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 a working farm, Middle Byre originally housed the cattle on the farm and has been delightfully converted into a comfortable and spacious holiday property perfect for families. The property is nestled in the Girthon Valley and is 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.
Middle Byre can be booked together with The Stable (CC537233), Valley View (CC537234), The Barn (CC537235) and The Bothy (UK5803) to accommodate up to 22 guests.

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.

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.

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.

Morton Mains Steading Cottage is a little gem of a cottage set in a peaceful rural location in beautiful Dumfries and Galloway, yet only a few miles from the lovely town of Thornhill. Morton Mains Steading Cottage has a delightful outlook over a picturesque pond and open farmland. The real hub of Morton Mains Steading is the stunning kitchen/dining room where the whole family can come together and enjoy meals chatting over the day’s events. The sitting room is warm and cosy with a lovely wood burne and the bedrooms all boast comfy beds. Morton Mains Steading Cottage will delight guests young and old. Whilst the cottage offers you a tranquil setting, it is only a short drive from many attractions and amenities in the area. Drumlanrig Castle along with its 90,000 acre estate is a fabulous day out and only a 10 minute drive away. Visit the castle and take a tour or just enjoy the grounds where you can try one of the championship mountain biking trails or you can just relax with a day’s fishing on the river. There are numerous activities for kids from the adventure playground (restricted opening) to ranger-led wildlife walks.

Further afield in this beautiful corner of Dumfries and Galloway, there are attractions in abundance from beautiful sandy beaches to dramatic cliff tops along the majestic Solway Coast. A visit to Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, a spectacular 1400-acre wild reserve is a must! With sailing, swimming, horse riding, fishing, golf, boat trips and water sports close by, there is something for everyone. A must is a trip to the Galloway Forest Park, one of the darkest places in the UK at night, in fact the UKs first Dark Sky Park.

A visit to this area of south west Scotland would not be complete without a day trip to the rugged coastline and seaside, with visits to the quaint villages and towns such as Kippford, Sandyhills, Southerness and Kirkcudbright.

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.

Culbae Cottage is a delightful rural cottage set quietly on a working farm surrounded by the stunning Galloway countryside. Completely renovated in 2022, Culbae Cottage offers spacious and modern rooms enhanced by quality furnishings.
The living room is inviting with comfortable sofas and beautiful décor, a particular feature of the room being the patio doors which open onto the secluded rear garden and flood the room with light. The kitchen/dining area boasts every modern appliance you will need to ensure your stay at Culbae Cottage is enjoyable. The elegance of Culbae Cottage continues into the bedrooms with sumptuous beds and crisp white linen ensuring a restful night’s sleep and both bedrooms have their own modern en-suites. The fully enclosed gardens at Culbae Cottage are perfect for children or dogs and on a fine day fling open the patio doors and enjoy dining al-fresco.
Culbae Cottage, whilst set in a delightful rural area amidst rolling farmland is just few miles from the small village of Whauphill and only five miles from the coast and the lovely little village of Port William. Port William, known as the ‘Machars of Galloway’ has a rugged coastline and boasts stunning views over Luce Bay to the Mull of Galloway and the Isle of Man. Situated in the heart of Galloway amidst some of the finest scenery in southern Scotland, it is ideally located to explore the breathtaking scenery and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
In Port William, enjoy a meal or glass of wine whilst looking out over the harbour. There are many and varied attractions around the area and visit to Wigtown, Scotland’s very own book town, where you can meander around the town enjoying the many and varied book shops. Another must is a visit to Bladnoch Distillery, established in 1814, which offers a large shop and guided tours. There are many walking and cycling trails, including the world famous 7Stanes trails in the Galloway Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on your doorstep, as well as golf, sailing, fishing, and riding. With a wealth of things to do in the area, Culbae Cottage is the perfect location.

Bramble Cottage is a delightful holiday cottage set quietly in the lovely small village of St John’s Town of Dalry, locally referred to as Dalry! Decorated beautifully throughout and with spacious, bright and airy rooms Bramble Cottage is a real home from home and is ideal for a family or indeed for a group of friends to meet up and enjoy not only the Cottage but the stunning surrounding area. A particular feature of Bramble Cottage is the large sitting room with patio doors which you can fling open on a fine day and make the most of the amazing panoramic views over the Ken Valley with the Galloway Hills in the distance. Not to be left out the large and extremely well-equipped kitchen/dining room is the perfect place to enjoy a home cooked meal discussing your adventures of the day! With three large bedrooms with quality beds and bedding you are sure to be guaranteed a good night’s sleep!
Dalry is a small village with a local convenience store and an excellent pub and restaurant (booking advised). Set amidst some of the most stunning countryside from Bramble Cottage you have access to wonderful walking, the Southern Upland Way, a coast-to-coast path, passes through Dalry. With many quiet country lanes, cycling is ever popular and for the adventurous cyclists there are several of the world famous 7stanes mountain bike tracks within easy reach. The area is well recognised for its clear skies and is one of the 12 best stargazing sites in the world, and the first Dark Sky Park in the UK. At Bramble Cottage there is a lovely garden where you can sit outside and enjoy a spot of star gazing.
Why not take a short drive into the bustling market town of Castle Douglas, where you will find many independent little shops selling anything from delicious cakes and artisan food to jewellery and clothes. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from too. This unspoilt area of Southwest Scotland offers magnificent scenery, fine sandy beaches and rocky coves to explore. There are also many traditional fishing villages and harbour ports where you can wander round.

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.