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 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 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.

Lime tree Cottage is a delightful country cottage set amidst quiet country lanes and stunning scenery, yet only a 10-minute drive to the county town of Dumfries. Lime tree Cottage has been modernised and upgraded in 2021, and a particularly attractive feature of this lovely little cottage is the open-plan living space to the rear with patio doors opening onto a secluded and private garden. With the doors wide open when the weather is fine, it’s the ideal place to sit back and relax. All on the ground floor and with a second living room, two bedrooms and a modern shower room, there is plenty of space for all the family to enjoy – your four legged friends too!
From Lime tree Cottage it will be a delight for the walkers amongst you as you are surrounded by miles of quiet country lanes to explore. The area surrounding Lime tree Cottage is just as enticing, as this lovely corner of South West Scotland is known for its rugged beauty from beautiful sandy beaches and cliff top walks to forest trails. Whilst staying at Lime tree Cottage, visit the majestic Drumlanrig Castle with its 90,000-acre estate which boasts miles of beautiful walks and acres of ornate gardens. Not only can you take a tour of the castle, but you can experience championship mountain biking trails, fish for salmon and the kids can enjoy the adventure playground and ranger-led wildlife walks. It really is a day out to remember.
The Galloway Forest Park is an amazing place to visit where you can enjoy great walking in the rolling Galloway glens and hills with breathtaking loch and mountain views, and as the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, one of the darkest places in the UK, you can enjoy the starry night skies.

Gilnockie is a stunning architect designed lodge, set in a peaceful location in the beautiful and popular coastal village of Kippford. The property is set above the village providing lovely views of the estuary. The living area is particularly attractive with large picture windows to the front, impressive high vaulted ceiling and a lovely wood burner, perfect for those chillier nights. The patio doors in the dining room lead out to a covered terrace. The master bedroom on the ground floor also boasts a covered terrace where you can enjoy your early morning cup of tea, it’s the perfect way to start your day.
Kippford is a pretty little village on the Solway Coast. A short stroll from the property takes you into the centre of the village with two excellent pubs/restaurants, a tea room and a small shop selling local gifts. Take a walk along the sea front and over the Jubilee Path to Rockcliffe, another pretty little village just around the coast. Sailing is at the hub of life in the village and each August culminates with Kippford Week, a week of racing and excitement on the estuary for all ages.
Further afield this beautiful corner of Dumfries and Galloway has much to offer. Try your hand at the 7 Stanes mountain biking courses at Dalbeattie Forest, the zip wire and mountain balling at Laggan. Enjoy the many historic castles, National Trust gardens and the RSPB sites in the region. For the younger guests there are ice cream farms and even a chocolate factory where you can make your own chocolate, so there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Beach 4 miles. Shop 2 miles and pub serving food ½ mile.

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.

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.

The Byre is quite simply a stunning barn conversion, which is part of a courtyard of three luxury holiday cottages converted in 2020. With their eye for detail, the owners have transformed these former farm buildings into a little bit of heaven in the most glorious of surroundings. Grobdale of Girthon is a small farm on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park, where you can enjoy peace and tranquillity yet be easily accessible to all this beautiful corner of south west Scotland has to offer.

The Byre really offers the ultimate in luxury living, from the living room with comfy sofas and cosy wood burners, and a well equipped kitchen, to the sumptuous bedrooms and modern bathrooms. Outside, nestled in the beautiful rolling Galloway Hills, there are 65 acres for you to explore and provide a tranquil escape. Without doubt, a stay at Grobdale of Girthon will want you coming back for more!

Whilst set in a beautiful rural location, Grobdale of Girthon is only 6 miles from the picturesque town of Gatehouse of Fleet, which has a variety of excellent eating places, two very well stocked shops and a pharmacy. There are many attractions in and around the town including the Mill on the Fleet Visitor Centre and Cardoness Castle. There are also delightful beaches within a few minutes drive of the town, including Mossyard and Cardoness.

With mountain biking, fishing, scenic coastal walks and forest trails, golf and water sports close by, there is something for everyone. A visit to Kirkcudbright is a must! Known as ’the artists’ town’, it attracts visitors throughout the year drawn 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. Beach 10 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 6 miles.
The properties were awarded ’Best Farmyard Cottage Getaway Dumfries and Galloway for 2023’ by SME news.
The Byre can be booked together with The Dairy (ref UK7146) and The Croft (ref UK7147) to accommodate up to 10 guests.