Dog-friendly Hotels Dumfries and Galloway

Situated 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.

This charming semi-detached cottage, which was once the village smithy, is in the tiny hamlet of Carronbridge just two miles from the broad streets of Thornhill with its good local shops, pubs and restaurants. Very comfortable, bright and welcoming yet retaining original features such as working shutters, it provides a delightful base from which to get to know this fascinating region. The extensive grounds of Drumlanrig Castle are just two miles away, where there are lovely walks and the castle to visit. There are activities for everyone nearby, walks from the doorstep along the riverside, a playpark in the village, golf, fishing, hill walking and even panning for gold at Wanlockhead. Dumfries is 20 miles and the coast at Sandyhills around an hours drive.

This charming, detached holiday cottage is on a quiet country lane, situated on a working farm and is ideally located to explore the beauty of Dumfries and Galloway and Scotland’s Border Country with picturesque towns and villages set in a landscape of rolling hills, wild moorland and meandering rivers. The historic cities of Edinburgh, Carlisle and cosmopolitan Glasgow are easily reached within an hour. Dumfries and Galloway boasts rugged coastlines and secluded sandy beaches with many beautiful gardens to explore. Enjoy world-class mountain biking, walking routes, riding, fishing on the River Annan, 2 miles, and birdwatching all within easy reach. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

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.

This 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.

Curlew Cottage is situated in the quiet village of Creetown amongst the rolling Galloway Hills, where the very best of Scotland’s countryside is on your doorstep, from rolling hills and fine forests and lochs, to sandy beaches and a spectacular coastline. Gardens here are special, with gems like nearby Threave and the Logan Botanic Gardens near Stranraer. Palm trees and many other exotic plants thrive under the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. The Galloway Forest Park is close by with an abundance of wildlife including red deer range, wild goat park and red squirrel feeding stations. Buzzards are a common sight and you may be lucky enough to see golden eagles and red kites too. The park has been awarded status as the first Dark Sky Park in the UK. With over 7000 visible stars to look at, you are spoilt for choice.

Dumfries and Galloway offers many picturesque towns and villages to explore. The market town of Newton Stewart is located just 6 miles away and offers a good selection of independent shops, supermarkets, a leisure centre, a cinema and many restaurants. There are also some great walks to enjoy, along with music and walking festivals. Kirkcudbright, locally known as the artists town, offers many festivals throughout the year including Scottish nights, classic car rallies, historic walks, a medieval fayre, a jazz festival and a spectacular Tattoo, as well as a good selection of pubs and restaurants. Castle Douglas, Scotland’s food town, and Wigtown, Scotland’s book town, are also nearby. There is also a large variety of outdoor pursuits available including fishing, horse riding, cycling, golf and watersports. Kirroughtree Mountain Biking Centre is just 3 miles from cottage. Electric vehicle charging point 550 yards. Beach 7 miles. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.

This spacious, detached cottage sits within 3 acres of gardens and is located 3 miles from the village of Portpatrick, with restaurants, shops and picturesque fishing harbour. Stranraer is also just a short drive away and is a bustling town with fantastic amenities. The Old Schoolhouse is an old, rural family home and has some quirks that add to the charm, and is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

This beautiful location offers a stunning coastline, sandy beaches, rocky coves and windswept cliffs. The area is a walker’s paradise with everything from gentle walks to challenging hikes on offer, amidst picturesque landscapes.

Wildlife is abundant here, with many unusual species including pine martens, golden eagles, ospreys, red deer, red squirrels and the natterjack toad all to be spotted. The RSPB Mull of Galloway Visitor Centre is home to thousands of nesting birds dotted along the cliffs and is well worth a visit.

Sea fishing from Portpatrick and both trout and salmon fishing can be enjoyed close by. Other country pursuits are available including shooting and horse riding, and golf is available with the Dunskey and Lagganmore courses both close by. Beach 4½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

Enjoying a wonderful setting only a few yards from the harbour in the picturesque centre of Portpatrick, this spacious semi-detached house with sea views offers an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area. From the challenging uplands of the Galloway Hills to gentle seaside trails, rolling moors and dramatic cliff-top walks, the Southern Upland Way passing close by presents the ideal focus from which to enjoy the many and varied shorter walks within the region. 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, 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 both trout and salmon fishing close by. Other country pursuits are available including shooting and horse riding. Golfers will feel equally at home in this area with Stranraer, Portpatick and Lagganmore golf courses within a 20-minute drive. Turnberry, with its world famous course, is only 45 minutes away and also offers a spa, off road driving, quad biking activities and restaurant facilities.

For the 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 for those happy to travel slightly further afield, there is the Galloway Sailing Centre where visitors can also try windsurfing, canoeing and power boating. From Stranraer, 15 miles away. there is the ferry service to Ireland for a day trip. Beach 200 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 250 yards.

This stunning, detached lodge boasts a spacious living area on the upper floor, which opens out to a large deck where you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea and beyond. Situated close to the pretty harbour village of Portpatrick, Chestnut Lodge provides ideal accommodation for a large group of family or friends looking to holiday together. There is access to a beautiful sandy beach a 15-minute walk from the lodge.

With a stunning coastline, beaches, rocky coves and windswept cliffs, the area is a walker’s paradise with everything from gentle walks to challenging hikes. There is easy access to many of the attractions that ’The Rhins’ has to offer. Visit the beautiful display of flowers at Logan Botanic Gardens or explore the Galloway Forest with its exceptional walking and cycling; the famous 7Stanes cycle trail runs through it. The forest is also a designated Dark Sky Park. Wildlife is abundant with many unusual species including pine martens, golden eagle, ospreys, red deer, red squirrels and the natterjack toad.
The RSPB Mull of Galloway Visitor Centre with thousands of nesting birds on the cliffs, is well worth a visit. Sea fishing can be enjoyed in Portpatrick and both trout and salmon fishing are available close by. Other country pursuits available include shooting and riding. Golf is available with the Dunskey and Lagganmore courses both close by. Beach ½ mile. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Buckle House is set in the heart of the small thriving town of Gatehouse of Fleet, in this delightful and peaceful corner of Dumfries and Galloway. Buckle House gets its name from its past as it was once a shoe shop! This terraced house is warm and inviting from the moment you step through the door. From the cosy living room with comfortable sofas at the front of the house, to the snug where you can relax, heading into the lovely kitchen dining room with views over the garden. The bedrooms on the first floor are tranquil ensuring a good night sleep. The garden is just heaven for your four-legged friend, totally enclosed yet with direct access through a gate at the bottom onto Garries Park where you will find the paths that take you into Cally Woods as well as a bike shed to safely store your bikes.
There are many attractions in and around the town including the Mill on the Fleet Visitor Centre and Cardoness Castle. For a more laid back day there are delightful beaches within only a few minutes’ drive, including Mossyard and Carrick. The area has numerous walks available, from scenic coastal walks to forest trails. With sailing, swimming, horse riding, fishing, golf, boat trips and water sports close by, there is something for everyone.
Warmed by the Gulf Stream, there are many beautiful gardens to visit, including Threave Garden (National Trust). Close to the Galloway Forest Park, home to the first Dark Sky Park in Europe, and central to 5 of the 7Stanes at Kirroughtree Forest and Dalbeattie Forest, it is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Kirroughtree has some of the best technical singletrack mountain bike trails in Scotland. Only a short drive away, Kirkcudbright, known as ’the artists’ town’, attracts visitors throughout the year drawn by the harbour, the 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 5¼ miles. Shop and restaurant 100 yards, pub 300 yards.
Buckle House can be booked together with No 7 (ref UK31891) to accommodate up to 9 guests.