Dog-friendly Hotels Dumfries and Galloway

The Lodge on the Beach is a two bedroomed log cabin set in probably one of the most stunning and truly unique locations in South West Scotland. Nestled on the shores of Auchenmalg Bay on an eight acre plot and just yards from your door is the family friendly beach. With its magical location, The Lodge on the Beach offers you a wonderful relaxing escape for all the family. With the views, the beautiful sunrises, the sublime sunsets over the Mull of Galloway, the walks, and sound of the waves just yards away, you will be blown away by the scenery and the location.
The Lodge on the Beach is ideally placed to explore the wider and unspoilt area of South West Scotland if you can drag yourself away. A very short stroll along the beach takes you to a delightful country pub and restaurant if you don’t want to cook after your day out exploring. A few minutes away by car is Glenluce, where there is a local shop selling essentials and 20 minutes away Stranraer offers a greater range of shops including Supermarkets. This area of Dumfries and Galloway boasts rugged coastlines and secluded sandy beaches as well as inland forests and hills making walking a delight and for the cyclists the world famous 7Stanes mountain biking trails are close by at Kirroughtree. The Lodge on the Beach is an ideal base for a Golfing Holiday. With Wigtownshire County Club less than ten minutes from the Lodge, and South West Scotland boasts twenty three Golf courses. The icing on the cake is that just over an hour away there is Turnberry.
Along the coast is the lovely little village of Port William, known as the “Machars of Galloway” and of course you must go and find “The Man” and get a photograph with him. As well as Port William, you can also explore quaint villages such as Sandhead, Portpatrick and the Isle of Whithorn. A must is a visit to Wigtown, which is famous for being Scotland’s National Book Town, a book lovers haven. The Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s most southerly point and home to the RSPB nature reserve, where thousands of seabird’s nests on the cliff face during spring and summer is definitely worth a visit. Beach 1 mile.

Situated on the outskirts of a quiet village, in the heart of 7Stanes Mountain Biking country, this detached, converted former dairy is set on a small holding and boasts stunning views over open countryside. This holiday cottage is ideally located to explore local history, with castles, abbeys, mansions and ruins. Dumfries and Galloway boasts rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, offering an ideal base from which to explore the Machars Peninsula and the Galloway Hills. The historic cities of Edinburgh and Carlisle, cosmopolitan Glasgow and the North Lake District are easily reached within an hour. Fishing is available on the River Annan at Hoddom, and there is golfing close by at Hoddom and Powfoot, as well as all the courses Dumfries and Galloway has to offer. Beach 5 miles. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Situated in the seaside village of Southerness, this detached property is a mere 100 yards from the sandy beach and provides spacious accommodation from which to explore south west Scotland. Located on the spectacular Solway coast near Dumfries and close to the stunning Galloway Forest Park, Britain’s largest forest park, it is a popular area for walkers and cyclists with world class mountain biking at Dalbeattie 7 Stanes nearby. With unspoilt villages, dramatic coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky coves, magnificent gardens, castles and ancient monuments to explore. Wildlife is in abundance with the RSPB nature reserve just along the coast. Championship golf course 300 yards away and fishing, riding and sailing are all available. Sweetheart Abbey, Drumlanrig Castle and Gardens, and Mabie Farm Park are all within easy reach. Beach 100 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

Surrounded by similar cottages in Old Minnigaff, on the edge of Newton Stewart, this cosy, character filled, terraced riverbank cottage is located in a quiet courtyard. It is just a short stroll from the property to all the local amenities including pubs, restaurants and shops. The garden is set right on the riverbank and is perfect for spending endless hours watching the local wildlife, including kingfishers and otters, or just enjoying a glass of wine as the sun sets over the river. The wood burner in the living room and huge picture window means that even when it is raining you can still enjoy the outlook over the River Cree.
Newton Stewart lies on the southern edge of the Galloway Forest Park, which was Scotland’s first Dark Sky Park. If you go for a walk there in the day time you may meet red deer and wild goats that inhabit the area. The area is fantastic for walking, with rolling glens, forests and stunning coastline paths. For bikers there are two of the world famous 7stanes mountain bike trial centres close by at Glentrool and Kirroughtree. Scotland’s ’National Book Town’, Wigtown, is only 7 miles away. This quaint town has a large number of book shops where you can spend hours searching for that perfect holiday read. Wigtown Bay is also the largest Local Nature Reserve in Britain, with a wealth of wildlife, making it ideal for birdwatching. Kirkcudbright, Gatehouse of Fleet and Castle Douglas are also all close by. Beach 7 miles. Shop 300 yards, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

Woodend is a delightful, semi-detached cottage, situated on the fringes of the ancient Royal Burgh of Dumfries, in a semi-rural location, but with easy access to all amenities in the town. This lovely cottage is beautifully presented with all rooms being on the ground floor. The living room is one of the best features of this quaint cottage, with double doors that open right onto the secluded rear garden boasting beautiful views.

Dumfries, the county town of beautiful Dumfries and Galloway, is the ideal place to base yourself. The town itself has much to offer including numerous museums, the Camera Obscura, Robert Burns’ house or mausoleum - Scotland’s most famous poet spent the last years of his life here. Not far from the town, a visit to Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, a spectacular 1400-acre wild reserve, will keep you busy all day no matter what time of year. If you want to explore more of this beautiful area, there are attractions in abundance, from beautiful sandy beaches to dramatic cliff tops along the majestic Solway Coast. 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 National Trust Threave Gardens. Close to the Galloway Forest Park, home to the first Dark Sky Park in Europe, and central to five of the 7Stanes, at Mabie and Dalbeattie Forests, it is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Beach 16½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

The Nook at Balcary is a beautiful detached cottage with a modern open plan living area boasting floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors opening on to the most fantastic views of Auchencairn Bay and Hestan Island.

Everything at The Nook at Balcary is perfect from the moment you step inside. Not only will the view amaze you, but the attention to detail throughout is stunning from the comfortable sofas, the large walk-in shower to the sumptuous bed. On fine nights, sit outside in the most peaceful of locations watching the stars and enjoying the sound of the sea. The perfect place to relax.

The area surrounding The Nook at Balcary is just as impressive. From your doorstep take a walk over the cliffs, or a short drive will take you to many lovely little towns and villages including Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright, Kippford and Rockcliffe to name but a few.

This corner of south west Scotland, warmed by the Gulf Stream, also has many beautiful gardens to visit, including Threave Gardens (National Trust). Close to the Galloway Forest Park, the first Dark Sky Park in the UK, and central to 5 of the 7Stanes, it is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Beach 50 yards. Shop 2 miles, hotel bar and restaurant next door.

Situated on a working cattle farm, this pair of detached cottages are in the ideal location to explore Dumfries and Galloway, from the Galloway Hills and the Galloway Forest Dark Skies Park, with many hidden lochs, burns and waterfalls, to the beautiful coastline with sandy beaches, rocky coves and picturesque villages. You may even be lucky and spot seals and minke whales, and will most certainly see a host of seabirds.

The area is steeped in history and the landscape diverse, a haven for artists, birdwatchers and walkers. The Mull of Galloway, with its lighthouse and grass topped visitor centre, is Scotland’s most southerly point with amazing views of Ireland, England, the Isle of Man and Scotland! Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve is the largest local reserve in the UK. It has internationally recognised, significant numbers of pink-footed geese, greylag geese, many species of duck and wading birds, visiting in autumn and winter.

Horse riding, golf, sailing, diving and numerous walks are available in the area and with its famously mild climate and the balmy influence of the Gulf Stream, Galloway is home to some of the most beautiful and exotic gardens. Beach 3 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

Mid Bishopton Cottage (ref UK10910) can be booked together with Cotters Cottage (ref UK10922) to accommodate up to 8 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.

This spacious, detached house lies next to the owner’s home, in the quiet village of New Luce, with a shop and a village pub including restaurant. It provides a peaceful retreat for you and your family after a day out exploring the surrounding area. The area is a walker’s and cyclist’s paradise, with the village being directly on the Southern Upland Way, offering everything from gentle walks to challenging hikes. Only a short drive from the coast, this property is an ideal location from which to enjoy the lovely beaches. The area boasts a stunning coastline, with amazing cliff top walks, including Burrrow Head, famed for being the location of the closing scene in the cult movie ’The Wicker Man’, to the Isle of Whithorn, a walk well worth the effort. There are beaches galore to explore, everything from sandy to rugged rocky beaches.
The Mull of Galloway is home to the RSPB nature reserve and is part of a much larger Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation for its seabirds, plants and coastal habitats. Here you can see many species of birdlife, the cliffs being home to guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes, whilst ravens and peregrine falcons are regularly seen around the cliffs. Out to sea there are dolphins, porpoise and minke whale to spot. Tours can also be taken at the lighthouse. The town of Stranraer is 9 miles away and offers shops, restaurants and pubs. There are also many coastal villages to explore in the area. Sea fishing, golf and horse riding are all available locally. Day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. Beach 7 miles. Shop 250 yards, pub 200 yards and restaurant 5 miles.

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