Dog-friendly Hotels Dumfries and Galloway

Sympathetically renovated, this 18th-century stone-built cottage has its own waterwheel and lies at the edge of the small hamlet of Glenmidge. Semi-detached, it lies next to the owner’s home by the Glenmidge Burn, where the odd glimpse of an otter can be seen. Surrounded by hills and forest, the area has abundant wildlife including roe deer, foxes, badgers, tawny and barn owls, buzzards and red kites. There are trail paths for walking, running and mountain biking on the doorstep, but there are also flat routes and quiet country roads along the valley (maps are available in the cottage).
Less than a mile away up the glen stands the remains of the Lag Tower, which was built by the wealthy Grierson family in the 15th century and was last occupied by Sir Robert Grierson towards the end of the 17th century. He was best remembered as a notorious persecutor of the covenanters, and his headstone is in a local graveyard.
Situated on the Kirkpatrick Macmillan Cycle Trail, the cottage is only 5 miles away from the old Courthill Smiddy at Keir, where Kirkpatrick Macmillan invented the first pedal-driven bicycle in the world. A replica is in the museum 3 miles further on at the 17th-century Drumlanrig Castle at Thornhill. Open to the public, the castle has one hundred and twenty rooms, seventeen turrets and four towers, and is home to the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. As well as beautiful grounds and river walks, it boasts one of the 7stanes cycle centres, with the Ae Forest close by.
Dalswinton Loch is 4 miles away with lovely walks, and there is a replica of the first paddle-driven steam boat in the world which made its first journey on the loch. The famous poet, Robert Burns, was one of the first passengers on board; he lived and worked the farm at Ellisland, where he wrote Auld Lang Syne and Tam o’ Shanter. Ellisland Farm is a museum and visitor centre, 3 miles away.
There are several golf courses to choose from in the area: Thornhill is 7 miles, and Dumfries is 9 miles, and both offer shops and plenty of restaurants and pubs. The highest golf course in Scotland is at Leadhills, near Wanlockhead, which is also the highest village in Scotland. Lying 17 miles away, it is famous for the mining of gold and lead, and you can visit the mining museum there. The River Nith and the River Cairn are both about 2 miles away in opposite directions, both being famous for salmon, sea trout and wild brown trout fishing. Day and season tickets are available to visitors. Each fisherman is permitted to keep two salmon per season. Loch fishing for trout and course fish are also available nearby. Beach 22 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

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.

Airyhemming Farm is a detached two storey house situated in peaceful countryside with open views over farmland to the rolling Galloway Hills. There is ample space for families with particularly attractive features such as the farmhouse kitchen with Aga and the delightful sun room to the front offering glorious views. The property also boasts its own stretch of water for brown trout fishing. If fishing is not for you then why not relax in the hot tub! The charming village of Glenluce has local shops and pubs. This area of Dumfries and Galloway boasts rugged coastlines and secluded sandy beaches which benefit from the warmth of the passing Gulf stream and 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 explore, including the world renowned Logan Botanical Gardens. The area boasts many pretty little ports like Sandhead, Portpatrick and the RSPB Scotland Mull of Galloway nature reserve where thousands of seabirds nest in the cliff face during the spring and summer. Walking is a delight, whether clifftop, beaches, hills or forests and the Southern Upland Way passes close by. Also a cyclist’s paradise with the world famous 7Stanes within easy reach. If you prefer shooting or golf then there are many facilities nearby including the County course just two miles away. The town of Stranraer which is only 10 miles away offers a wider range of shops, pubs and restaurants. Nearby Cairnryan is home to the Stena Line ferry making a day trip to Ireland a great day out. Beach 2 miles. Shop and pub 2 miles, restaurant 3 miles.
Airyhemming Farm can be booked together with Airyhemming Dairy (UK5201) and Kelbrook (UK5737) to accommodate up to 22 guests.

River Cottage is a typical Galloway terraced cottage and stands across from the lovely River Bladnoch, with a children’s play area 110 yards away. It offers a cosy interior and a lovely enclosed garden with views over open farmland beyond. Whilst retaining the outward appearance of a Galloway cottage, the interior has been completely updated making it a comfortable holiday retreat. A lovely wood burning stove in the lounge is particularly attractive. The garden is a delight for both dogs and children being completely enclosed and there are facilities to wash bikes outside.
Set in a quiet location in a row of houses, the cottage is a short stroll from the country pub and restaurant, and within a few minutes’ drive of Wigtown, the Book Town, and close to Newton Stewart where there are many excellent shops and places to eat. With the Galloway Forest and Dark Skies Park close by, the cottage is ideally placed to explore the beauty of south west Scotland. Perfect for walkers, golfers and cyclists, with Glentrool, Kirroughtree and the 7Stanes mountain bike trails nearby, as well as a great choice of golf courses. There is an abundance of fishing, bird watching, beautiful and exotic gardens, many rocky coves, sandy beaches and quaint villages to explore along the Machars Peninsula.

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.

These two semi-detached holiday cottages are situated approximately 1 mile off the public road up a private drive, next to the owners’ home and small working farm in a very quiet, peaceful location, which is ideal for secluded retreats or as a central touring base to explore Dumfries & Galloway. The cottages are similar in style and design and Myrtle Cottage (ref 28177) is a restored barn conversion consisting of a traditional granite byre with an architect designed larch clad extension featuring a welcoming woodburner. They are located near the Solway Coast and close to the world-class ‘7 Stanes’ mountain bike facility at nearby Dalbeattie, 10 minutes’ drive. Also in the vicinity is the Galloway Forest Park which is one of just a handful of ‘Dark Sky Parks’ in the western world in recognition of spectacular sightings of the starry skies it affords. The region’s capital, Dumfries, is a 25 minute drive, and is known for its links with Robert Burns; visitors may explore his house, sample a dram in Burns’ favourite hostelry - The Globe Inn, or find out more about him at the Robert Burns Centre. Other nearby areas of interest are Colvend Golf Course and Southerness Golf Course, both 10 minutes away, and horse riding facilities at Barend Riding School at Sandyhills, just 5 minutes’ drive and fishing. Along the coast, discover unspoilt villages, dramatic coastlines, sandy beaches and rocky coves. There is wildlife in abundance with an RSPB Mersehead Nature Reserve nearby. Whitecroft itself has an abundance of wildlife such as roe deer, red squirrels and plentiful birdlife including the majestic red kite. During times of agricultural activity (lambing, shearing, hay making, feeding calves) the owners are more than happy for visitors to view or even have a try. This can be arranged during your stay. In addition to being an ideal venue for a traditional spring/summer break, the cottages make for a perfect cosy autumn/winter break. Constructed and insulated to the highest standards with the benefit of a technologically advanced biomass boiler, you can enjoy the added bonus of central heating 365 days a year, meaning whatever the weather you’re guaranteed to be warm and cosy for no additional cost. Shop, pub and restaurant 6 miles.

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.

This detached barn conversion is set in a rural area with a games room and a private tennis court, which boasts stunning views over open countryside and is situated in an ideal location to explore South West Scotland. The holiday cottage is located close to the bustling town of Dumfries, which dates back 800 years and has connections with the poet Robert Burns, with many shops, eateries and pubs. The area is popular with cyclists and walkers, and the cottage is within easy reach of several of the seven Stanes mountain bike centres. Attractions include Drumlanrig Castle, the home of the Duke of Buccleuch, and Queensberry, with a superb art collection, beautiful gardens and extensive country park. Nearby is Thornhill with shops, Castle Douglas, a food and market town and Kirkcudbright, famous for art and a selection of quality golf courses. Within easy reach of the Solway Coast. Also nearby is Mabie Farm Park with quad bikes, trampolines and AstroTurf slides. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant 6 miles.

This spacious, detached holiday cottage boasts stunning, elevated views over open countryside and is located close to the village of Dalry. Located on the Southern Upland Way, Scotland’s coast to coast long distance walk, it is an ideal base for hill walking, fishing, bird watching, sightseeing or one of the many country pursuits available locally. Central to five of the 7 Stanes, it proves a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Close to the Dark Skies Park, one of only four in the Western world. It is situated just 16 miles north of Castle Douglas and only 30 miles south of Ayr. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

"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.