Dog-friendly Hotels Dumfries and Galloway

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.

One of a pair of original gardener’s cottages, Shore Cottage is a traditional stone holiday cottage with an enclosed garden only yards from the secluded, tree-lined, sandy beach at Rigg Bay. This charming cottage, on the edge of the original walled garden of Galloway House, retains many period features. Beachcombers will love this location, as will writers, painters, nature and garden visitors, activity seekers or honeymooners. Attractive walks for all ages and abilities start from your door, and you can head south on the shore path through primrose woods to Cruggleton Cliffs and the castle beyond. Or head north towards Garlieston village via the woodland garden and arboretum of Galloway House Gardens, famous for its spring display of azaleas and rhododendrons.
Golf and fishing are within easy reach, as are the Galloway Hills and the world class 7Stanes mountain bike trails. Wigtown, Scotland’s book town, as well as Whithorn, the cradle of early British Christianity, and the harbour villages of Isle of Whithorn and Port William, are a short drive or cycle ride away on quiet roads. Beach 50 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

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.

The Soup Kitchen has played an important role in village life and the local community of Borgue over the last 150 years or so. You won’t find soup served in The Soup Kitchen today but you will find a stunning holiday home to call yours for the week.
This upside down house sits on the edge of the village and enjoys superb views. One particular feature is the spacious living room with floor to ceiling windows and patio doors opening onto a covered veranda, which makes the most of the views and is perfect for sitting enjoying the morning sun over breakfast. From the living room there is a kitchen, again allowing you to enjoy the views and a lovely dining room which overlooks the village. Venture outside and you will not be disappointed, a hot tub is situated in a purpose built cabin so you can enjoy the bubbles in rain, sleet or snow.
Starting life as a house, then a Free Church and a school, it then became apparent that there was no need for two schools in such a small community so it became a store. On the 5th of December 1844 the idea came about to ensure every child in the community had the opportunity to have a hot meal during the months of October to March, hence the name “The Soup Kitchen”.
Borgue is a charming little village with a local pub serving food so no need to cook, allowing you to really relax and enjoy the area. The village is close to many beautiful beaches, coastal walks and stunning rolling countryside. A short drive away will take you to Kirkcudbright, a lovely town on the estuary which still has a bustling harbour. Stroll through the town and visit Broughton House, once home to the famed Scottish painter E. A. Hornel. Kirkcudbright is known as “the artists’ town”, having hosted generations of painters, craft-makers and artisans, a culture that is still thriving today. The town attracts visitors throughout the year, drawn in 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. The area has numerous walks available, from scenic coastal strolls to forest trails. With sailing, swimming, riding, fishing, golf, boat trips and water sports all close by there is sure to be 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, 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 3 miles. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant 50 yards.

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.

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.

Lovely detached cottage in superb hillside location overlooking Loch Ryan and Mull of Kintyre. Quality accommodation. Excellent walking, cycling and touring. Stunning views. Stranraer 7 miles.

A delightful cottage set in the town of Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Private hot tub. Pet friendly. Dumfries 16.8 miles.

This is a lovely semi-detached cottage found on the outskirts of Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Rural views. Hot tub. Enclosed garden. Castle Douglas 8.8 miles; Dumfries 16.8 miles; Kirkcudbright 18.3 miles.

A unique cottage sitting within a remote area of Scotland. In close reach of the coast. Woodburning stove. Romantic retreat. Wonderful views. Dalbeattie 6.1 miles; Dumfries 19.8 miles.