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 a working farm, The Barn has been converted out of the old part of the farm steading and refurbished in 2018. Nestled in the Girthon Valley and 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.
The Barn can be booked together with The Stable (CC537233), Valley View (CC537234), Middle Byre (CC537236) and The Bothy (UK5803) to accommodate up to 22 guests.

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.

Greentops is a delightful bungalow set in a small hamlet amidst the rolling hills of Dumfries and Galloway. Greentops has been upgraded and modernised throughout in 2021 and is beautifully presented with a new modern kitchen/dining area where you get the most lovely views of the countryside, just the perfect spot to sit and enjoy breakfast! Whilst you can sit back and relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Greentops, you are perfectly placed to enjoy the wonders of this beautiful region.
A must is a trip to the stunning Drumlanrig Castle where you can enjoy a tour of the Castle itself or just explore the miles of beautiful walks and gardens. Should you wish to have a bagpiper play for you, this can be arranged for £50 for one hour.
For the adventurous, try one of the championship mountain biking trails, or just relax with a day’s fishing on the river. There are numerous activities for kids, from the adventure playground to ranger-led wildlife walks. Further afield in this stunning corner of Dumfries and Galloway, 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.

Nestled within the serene embrace of Dumfries and Galloway’s picturesque countryside, Kindeloch emerges as a beacon of tranquillity. Situated near the quaint village of New Abbey, it offers breathtaking views of Loch Kindar, the Solway Firth, and the imposing Criffel mountain as the backdrop. Immaculately refurbished, this modern retreat boasts a seamless blend of sophistication and comfort, all conveniently located on the ground floor. As you step into the spacious sitting room, the warm glow of a wood burner invites you to unwind amidst panoramic vistas. Large picture windows frame the scenery, creating a mesmerising backdrop. The heart of this retreat lies in its kitchen and dining area, where you can enjoy a family meal amidst contemporary elegance. Adorned with top-of-the-line appliances, the kitchen beckons culinary enthusiasts to craft gourmet delights. Restful nights are assured in the bedrooms, where sumptuous kingsize beds await alongside a twin room, ensuring blissful slumber. The king size bedrooms are accompanied by sleek, modern en-suite shower rooms, while a family bathroom exudes indulgence and refinement.
Beyond the confines of this idyllic abode, a wealth of attractions awaits exploration. Embark on leisurely strolls through New Abbey which has plenty of history that includes the ruined Sweetheart Abbey. Nature enthusiasts can revel in the splendour of the surrounding landscape, with hiking trails offering glimpses of verdant valleys and cascading waterfalls. For those seeking cultural enrichment, nearby attractions such as Sweetheart Abbey and the Robert Burns Centre provide insight into the region’s rich heritage. Adventure-seekers can embark on excursions to explore the rugged beauty of the Galloway Forest Park or indulge in water sports along the Solway Firth’s pristine shores. No visit to Kindeloch would be complete without a walk to the top of Criffel with probably some of the most stunning views in the region. At Kindeloch, every moment is imbued with serenity, offering an unforgettable retreat amidst Scotland’s enchanting countryside. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, this exceptional holiday let promises an experience that transcends the ordinary, inviting you to create cherished memories in the embrace of natural splendour.

Sea View 40 is a wonderful holiday home, taking advantage of the stunning sea views on a lovely holiday village in Southerness. It is set in a spectacular corner of south west Scotland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Only a short walk away is the beautiful sandy beach where not only you, but your four legged friend can enjoy the vast beach.
The open-plan living area at Sea View 40 opens up onto the enclosed decking through the floor to ceiling patio doors, so whatever the weather you can make the most of that view. With two bedrooms, the master having its own dressing area and en-suite toilet, and a well-equipped kitchen, this really is a gorgeous home from home. There is lots on-site to entertain the whole family including the indoor swimming pool and entertainment nights, as well as restaurants, pubs and a shop (seasonal) in the village.
The coastal village of Southerness has undoubtedly some of the most outstanding views of the Solway Firth, with views towards the Lake District hills in the distance. Explore the beach and striking white lighthouse, originally built in 1749, and the second oldest lighthouse in Scotland. For the golfers in the family, a must is a round of golf on the famous Southernesss championship links course!
Whilst pottering on the beach or around the holiday park may keep you entertained all week, if you want to explore further afield you have the ideal base to discover beautiful Dumfries and Galloway, from its beaches and coves to cliff top walks and forest trails. A popular area for walkers and cyclists, there is world class mountain biking at Mabie and Dalbeattie 7Stanes. Magnificent gardens, castles and ancient monuments are also waiting to be explored. Wildlife abounds, and a RSPB nature reserve is just along the coast and is well worth a visit at any time of year. With countless historic sites throughout the region and many fun-filled activities for the kids from farm parks to chocolate factories, your holiday will be action packed.

Beira’s Garden, Knockendoch is a truly magical cottage set in expansive and award-winning gardens, beautifully planted and shaped by one of Scotland’s leading landscapists, with a variety of indigenous shrubs, trees and ferns. The house itself, built on the site of a former bothy, is wonderfully sheltered from the prevailing east winds and nestles into the lower slopes of two of Dumfries and Galloway’s most beautiful mountains, Knockendoch and Criffel. Even when there’s wind on the hills, there’s peace in Beira’s Garden!
The house itself has been beautifully decorated to the highest standard, with historic wallpapers designed to complement the moods of the different parts of the garden in each of the bedrooms - while the large kitchen-dining room and the light-filled garden room have been painted in restful shades. From one end of the garden visitors can sit and enjoy breath-taking views across the valley; at the other end they can sit and picnic next to the mountain stream that flows through the garden on its way down to the picturesque village of New Abbey, where there is a village shop, a pub and a cafe. On the summit of the hill opposite towers one of the best loved monuments of the region, the Waterloo Monument. Looking back down to the village, visitors have a splendid view of Sweetheart Abbey, a famous ruin once painted by England’s most famous artist, J.M.W. Turner - and from a spot very close to where Beira’s Garden now stands.
Until 2018, the route to Knockendoch and Criffel was almost impassable, but thanks to a recent council initiative a perfect walkers’ track has been laid and this now paves the way to one of the most beautiful views in Scotland. The summit of Knockendoch, which once took the hardiest walker 2 hours and more to reach, can now be attained in around 50 minutes. From the top there are amazing views across the Solway Firth and - on a clear day - all the way across to the peaks of the Lake District. From there the walk on to Criffel is easy and very scenic.
There are beautiful fishing lochs within a short distance from the house and the best organic delicatessen in southern Scotland is less than 10 minutes away by car. There is also a choice of three supermarkets 15 minutes away in Dumfries. There are few better places from which to explore wonderful Dumfries and Galloway than Beira’s Garden, Knockendoch. Beach 8 miles.

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!

Situated in an elevated position in the centre of the picturesque Rhins of Galloway Peninsula and enjoying a wonderful outlook over Loch Ryan towards the Firth of Clyde with stunning panoramic views of Ailsa Craig, Isle of Arran and Mull of Kintyre, Cairncroft Cottage is an ideal base for a relaxing holiday with family or friends.
Adjacent to the owners’ home and recently renovated, Cairncroft Cottage is perfectly placed to enjoy the delights of this lovely corner of south-west Scotland.
The spacious kitchen/dining room has a halogen hob and provides the perfect place to enjoy a meal while chatting with friends, or why not challenge them to a game of pool in the large games room? Perfect for your evening entertainment. The lovely sitting room has views over the gardens which are also a delight, not only if you want to sit out and relax but also for the kids and four-legged friends to run around and enjoy.
Only 10 minutes from the picturesque holiday village of Portpatrick and also 10 minutes from the coastal town of Stranraer, you have the best of both worlds, wonderfully secluded and quiet, while attractions, restaurants, bars and services are all within easy reach.
There are many miles of quiet country lanes to explore, excellent for both walking and cycling, with an abundance of wildlife to see. As well as stunning wildlife, the area boasts an interesting and colourful history with numerous sites and monuments of historical interest, ranging from the early Christian remains of Kirkmadrine to the more recent WW2 activity of Loch Ryan. The rugged coastline, dramatic cliff-top walks, secluded sandy beaches and pretty little harbour villages all provide great wildlife and nature spotting opportunities with endless spectacular scenes to photograph or paint - the natural light in the area is exceptional. Why not visit Dunskey Castle, a ruined tower house dating from the 16th century, only a short cliff-top walk from Portpatrick, or spend the afternoon in the village, on Dunskey golf course or the putting green by the harbour? The village has a good selection of places to eat and drink and also hosts a monthly craft fair and producers market. Within Stranraer, Agnew Park has various attractions to entertain younger guests, and The Ryan Centre has gym facilities, swimming pool, children’s pool and cinema.
Well worth a visit is The Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s most Southerly point, with its lighthouse, visitor centre and amazing views of Ireland, England, Isle of Man and Scotland. Seabirds are a certainty and seals are common in the sheltered bays, lucky guests may even spot minke whales or basking sharks feeding in the temperate waters. Another must is visiting one of the many gardens in the area which include the world-renowned Logan Botanic Garden, Castle Kennedy Gardens with their Monkey Puzzle Avenue and Lily Pond or the unique Glenwhan Gardens.
With so much to see and do, come back to Cairncroft Cottage and sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

Sitting in an enviable position just outside the lovely little town of Gatehouse of Fleet, Blackloch is a large, detached farmhouse making the most of the beautiful views. It has been completely renovated and refurbished in 2022 and is bright and spacious and the perfect location for family or a group of friends to enjoy. Tastefully decorated and furnished throughout and with every room in the house having a wonderful view you will feel totally relaxed from the moment you step through the door. The large living room boasts comfortable sofas and a wood burner, the perfect place for all the family to gather after a day exploring. If you want a quiet space, just to sit and relax the sun room to the front of the house overlooks the garden and the beautiful countryside. The sleek and contemporary kitchen has everything you would need to create a home-made meal which you can enjoy in the separate dining room. Also on the ground floor is a large utility room perfect for drying coats and boots with ample space left over for bikes or even your dog cage. Also, in the utility room, there is a pool table which will give hours of fun for all the family. There are three spacious bedrooms with sumptuous beds and crisp white linen and with a bathroom and shower room it really has everything to make a memorable family holiday.
Sitting on a quiet country lane only ½ a mile from Gatehouse of Fleet you can take a wander into town and sample the food at the popular local restaurants or just meander through the town and visit the Mill on the Fleet and certainly Cardoness Castle which sits proudly at the entrance to the town. Set in a National Scenic Area and on the edge of the magnificent Galloway Forest Park there are a host of activities to keep all the family entertained with numerous coastal walks, beautiful beaches and forest trails. Cyclists are particularly well catered for with a magnitude of quite country lanes and the Galloway Forest Park is home to several of the world famous 7Stanes mountain bike trails. Beach 3½ miles.