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.
Aviemore, Scotland
3.00Spey Valley is a dog-friendly resort situated on the banks of the River Spey. You and your four legged friend will be able to explore all that the Cairngorms National Park has to offer.
£88Price per night fromExplore & book
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Aviemore, Scotland 5.00Enjoying a quiet setting with panoramic views across the extensive grounds and on towards the beautiful Cairngorm mountain range, Sunnyside House makes just the perfect base for exploring one of the most scenic and popular holiday destinations in Scotland. The house has been equipped and furnished to a high standard which will ensure you have as supremely comfortable and relaxing holiday as possible, with your every need taken care of. Robes are provided for after a soak in the hot tub and dog beds, cages and dishes are included for your four-legged friends.
Located just a mile or so from the centre of the village of Carrbridge and only 11 miles from the vibrant town of Aviemore, both situated in the heart of The Cairngorms National Park and at the head of the Speyside Way, Sunnyside House can be used as a base to explore or to relax and unwind. Carrbridge has the usual village facilities with a larger range available in Aviemore. The area boasts a super range of shops, restaurants and bars along with a wide range of outdoor activities – skiing and snowboarding, mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking and a variety of water sports on nearby Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey, zip lining and zorbing are just a few of the myriad of activities available. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain funicular railway, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre or the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie and the Landmark Forest Adventure Park which is just a short distance from the house – a superb day of fun for all ages. Visit the lovely Spey Valley golf course and the Dalfaber Leisure Resort in Aviemore with its wonderful array of leisure activities.
Further afield, take a trip to the beautiful west coast and the Isle of Skye or a day trip to the Orkney Islands is well worth the effort. Visit the Moray coastline peppered with little fishing villages and beautiful beaches – voted in the top 20 of the best coastline destinations in the world. This is an area with so much to offer, see and do for all ages. For the less energetic, you can sit back by the side of the wood burner or soak in the hot tub and let the stresses of everyday life slip away. So many happy and unforgettable memories will be made on your holiday in Sunnyside House. Beach 24½ miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£226From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Helmsdale, Scotland 5.00Situated on its own, right on the shoreline, enjoying panoramic views of the seascape this unique detached house offers an exceptionally good standard of holiday accommodation throughout. The living room and large kitchen/dining room look out across the bay. A second living room upstairs is built in the form of an ’observatory’, complete with balcony from which to spot the wide variety of bird and sea-life. Miles of shoreline walks are accessed directly from the property. The unspoilt fishing village of Helmsdale has a harbour and restaurants and shops. The area is renowned for its unspoilt beaches, wild and rugged coastline and traditional villages. Fossils are regularly found along this particular stretch of coast. Travel north to visit the Castle of Mey, John O’ Groats and the Orkney Isles. Golf, fishing, cycling, hill-walking, surfing and pony trekking all available locally. Try panning for gold in the Helmsdale river and visit the fairytale castle of Dunrobin. Shops, pub and restaurant 500 yards.£140From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Aviemore, ScotlandNewly renovated in December 2022 to a luxury standard with a large kitchen boasting top end appliances, stunning new bathrooms with under floor heating, comfortable new bedrooms with lots of storage and an updated living/dining area with three huge sofas and coffee table, a snug with a desk, bean bags and games, and a large dining table with plenty of seating to suit everyone’s needs.
This stunning, detached, lodge property enjoys a peaceful and private location approximately a mile outside the forest village of Nethy Bridge, and makes the perfect base for exploring this lovely part of the northern Highlands. Sitting on the edge of the ancient Scottish Caledonian Forest, the lodge overlooks moorland and mountains with abundant wildlife which includes red squirrels, mountain hares, red and roe deer, and many species of song birds can often be heard in this secluded setting.
Mountain Bear Lodge is 12 miles from Aviemore which is situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and at the head of the Speyside Way. The whole area boasts a super range of shops, restaurants and bars along with a wide range of outdoor activities including skiing and snowboarding, (Cairngorm Mountains are within an hour’s drive. Glencoe and Glenshee are around 2½ hours’ drive) There is also mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking with a variety of water sports available on Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway or visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park or the RSPB Reserve at nearby Loch Garten, which are all within easy reach of the lodge.
Visit the testing Spey Valley golf course and the Dalfaber Resort with its wonderful array of leisure activities, or a day trip to the Moray coastline peppered with little fishing villages and beautiful beaches. For the less energetic, sit back in the hot tub set in peaceful garden grounds, relax and unwind. There’s a farm shop, pub and restaurant within 1 mile.£601From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Dornoch, ScotlandWith the same owners as Mackay Road (ref UK7451), this detached, three-bedroom holiday home was completed in spring 2018. It lies a short walk from the centre of the town, minutes from the recreation ground and close to the world renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club and the sandy beaches. Walking, fishing, bird watching and other outdoor activities are all within easy reach. The house has a Smart TV with Sky+ and a good selection of books, games, cards and jigsaws for all ages. The enclosed garden is currently laid to lawn and the south facing terrace is equipped with barbecue, table and chairs. There is a large shed for the storage of golf bags, bicycles etc. The house is less than 5 minutes’ drive from both the golf club and the beach. Located in a quiet residential area of Dornoch and only minutes from Dornoch town centre. This property is near the world renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club and the many sandy beaches. Walking, fishing and other outdoor activities are all within easy reach.£152From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
- Brechin, ScotlandWelcome to Glen Clova, a picturesque haven nestled in the heart of Angus, Scotland. This enchanting destination offers the perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity amidst breathtaking landscapes. Located near Kirriemuir, Glen Clova is the epitome of Scottish charm, boasting a holiday home that promises a truly memorable experience.
Situated in a prime location, the holiday home in Glen Clova offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding scenery. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Angus Glens as you gaze upon rolling hills, dense forests, and majestic mountains. The ever-changing colours of the landscape, from vibrant greens in summer to fiery reds and golds in autumn, create a captivating backdrop for your stay. Explore the great outdoors with an abundance of activities at your doorstep. Embark on exhilarating hikes along the Glen Clova Trail, immersing yourself in the untamed wilderness and encountering diverse wildlife along the way. For a more leisurely adventure, take a scenic drive through the glen, marvelling at the panoramic vistas at every turn. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in Glen Doll Forest, a captivating woodland bursting with flora and fauna. Discover hidden waterfalls, enjoy a picnic by the babbling streams, or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, golden eagles, and red deer that call this area home.
History buffs can visit nearby Kirriemuir, the birthplace of acclaimed Scottish author J.M. Barrie. Explore the fascinating Kirriemuir Museum and learn about the town’s rich heritage. For a touch of romance, venture to the iconic Glamis Castle, with its magnificent architecture and captivating tales of Scottish royalty. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the magic of Glen Clova. Whether you seek adventure, tranquillity, or cultural immersion, this Scottish gem has it all.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 20 guests.£370From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ballindalloch, ScotlandA warm and friendly welcome awaits you at this gorgeous Highland home, where you will be greeted with beautiful decoration and stylish Scottish touches. Situated in stunning Tomintoul, Hawthorn House is a perfect spot to enjoy this wonderful part of Scotland.
Set in the heart of the village, Hawthorn House can sleep up to eight people in four bedrooms, one of which is downstairs. Benefiting from a lovely wood burner, this home is very spacious, yet still has a welcoming and cosy feeling throughout. A modern and spacious kitchen with large windows overlooking the garden also adds to the attractiveness of the property. A lovely, large garden is the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor family time, and being fully enclosed means the adults can relax while the kids and dogs play.
Hawthorn House is within easy strolling distance of the village square where you can enjoy a coffee or browse through the local gift shops. Stock up on essentials at the village store and newsagent. Treat yourselves to a fabulous meal in the lovely restaurant and there are also a few village pubs in which to sample the locally produced beverages... all wait to welcome you in this picturesque setting.
Tomintoul, sitting in the Cairngorm mountain range, is believed to be the highest village in the Highlands, the perfect location from which to explore the area’s many attractions. You will be well placed for winter sports at the Lecht Ski Centre, or enjoy the activities on offer at the surrounding Glenlivet Estate. Here you can walk or cycle the many paths, all whilst appreciating the stunning Scottish scenery and local wildlife.
From Hawthorn House you can easily access the famous Scottish Whisky Trail, with the Glenlivet distillery only 5 miles away and many other distilleries located in and around Dufftown, approximately 18 miles away. The diverse town of Aviemore, situated in the Cairngorms National Park, is 25 miles away and provides a fun filled family day out. Whether you want to visit the mountains, lochs, the Highland Wildlife Park or the Landmark Forest Adventure Park, you will find something for everyone under an hour’s drive away. The Queens Scottish residence, Braemar in Royal Deeside, is approximately 30 miles away. Explore this historical region and see how the Royal Family live. We cannot forget the dramatic North Coast with the beaches of Nairn and Lossiemouth within driving distance. Shops, pubs and restaurant 175 yards.£155From 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
Kirkcudbright, ScotlandMaggie’s Den is a spacious terraced cottage with a lovely enclosed garden to the rear, ideal for children or your four legged friends! The cottage is welcoming and the kitchen/dining room to the rear overlooking the garden is the real hub, fantastic for cooking and generally socialising while the kids enjoy the garden. From the kitchen/dining room it opens up to the comfortable living room whilst the bedrooms are all on the first floor and a large games room on the second floor, perfect for that family holiday!
Maggie’s Den is in the heart of Gatehouse of Fleet, a delightful village in this beautiful part of South West Scotland. Gatehouse of Fleet now has a slower pace of life but it once had a thriving industry with cotton mills, shipbuilding, a brewery and its own port. Nowadays the rich past can only be seen in the street names and inside the former textile mill, The Mill on the Fleet.
There are many attractions in and around the town including the Mill on the Fleet Visitor Centre and Cardoness Castle. For a more laid back day there are delightful beaches within a few minutes’ drive, including Mossyard and Carrick. The area has numerous walks available, from scenic coastal walks to forest trails. With sailing, swimming, riding, fishing, golf, boat trips and watersports close by, there is something for everyone. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, there are many beautiful gardens to visit including Threave Gardens (National Trust). Close to the Galloway Forest Park, home to the first Dark Sky Park in Europe and central to 5 of the 7Stanes cycle route at Kirroughtree Forest and Dalbeattie Forest, it is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Only a short drive away is Kirkcudbright, known as ’the artists’ town’, which 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. Beach 2 miles. Shop and restaurant 200 yards, pub 400 yards.£81From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Fircliff - The House on Bute is a superb waterside, B-listed Georgian property sitting within a large and enclosed walled garden. The accommodation is over three floors with unobstructed sea views from all main rooms over Loch Striven, the Firth of Clyde and the surrounding hills. It is a fabulous setting for groups or large families to get together in the exquisitely presented rooms with many unique items of furniture and design features. The kitchen and dining area is the focal point of the house and can easily accommodate all fourteen guests round the large bespoke dining table. There are four en-suite bedrooms with showers, the master bedroom having an additional cast iron roll-top bath, one family bathroom and one cloakroom. The younger party members can be accommodated in a room with twin beds and a bunk bed. In addition a dual purpose room with twin beds can double up as a games room. The boot/utility room offers space for outdoor wear, a drying rack, a washing machine and dog bed and crate. The adjacent shoreline offers easy access to launch kayaks and other water craft. Larger boats can also be launched locally.
There is plenty to do on the Isle of Bute, from adventure experiences to watching wildlife to visiting historical sites. There are many popular walks around the island, including the West Island Way. Recommendations are given and the boot room comes into its own for wet coats, muddy boats and mucky dogs! The quiet roads lends to excellent cycling, and the house in on the route of the 5 Ferry Challenge. Fishing is available on the inland and coastal waters. Loch Fad is 3½ miles away where you can rent a boat to fish for rainbow and brown trout or pike. The loch was also the location used for the first run of the recently restored Bluebird. There are three golf courses (9, 13 and 18 holes) on the island along with a putting green in Rothesay. There are sandy beaches galore where, if lucky, you can spy ospreys, terns, basking sharks, humpback whales, dolphins and seals. The Isle of Bute has been an important island historically, with marks left on the island that can be visited, from standing stones, to the location of a Viking parliament and more recently Rothesay Castle. Mount Stuart House and Gardens offers a fantastic day visit and the St Blane’s Chapel is situated in a tranquil corner of the island. The Discovery Centre houses a 97 seater cinema with weekly showings. In the summer you can book tickets to take a trip on the famous paddle steamer The Waverley.
The nearby Port Bannantyne offers a marina, pubs, restaurant, post office/shop and petanque club. The main ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay takes approximately 35 minutes and for access to the Cowal Peninsula the ferry from Rhubodach to Colintraive (only a 10-minute drive away) takes only 3 minutes, both do not need to be booked in advance. There is an excellent bus service on the island. Beach 3 miles. Shop ½ mile, pub 550 yards and restaurant ¼ mile.£273From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
