Dog-friendly Hotels Dumfries and Galloway

Situated on the 6000-acre Lincluden Estate, these three detached properties are presented to the highest standards. They are located in remote settings on the edge of the moors with delightful woodland walks and hillside trails up into forests. It is an area hugely popular with walkers and cyclists of all abilities, and the Dalbeattie 7 Stanes cycling trail is also close by. There are many sandy beaches and forest trails to explore and many lovely gardens nearby as well for those seeking a slower pace of recreation.
The surrounding area offers a tremendous range of activities for the visitor. Golf courses, sailing, horse riding, cycling and walking are all available close by, and there are tennis courts and swimming-pools in nearby Kirkcudbright, Castle Douglas and Dumfries. Fishing is available by arrangement at Glen Kiln Loch with the first day free of charge (any days after are chargeable at £8 per adult and £4 per child/OAP). Many quaint villages await exploration including the coastal villages of the Isle of Whithorn, Port William (known as the Machars of Galloway and presented with the Pride of Galloway award) and the popular village of Portpatrick with stunning views over the North Channel to the Irish coast. A trip to Ireland from Stranraer also makes for a good day out. Dumfries, with shops, restaurants, museums and theatre, lies 10 miles away, while Castle Douglas, Scotland’s Food Town (8 miles), is a traditional market town with shops specialising in local produce. There are also many beautiful beaches for holidaymakers to enjoy. Shop 5 miles, pub 5½ miles.

A warm welcome awaits you at Robin’s Nest, together with Heron’s View and The Byre, three delightful holiday cottages at High Kirkland Holiday Cottages.

Robin’s Nest is a spacious cottage, perfect for that family get together with the large dining table perfect to sit and relax over a meal, whilst the sitting room is light and airy with its large picture window overlooking open farmland to the Galloway Hills in the distance. If peace and tranquillity are what you are looking for, Robin’s Nest is perfect. Not only do you have the peace of Robin’s Nest, but you can walk into the picturesque town of Kirkcudbright and take a stroll round the harbour and pop into the numerous shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants, and the impressive ruins of MacLellan’s Castle. The best of both worlds!

Known as the Artist’s Town, Kirkcudbright attracts visitors throughout the year drawn 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. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 17 guests.

Situated on Sandy Lane and within a stone’s throw of the beach, Sherauchie is a wonderful large detached bungalow perfect for all the family to enjoy!
Sherauchie is beautifully decorated throughout, modern and spacious. The living room is stunning with amazing features including a very unique fireplace, high vaulted ceiling and beams. Sherauchie boasts three large double bedrooms, the master with en-suite shower room whilst the twin room has a walk-in wet room. The large garden is completely enclosed and the perfect spot to enjoy some dining al fresco!
Sherauchie is situated in the popular coastal village of Southerness and has undoubtedly some of the most outstanding views of the Solway Firth to the English Lake District. Explore the beach and the striking white landmark of the lighthouse, built in 1749, or challenge yourself on the championship golf course, both only a short stroll from Sherauchie. Further afield the area has something to offer everyone from walking, sailing and mountain biking at the world famous 7Stanes range at Mabie Forest or Dalbeattie Forest. With an abundance of historical sites throughout the region and many fun filled activities for adults and children alike, from adventure playgrounds, Farm Parks to Gin Tasting! The area is also 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 therefore after a day exploring either the beach or the region sit back and relax marvelling at the starry dark skies. Beach 1 mile.

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 pretty, grade II listed farmhouse is ideal for families or groups of friends. Set in a peaceful rural location overlooking fields it is the perfect retreat. The Castle Loch walk can be accessed by turning right out of the courtyard and is ideal for walks with children and dogs. The house is ideally situated for exploring, with handy transport links. With its golden, sweeping beaches, rugged forests, pretty coastal villages and historic houses and castles Dumfries and Galloway is an often overlooked treasure that is well worth exploring. When the sun is shining there are lovely walks taking in the stunning scenery, alongside world class mountain bike trails and nature reserves of international importance, due to the bird species they attract. Even in poorer weather there’s still a multitude of things to enjoy from Robert Burns’ house, the Camera Obsura, the Annadale Distillery to the magical Moat Brae; the birthplace of Peter Pan. Beach 15 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

A fascinating fusion unfurls inside an Edwardian Castle in the form of this apartment. Hidden down a private drive in deep Scottish countryside, at first glance, the apartment is grandly presented inside a 19th-century castle, but a closer inspection reveals contemporary features dovetailed into the original design, cleverly expanding the space and light to create a luxury, self-catering homestay that’s bespoke down to the last detail. Please be sure to request the right number of bedrooms by reserving for the correct number of guests. Four bedrooms have kingsize beds, and two bedrooms have single beds. Three bathrooms contain bath and shower, and three bathrooms contain shower only.
Traditional vintage charm combines with boutique flair inside, with many secret spots to sit and absorb the tranquil grounds. Every effort has been made to preserve original features of the castle, including the stripped-back blond hardwood floor, and the art deco spiral stairs case from a Glaswegian company at the height of its industrial heyday. History buffs will particularly delight at the original furniture, art works and artifacts dotted throughout the space. With its double-floor loft style, the apartment will appeal to those with passion for architecture and history. Persian rugs cover the gorgeous reclaimed wood floor, original to the castle. An arcadia mural stands prominently in the living room and family space. Mid-century leather sofa and gold coffee table, alongside leather rocking chairs and an upcycled wood burner will make sure you lounge in true Mad-Men style. A modern kitchen with muted jade colours and breakfast bar will encourage lengthy lingerings alongside poached eggs. With a nod to mid-century inspiration, ghost chairs around the dining area opens up the space to connect the kitchen and the living area. Six bedrooms make slumberous havens. Plush wall-to-wall carpets are throughout the top floor, alongside four bathrooms. The collection of beds in the apartment is definitely something to write home about: Italianate canopy bed, 18th-century antique mahogany single beds, linen-upholstered and brass-studded rococo bed, and the grand colonial style reclaimed wood bed will ensure the sweetest sleeps.
The historic Edwardian castle estate lies in the heart of picturesque Portpatrick. 2000 acres of glen walks, forests, beaches, lochs, gardens and waterfalls to explore. The Castle Apartment is completely self-contained with its own private courtyard and entrance. The walled garden with its glass house is a romantic and peaceful retreat on the estate. Two lochs nestle into the hills and rhododendron banks. Wander along the glen walk past a rushing waterfall, and a babbling brook, to the two beaches to spot dolphins and seals. Dunskey Golf Course and the picturesque Portpatrick Harbour is two minutes away. Fishing expeditions from the beaches or on our two lochs are available. We will be available to assist in any way we can throughout your stay. Portpatrick Village has a public tennis court, putting green, golf course, beaches, and many restaurants. It is a very family-friendly destination. Parking is available throughout the estate. A car is highly recommended for the area. Wellies are highly recommended for the walks around the ground.
The Royal Castle Apartment can be booked together with Rose Blair Lodge (ref UK31045), Wild Geese Lodge (ref UK31046) and Fern Forest House (ref UK31047) and Fawn’s Velvet (ref UK7261) to accommodate up to 30 guests.

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.

Welcome to Knockinaam House, a beautiful detached holiday cottage nestled in Knockinaam Wood just 5 minutes’ drive from the bustling and picturesque fishing village of Portpatrick. Enjoy the freedom and privacy of this beautiful house, with the most stunning views. On a fine day open the patio doors from the dining room and eat al-fresco, being disturbed by nothing but the wildlife. Whether it’s an action packed holiday or a relaxing break you are looking for, this beautiful corner of South West Scotland has it all. Glorious beaches, gorgeous scenery and a lovely temperate climate all year round.

From Knockinaam House visit the Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s most southerly point. home to the RSPB Nature Reserve where you will spot a variety of species including guillemots, kittiwakes and puffins. For the energetic, a lovely walk along quiet country lanes will take you into Portpatrick one of the most popular villages in the area where you can try the more demanding circular walk round the cliff tops to see if you can spot pods of porpoises in the bay. There are no fewer than five stunning gardens to visit including the world-famous Logan Botanic Gardens with its many exotic trees and plants as well as Castle Kennedy Gardens.

The Galloway Forest Park, one of only a handful of Dark Skies Parks in the world, offers exceptional walking and cycling, with the world famous 7Stanes cycle trails at Kirroughtree. There are several golf courses within easy reach of Knockinaam House, including Portpatrick and Wigtownshire County, an 18-hole links course. After your day’s adventures, whatever they may be, return to Knockinaam House and relax in front of the open fire in the cosy living room or sit on the terrace enjoying your favourite tipple and marvel at the dark starry skies.

High Auchenlarie Cottage is a traditional Galloway cottage set amidst stunning scenery with far reaching panoramic views out over Wigtown Bay. Whilst maintaining its traditional exterior, High Auchenlarie Cottage has been modernised throughout, and lovingly and tastefully furnished and decorated. The two living areas are beautiful and both maximise the panoramic views. The sun room is the perfect spot for reading whilst the living room boasts a wood burner, perfect for those chillier evenings. The modern kitchen is extremely well equipped where you will find the highest level of appliances, kitchen and dining ware. All the bedrooms take in that stunning panoramic view, two on the ground floor and two on the first floor, all tastefully decorated and boasting luxury linen. An ensuite shower room and a shower room on the first floor. There are also and ensuite bathroom and a shower room on the first floor makes High Auchenlarie Cottage the perfect location for a family or group of friends to enjoying the wonders of this beautiful corner of Dumfries and Galloway.
Six miles from the cottage is the small village of Gatehouse of Fleet where there are a couple of convenience stores and excellent cafés and restaurants. This corner of Dumfries and Galloway truly is magical with many sandy beaches and rocky coves along the coast, while inland there are many countryside walks to enjoy. Nearby the Galloway Forest Park, known for its starlit dark skies, has excellent cycle paths. There is so much to see and do with castles, prehistoric sites and specialist gardens, thanks to Galloways’ mild climate.
Activities for children include the Cocoabean Chocolate Factory with its chocolate workshops and indoor and outdoor play areas as well as Farm Parks, and don’t miss a visit to the Dark Space Planetarium in Kirkcudbright, an attractive harbour town where you can also watch the fishing boats returning with their catch. A must while staying at High Auchenlarie Cottage and just a couple of miles away along the quiet country lane is Laggan, a brand new dining experience, Gather, which has a modern café dining culture featuring international flavours and dishes. The views whilst dining are sensational!