Dog-friendly Scotland
Explore Scotland's dog-friendly destinations for an ideal holiday with your four-legged friend. Whether it's a quaint hotel, cosy cottage, B&B, or a charming country house, find the perfect spot for a short break with your pooch. Discover stunning Scottish landscapes and create lasting memories on your next adventure.
Taynuilt, Scotland
4.75Completely renovated in 2021, this beautiful detached, single-storey holiday cottage enjoys an idyllic location, with Loch Etive to the front and the River Awe directly behind. Extremely well furnished and equipped the property has direct access onto the beach. It boasts stunning views across the sea loch to the mountains beyond from some of the rooms, and lovely views over the garden from the others. There is a well-equipped kitchen and a dining area seating eight guests. The house enjoys significant privacy with its only neighbours being seals, otters and yachts. Point Park is one of the very few properties to truly have a sea frontage, located just 5 metres from Loch Etive’s shore with direct beach access. In all rooms the bed can be made into double beds in all bedrooms if required.
The lovely little town of Taynuilt has a friendly community and offers a village grocery store, a post office, butchers, tea room, hairdressers, doctor’s surgery and a restaurant serving good food. There is also a train station, the line through Taynuilt runs from Glasgow to Oban so you can have a day in the city or head to the islands. Taynuilt’s golf course is just a few minutes’ walk from the cottage and offers 9 holes.
The bustling Victorian town of Oban known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ is just 20 minutes away by carand offers shops, bars, seafood restaurants, a cinema and leisure centre. Whisky lovers can visit the Oban Distillery to learn how it’s all made. Regular boat trips leave the busy harbour bound for the Inner Hebridean Islands, including Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Isles with their comical puffins.
Enjoy leisurely forest walks, horseriding, fishing, sailing, diving and golf, or for the more adventurous, Glen Nevis, one of the Highland’s most famous glens and the location of scenes from Harry Potter and Braveheart, is only a short drive and offers stunning scenery and bracing walks. Explore famous castles, historical sites and mature gardens. Visit Bonawe Iron Works, Cruachan Hollow Mountain or the Inveraray Jail. The abundant wildlife includes porpoises, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, deer and a wealth of seabirds. Glencoe and Fort William are easily accessible by car and offer popular climbing, skiing and mountain biking. All in all this is an ideal base for enjoying the pleasures of the great outdoors or just savouring the spectacular scenery of the Western Highlands. Shop and pub 1 mile.£153From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Tarbert, Scotland 5.00This charming cottage is situated in the quiet village of Kilberry, surrounded by wonderful views across the sea towards Islay, Jura and the island of Gigha. It is a tranquil haven, a cosy place to unwind and to take a breath of clean sea air.
It is the perfect place to relax and escape the city but don’t worry, there is plenty to explore including Templar gravestones, a fabulous coastline where seals, otters and a variety of birds can be seen. In the hills, deer roam and golden eagles soar. There are many activities available nearby including whirlpool watching, sea fishing, bird watching, art trails, horse trekking, mountain biking and island hopping. There’s even a small art gallery next door!
The village of Tarbert can be reached within 30 minutes drive and offers a supermarket, shops, restaurants, coffee shops and a nine hole golf course. Ferries are close by for trips to Islay, Jura and Gigha to the west and to the east, Arran. Further South lies the beautiful sands of Westport Beach, great for surfers. In Campbeltown you will find several famous distilleries and the category A listed Glasgow school Art Nouveau style picture house. Kintyre is home to five golf courses, the most famous of which is the championship course at Macrihanish, with its infamous first hole. Further south is the beautiful Southend and the wild Mull of Kintyre.
From Tarbert, cross Loch Fyne to Portavadie with its swimming pool, spa and restaurant facilities and from there you can explore Tighnabruaich and the Cowal Peninsula, Argyll’s Secret Coast. To the north you will find the town of Lochgilphead, the historic and mystical Kilmartin Glen, Knapdale forest and the Scottish Beaver trail. Walk or cycle the beautiful Crinan Canal or take a trip to Coryvreckan, the third largest whirlpools on the planet. Oban, the gateway to the isles, is also worth a visit. Beach 1 mile. Shop and café (seasonal Easter to October) 1 mile. Pub 1 mile. Shop and restaurant 13 miles.£67From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Oban, Scotland 5.00Perched on the edge of the crystal clear waters of Loch Etive, this luxury upper conversion enjoys breathtaking panoramic views towards the Falls of Lora, Mull and Morven. With the bustling fishing port of Oban close by, this property provides an ideal base from which to explore this beautiful part of the Northern Highlands and islands.
From the seaside town of Oban visit the Isle of Mull, just a short ferry trip away. Mull’s capital, Tobermory, is instantly recognisable by its famous brightly painted buildings. The island has a fascinating history, once being home to the chief of Clan MacLean, and the site of the clan’s ancient Duart Castle, which has spectacular views from its battlements.
Further south along the coast are the unspoilt glens and bays of Mid Argyll and Kintyre, and the islands of Islay and Jura which are reachable by ferry. Visit the whitewashed houses of Inveraray and the turreted Inveraray Castle, once home to the Duke of Argyll. Campbeltown in Kintyre has some lovely beaches nearby.
The captivating Isle of Bute lies at the heart of the Firth of Clyde. It is a place of tranquil relaxation with sheltered coves and sandy bays, ideal for leisurely hiking and easy-going cycling. Take in the grandeur of Rothesay Castle or Mount Stuart House and Gardens, where the Marquess of Bute once lived. You can also take a ferry to visit the beautiful islands of Iona, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles. The area is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, mountain bikers, mountain climbers and walkers with all the nearby glens, mountain ranges and coastal paths to explore. For the less energetic, sit back, relax and watch the ever changing scenery from the comfort of this lovely property. Beach 7¾ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£148From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Perth, Scotland 4.00If you are looking for a traditional Scottish cottage in Perthshire then look no further than The Lodge Cottage; a detached, 1700s stone-built cottage with the walls to prove it. This cottage, and its host working farm, is ready and waiting to welcome you and your family to this popular tourist area.
In 2018 the property benefitted from a series of refurbishments, which all add to the welcoming feel of the place. Being all on one level, The Lodge Cottage is both accessible and homely, with modern fixtures and fittings; you are sure to feel right at home.
Who doesn’t love a south-facing garden? Not only does The Lodge Cottage have one, but there is also a view that is sure to capture your imagination as you relax and unwind. All the best plans are made in the garden and this area has lots to offer…
Crieff, 7 miles, is where you will find several amenities, including a popular delicatessen, cafés and a supermarket, as well as an array of shops. But, perhaps more appealing, is ‘The Famous Grouse whisky distillery’, at Glenturret, where you can take a tour – you might even get a taste! Several events are also held throughout the year, including ‘The Crieff Highland Games’ and autumn’s ‘Drovers’ Tryst Walking Festival’.
You will be in your element in this area if you are a fan of the outdoors, as the mountains call walkers, hikers and cyclists alike. Loch Earn is ideal for water sports and there are plenty of fishing, golfing, cycling and horse riding opportunities in the surrounding area. Speaking of horse riding, based on the farm there is an equestrian eventing facility, amongst 80 acres of wooded parkland, where you could tackle some of the 100 cross country jumps. If you prefer to stay on your own two feet then walking with the wildlife is highly recommended.
If all that outdoor activity leaves you in search of some retail therapy or a good night out, then the city of Perth is just 7 miles away. Here you will be spoilt for choice with places to wine and dine. You could even go to the theatre! A great way to experience the city is to take a boat trip on the River Tay (seasonal). This area has lots to offer, not least its many historic castles, including Scone Palace, Drummond Castle and Garden, Stirling Castle, Doune Castle, Hopetoun House and for fans of the TV series ‘Outlander’, there are numerous locations used in the making of the series. Edinburgh, Stirling and Glasgow are all easily accessible for day trips. What are you waiting for?
Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Please note: By prior arrangement with the owner, guests can bring their horse or pony, or book tuition with the renowned equestrian eventing centre, which is within walking distance.£76From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Oban, Scotland 5.00Right on the water’s edge with an enclosed sun-deck, 4 Dolphins offers a luxurious water’s edge holiday experience with seals, otters and seabirds, so close you can almost touch them! The experience of being so close to the sea is something quite exceptional and you will never tire of the ever-changing views and sounds whilst you sit looking out, either from the sun-deck or the comfort of the glass fronted living room. 4 Dolphins is situated on the coastal outskirts of Connel, 6 miles north of Oban on the shores of Loch Etive, and is the ground level luxury apartment created by the owners who live in the house next door.
With exceptional attention to detail and with the comfort of guests paramount, all rooms are luxuriously decorated with comfort and convenience in mind. Within walking distance of 4 Dolphins are three restaurants and three bars, a convenience store, and a railway station. You are feet away from the beautiful Loch Etive and just 5 minutes from the amazing natural attraction of the Falls of Lora, a tidal race underneath the Connel Bridge. Nearby attractions within a 5-minute drive are Dunstaffnage Castle and the Ocean Explorer Centre in the village of Dunbeg which also has a very popular Garden Centre with a café.
Across the Connel Bridge, a 10-minute drive takes you to the village of Benderloch, with its famous Pink Shop, grocery store, cafés, Tralee Beach, Ben Lora woodland walks and easy access onto national Cycle Route 78 which stretches all the way from Oban to Fort William. Oban, just 10 minutes drive, is a bustling west coast harbour town, and has lots going on for the visitor at any time of the year. Known as the ’Gateway to the Isles’, with ferries leaving daily to many islands, such as Mull, Iona, Staffa and Lismore. In keeping with its reputation as the Seafood Capital of Scotland, there are some excellent restaurants, cafés and pubs.
The area is a paradise for golfers, water sports enthusiasts, mountain bikers, mountain climbers and walkers with all the nearby glens, mountain ranges and coastal paths to explore. Inveraray, the ancient capital of Argyll, with its Castle and Jail, is a fun day out for the family. For any guests with young children, there is pony trekking available in the area. A trip to the Isle of Seil, over the Bridge over the Atlantic and a fast fun boat trip viewing whirlpools and wildlife, is another day out for family fun! Further afield, but within an hour’s drive, visitors can enjoy the scenery of Glencoe, take a trip to Fort William to see Ben Nevis or catch the Harry Potter train. Beach 8 miles, shop ½ mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£135From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Crieff, Scotland 1.00Fiona’s Cottage is an immaculately-presented, semi-detached holiday home, renovated to a good standard and thoughtfully furnished for guests’ comfort and ease. Situated in the market town of Crieff in the heart of beautiful Perthshire with its lochs and glens, hills and mountains and spectacular scenery. This is the perfect location to relax and enjoy this area with friends and family. There are an abundance of cafés, restaurants, bars and local shops all within walking distance, as well as a network of local pathways and cycle tracks. There are 20 golf courses within 20 miles including the famous Gleneagles. Other attractions include lochs and river fishing (Salmon, Grayling and Trout Fishing, at cost, licence required), horse riding, mountain climbing, whisky distilleries, castles, parks and gardens to visit. Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday or a more energetic break, there is something for all ages to enjoy. Within easy driving are Perth, Stirling, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Loch Lomond. Shop, pub and restaurant 100 yards.£70From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Dunoon, ScotlandIvy Cottage is a charming one bedroom cottage located on a quiet residential road close to the town of Dunoon. Totally refurbished in 2020, this charming detached property is well appointed and decorated to a high standard and is fully insulated and double glazed.
The cottage is situated in the West Bay less than 400 yards to the beach and only 5-minutes’ walk in to the Kilbride Forest and Bishops Glen. The surrounding area offers a broad range of tourist attractions and activities throughout the year to suit all tastes. With the town centre within a 15-minute walk one can explore all that Dunoon has to offer on foot, from the Castle House Museum, a walk along the promenade with a visit to the Victorian Pier, or a stroll through the town to browse the many craft shops and galleries.
For the more active there are various cycling tracks, and walks through the Argyll Forest which includes Puck’s Glen and the Benmore Botanic Gardens, or enjoy sailing or charter boat trips on the Firth of Clyde. Nearby Fishing at Dunoon Reservoir is excellent, producing double figure Rainbow Trout.
At various times of the year there are popular events and music festivals that draw tourists from all over the world. One such event is the Cowal Gathering at the end of August which claims to be the largest and most spectacular Highland Games in the world. There is a leisure centre with pool and Golf at Cowal Golf Club and Innellan Golf Club. Dunoon is the Firth of Clyde’s most popular tourist resort and Ivy Cottage is well located to enjoy all that the town and surrounding area has to offer. Beach 400 yards. Shops 1 mile, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.£74From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Corpach, ScotlandIn a superb location with wonderful views towards Loch Linnhe, the Caledonian Canal, Fort William and the surrounding mountains, this spacious house, one of a pair, adjoins the owners’ seldom used holiday apartment and offers an ideal base for discovering the west coast of Scotland. The holiday property is decorated with a Christmas theme during the festive season.
The area is renowned for its outdoor pursuits, breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. Known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, activities include mountain biking, climbing, skiing, kayaking, walking, golf and fishing. Take a trip on the gondola up Aonach Mor or try the World Championship mountain bike course. For outdoor enthusiasts who like a challenge, why not take on Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. On a clear day, the view is spectacular and you can see for miles. For steam train enthusiasts, catch the West Highland Steam Train to Mallaig, crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct which featured in the Harry Potter films, (or watch it from the garden as it puffs past the house daily during the summer months). Alternatively, visit some of the unspoilt beaches, historic castles, museums, distilleries and magnificent gardens.
Boat trips to the inner isles are easily accessible, including Mull with its main, colourful, harbourside town, Tobermoray, also known as Balamory in the children’s TV series, Staffa and the cathedral like Fingal’s Cave, and Iona with its pristine white sands and famous abbey. Torfern is also ideally placed for touring with the bustling harbour town of Oban, Aviemore for winter sports, Inverness, Skye or monster spotting at Loch Ness all easily reached. Shop and pub 200 yards.£116From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Acharacle, ScotlandEnjoy one of Scotland’s most scenic routes to get to the cottage, going past the Glenfinnan Viaduct which was used in the Harry Potter Films; you can stand at the front of the house and hear the steam train going past. Once inside the cottage the kitchen is to your right and is a bright area with a panel heater to keep it warm. The bathroom is opposite the kitchen and is pleasantly decorated, the living room is at the end of the hallway and is such a welcoming space, there is a dining table in one corner, a lovely corner suite and ample chairs for you to enjoy and of course, the wood burning stove.
Next to the living room is the utility room with ample space for you to hang up your outdoor gear. There is also a dog bed, dog bowl and towel for your furry friend, and outside there is a hose if you need to wash your dog after a day of walking. The bedroom is the last room in the house, and it has dual aspect windows, one overlooking the burn and the other the waterfall, a perfect way to fall asleep with the natural sound of running water.
The grounds of the cottage are delightful, surrounded by beautiful trees and shrubs, there is a lovely wee walk up past the cottage, where you can sit outside watching the burn flow past, and if there’s been rain the waterfall will be in full flow too!
If you want a totally relaxed stay, Druimbhan is one of those places, the railway is less than 200 yards to the cottage, not like a town or city station, this one will only stop if you advise the guard, and if you wish to go to Mallaig or Fort William by train you will have to book in advance to let them know.
The Local Inn is just a couple of hundred yards walk from the cottage serving local food and drink from Easter to October if you want to stay close to the cottage. There is another pub but that is 9 miles away but you have to travel through some breath taking scenery to get there. Stunning white sandy beaches are to be found along the coastal road to Arisaig on the way to Mallaig. Mallaig is a wonderful, thriving fishing village where you can purchase freshly caught fish, you can also get the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry over to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. If you are driving, a nice route is to go over by ferry, tour around the island and return back to the cottage via the Skye bridge and Eilean Donan Castle. Definitely a place to go and relax, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and a place you will want to return time and time again.£99From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Stranraer, ScotlandThis spacious, detached house lies next to the owner’s home, in the quiet village of New Luce, with a shop and a village pub including restaurant. It provides a peaceful retreat for you and your family after a day out exploring the surrounding area. The area is a walker’s and cyclist’s paradise, with the village being directly on the Southern Upland Way, offering everything from gentle walks to challenging hikes. Only a short drive from the coast, this property is an ideal location from which to enjoy the lovely beaches. The area boasts a stunning coastline, with amazing cliff top walks, including Burrrow 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, whilst ravens and peregrine falcons are regularly seen around the cliffs. Out to sea there are dolphins, porpoise and minke whale to spot. Tours can also be taken at the lighthouse. The town of Stranraer is 9 miles away and offers shops, restaurants and pubs. There are also many coastal villages to explore in the area. Sea fishing, golf and horse riding are all available locally. Day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. Beach 7 miles. Shop 250 yards, pub 200 yards and restaurant 5 miles.£111From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
