Dog-friendly Hotels Dumfries and Galloway

This 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.

Bengairn 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.

Swallows is the perfect retreat to unwind and relax. This delightful barn conversion is wonderfully situated along a quiet lane, in the serene Scottish countryside, and enjoys views over the neighbouring farmland and the owner’s 2½-acre landscaped garden. Converted with care and attention to detail, the open plan living space is particularly attractive with high ceilings, a picture window overlooking the courtyard and doors leading to the conservatory, which overlooks the private enclosed garden. The quality, calm and tranquillity are evident from the moment you walk through the door.

Beaches and a National Scenic Area are close by, as well as opportunities for hill walking, mountain biking and watersports. Visit renowned gardens, ancient woodland and enjoy the abundant wildlife. The area is well recognised for its clear skies, with it being one of the 12 Best Stargazing Sites in the world, and the first Dark Sky Park in the UK. Only a short drive away is Kirkcudbright, known as the artists’ town. It attracts visitors throughout the year drawn in by the harbour, 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. Shop and restaurant 5 miles, pub 2 miles.

Enjoying 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.

Situated only yards from the shoreline, this spacious, detached cottage has fantastic views over the sea to the Mull of Galloway and the Isle of Man. West Barr Cottage has a private garden and direct access to the beach. Known as the Machars of Galloway the area boasts a stunning coastline with amazing cliff top walks. These include Burrow 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, while ravens and peregrine falcons are regularly seen around the cliffs. Out to sea there are dolphins, porpoise and minke whale to spot and tours can also be taken from the lighthouse. There are many historical areas of interest to visit and the Whithorn Visitor Centre is a mine of information. The area is a walkers and cyclists paradise with the Southern Upland Way passing close by and offering everything from gentle walks to challenging hikes. The town of Stranraer is 20 miles and offers shops, restaurants and pubs and the town of Newton Stewart is also 20 miles away in the opposite direction. There are many coastal villages to explore, and sea fishing, golf and horse riding are all available locally. Day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. Beach 30 yards. Shop and restaurant 2 miles, pub 5 miles.
West Barr Cottage can be booked together with West Barr Farmhouse (UK5766) to accommodate up to 12 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.

This cosy, detached holiday property, originally the Old Smiddy, is located in Glasserton, close to the lovely former Royal Burgh of Whithorn. This lovely holiday home can accommodate up to four guests and is pet friendly, with a dog run and outdoor hose available in the fenced and gated, secure garden. The town is famed for having the first recorded Christian church in Scotland built by St. Ninian in about 397. The ruins of Whithorn Priory and the museum are well worth a visit. The harbour village of the Isle of Whithorn is nearby, as well as Wigtown, known as ’Scotland’s Book Town’. Why not take a stroll along nearby Monreith Beach.
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. Visit the Interpretation Centre where you can view by video camera the Galloway ospreys during their nesting season (April to August), or the local wetlands for the rest of the year.
Take a look at the distillery at Bladnoch, established in 1814, which offers a large shop and guided tours, or meander around Wigtown appreciating the high quality gift shops, small gallery, numerous book shops and many cafés. The southern Scotland regions boasts an exceptional number of activities, from spending a quiet afternoon with a rod and reel beside one of the area’s many excellent rivers, or pushing yourself to the limit along a challenging 7 Stanes cycle track. 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 beautiful and exotic gardens. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

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.

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

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.