a family break in one of the most popular small villages by the sea in stunning Southwest Scotland. Finished to the highest standard and oozing quality and comfort from the moment you walk through the door, it guarantees a spectacular holiday.

With the owner’s attention to detail throughout, the modern living room has a built-in electric fire, subtle décor and comfortable sofas for you to curl up on and the modern and fully fitted kitchen with large bench table has everything you would need to cook up a delicious meal. The quality continues throughout the bedrooms with sumptuous beds and bedding with ultra-modern en-suite and family bathroom. There are Smart TVs in all the bedrooms as well as hairdryers and hair straighteners- nothing has been missed for a memorable holiday here at No 2 Mote View.

Outside is just as memorable, with an enclosed and child and dog friendly garden with rattan furniture and a gas BBQ. Sandhead is one of the most popular small villages along this stunning coastline and from No 2 Mote View you are only a 2-minute walk from the long sandy beach as well as a locally renowned restaurant and pub serving fabulous food, as well as a small convenience store. This beautiful corner of Southwest Scotland boasts rugged coastlines and secluded sandy beaches, with challenging walks in the uplands of the Galloway Hills to gentle seaside trails, as well as rolling moors and dramatic cliff-top walks. Well worth a visit is The Mull of Galloway, with its grass topped visitor centre - Scotland’s most southerly point, with amazing views of Ireland, England, the Isle of Man and Scotland! Lucky visitors may spot seals and minke whales and will most certainly see a host of seabirds.

Portpatrick is a short drive away and is another delightful little village where you can sit and watch the boats coming and going from the harbour or for the more adventurous walk part of the Southern Upland Way from here. There are many beautiful gardens to visit only a short drive away, including Castle Kennedy Gardens and the world-renowned Logan Botanic Gardens with is many exotic trees and plants and The Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, is a delight. This property can be booked together with 4 Mote View (UK37497) to accommodate up to 12 guests.

This detached country cottage, renovated in 2020/2021 is situated on a working farm and boasts stunning views over to the Mull of Galloway and over towards the Isle of Man. This area of Dumfries and Galloway boasts rugged coastlines and secluded sandy beaches, which benefit from the warmth of the passing Gulf Stream. The cottage is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, offering an ideal base from which to explore the Machars Peninsula and the Galloway Hills.
There are many beautiful gardens to visit, including the renowned Logan Botanical Gardens, which is a paradise to behold. You can also explore quaint villages such as Sandhead, Port William, Portpatrick, The Isle of Whithorn and the Mull of Galloway, home to the RSPB nature reserve, where thousands of seabirds nest on the cliff face during spring and summer.
The cottage is a short drive from Wigtown, which is famous for being Scotland’s National Book Town, a book lovers haven. This is also a great destination for cycling, fishing and golfing with St Medans 9 hole golf course and beach just 1½ miles down the road. This is a fantastic area for walkers, whether you are interested in clifftop, beach, hills or forest walks. There is easy access to The Galloway Forest Park, with its tranquil valleys, rugged rock faces, forest, moorland, lochs and ancient woodland, as well as a huge diversity of wildlife including red and roe deer, wild goats and many birds of prey. The park has also been awarded the status of one of only four Dark Sky Parks in the western world and when the sun sets, enthusiasts come to wonder at the universe revealed above. Dalmellington, at the far end of the park, is home to the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory.
The town of Stranraer, only 30 minutes away, offers a selection of shops and restaurants; a short distance further is Cairnryan, where the ferry can be taken for a day trip to Ireland. Beach 2 miles. Shop 4½ miles, pub and restaurant 6 miles.

Holly Cottage is an attractive semi-detached cottage located on a quiet lane on the edge of Palnackie, a popular village with a shop, award winning café and pub/restaurant. Holly Cottage has been refurbished and is beautifully decorated throughout. The attractive living/dining room with has comfortable sofas and a cosy wood burner is the perfect place to relax after a day exploring. The bedrooms are just as inviting with sumptuous super kingsize zip and link beds guaranteeing a peaceful night’s sleep.
Palnackie sits on the Urr Estuary and was once a busy working harbour and probably most famous in recent years for the ’World Flounder Tramping’. Only 3 miles from Holly Cottage is the small town of Dalbeattie and the area surrounding is hugely popular with walkers and cyclists of all ages. The world famous 7Stanes mountain trails at Dalbeattie Forest offer some of the best mountain biking in the country and attracts riders from across the UK and beyond. With its dramatic clifftops, sandy beaches and forests, walking is a delight with many beautiful walks from the doorstep. A particularly lovely walk is the walk to Almorness Point and its lovely beach, well worth a visit.
This delightful corner of South West Scotland will tempt all ages to return time and again. Warmed by the gulf stream, there are many beautiful gardens to visit, including Threave Gardens National Trust. Enjoy a drive from Dalbeattie along the Solway Coast with its extensive sandy beaches, rocky coves, traditional fishing villages and harbour ports, such as Kippford and Rockcliffe. Castle Douglas is close by, where you will find larger supermarkets and some wonderful unique shops, and Kirkcudbright just a little further afield, also has a variety of delightful little shops as well as the harbour where you can see the fishing boats returning. The area is well recognised for its clear skies as one of the twelve best stargazing sites in the world and the first Dark Sky Park in the UK so return to Holly Cottage after a day exploring and sit in the garden on a clear night and enjoy the spectacle.

Only a stroll from the beautiful sandy beach at Sandhead, stretching for 7 miles, the village also has a restaurant, pub and shop. The surrounding area boasts rugged coastlines and secluded sandy beaches, with challenging walks in the uplands of the Galloway Hills to gentle seaside trails, as well as rolling moors and dramatic cliff-top walks. Well worth a visit is The Mull of Galloway, with its grass topped visitor centre - Scotland’s most southerly point, with amazing views of Ireland, England, the Isle of Man and Scotland! Lucky visitors may spot seals and minke whales and will most certainly see a host of seabirds. Portpatrick is a short drive and the village lies at the start of the Southern Upland Way; one of Scotland’s most acclaimed long distance footpaths.
The bustling town of Stranraer, situated at the head of Loch Ryan, is the gateway to the Rhinns of Galloway. The town’s main attraction is the Castle of St. John, a ruined four-story tower house built around 1500, which sits on a green in the main street. There are several eye-catching artworks in the area surrounding the castle. Stranraer Museum can be found in the old town hall. Close by are Castle Kennedy Gardens, with the castle, two lochs, a giant lily pond and an avenue of monkey puzzle trees. Logan Botanic Garden sits 13 miles south of the town and is home to exotic ferns and palms and boasts a beautiful walled garden. Why not take the high speed ferry to Ireland for a spot of sightseeing or a shopping trip to Belfast perhaps? Within easy reach is The Galloway Forest Park, which has been awarded status as a ’Dark Sky Park’, with plentiful walking opportunities and wildlife to spot. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
These properties can be booked to accommodate up to 18 guests

Rose Blair Lodge brings you the the most uplifting and tranquil retreat where the free-spirits can prance freely to the untamed beats of their hearts. Tucked into rolling meadows and matured woodlands, the lodge features an outdoor bathtub nestled among shrubs and flowing vines. This is a luxury abode where one can truly run wild, to meander down the path along a babbling brook to the long beaches and tidal rushes of the Dunskey Glen.
The best part of Rose Blair is the outdoor bathtub, where you can luxuriate in complete privacy, surrounded by green hedges and meadows. A large garden and lawn provides ample room for picnics, and a fire pit will add warmth for those sundowner cocktails. To make it even more special, a wishing well is right in the garden so you can channel your inner Disney princess and sing to the birds.
Right outside Rose Blair is a lovely trail, typically swathed in bluebells, wild garlic, and numerous wild flowers, that courses alongside a babbling brook. The trail leads all the way to the Dunskey Fairy Glen, through matured tree tunnels, across an ancient stone bridge and a gushing waterfall. Two private bays mark the end of the path, revealing the ocean, beach and cliff lines in spectacular splendour.
The owner provides an amazing spread of a barbecue kit and grill, and a picnic basket for two, so you can explore the Estate or take lunch and champagne on the loch on one of their boats.
You’re not simply staying in a castle estate; you are staying on one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. Dunskey Estate boasts two waterfalls, two lochs, and three beaches, with the most magnificent walks along the craggy Scottish coastline. This pleasure ground will be completely yours to explore, including a private walled garden and a maze. You will have the time of your life! Beach 880 yards. Shop 8 miles, pub and restaurant 800 yards.
Rose Blair Lodge can be booked together with Wild Geese Lodge (UK31046), Fern Forest House (UK31047), The Royal Castle Apartment (ref UK31086) and Fawn’s Velvet (ref UK7261) to accommodate up to 30 guests.

"Idyllically set on a 3000-acre estate..."
Enjoying an idyllic situation on the 3000-acre Crofts Estate, surrounded by the Galloway Hills, these holiday cottages have enviable, dramatic views towards the Solway Firth and Cumbrian Hills beyond. Accessed along a private drive, and adjoining a cluster of well-maintained estate buildings, Stable Cottage (ref UUD) makes a romantic hideaway for two, offering stylishly furnished accommodation – its walls adorned with the original work of various Scottish artists. The larger Victorian detached Gardener’s Cottage (ref UXT) has been elegantly furnished, and features an attractive shared garden with a bridge over a burn and a small waterfall. Arkland Mill (ref STTZ) stands detached with a lovely large garden, a summerhouse and its own bridge over the stream. Marwhin House (SWWR) and Marwhin Cottage (ref SWWS) also stand detached, situated within 25 yards of each other, still with there own privacy, the latter two properties being set in gardens with a delightful stream and pond. Woodland walks and hillside trails radiate from the doorstep. Dumfries lies just 12 miles away, where there are plenty of shops, restaurants and museums, as well as a good theatre. Castle Douglas (8 miles) is a traditional market town with individual shops specialising in food and local produce. There are many beautiful beaches within easy reach along the Solway, and the National Trust Threave Gardens, 8 miles, makes for an interesting day out. Other tourist attractions in the area include the Galloway Kite Trail, the Galloway Forest Park and golf courses and museums in Dumfries. Village shop and pub within 4 miles.