Dog-friendly Cottages Highlands
With spellbinding landscapes and paw-inspiring scenery, the Scottish Highlands is a magnificent natural playground which begs to be explored by both doggies and their human companions. You and your pooch can embark on an adventure through the mountains, snoop out the mysterious lochs, or stroll along the captivating coastline.
- Wick, ScotlandLochside Cottage will not fail to impress, the recently added conservatory off the main living room, is the perfect addition, where you can sit and watch the wild dear roam over the fields. You enter this spacious, detached bungalow via a practical storm porch, which is ideal for drying off your wet clothing, or your four legged friend, after a walk. There is a formal dining room, three bedrooms, one with a kingsize bed and en-suite shower room. There are two further bedrooms, with views over the Loch, both of which are serviced by the family bathroom. The kitchen is well equipped and offers views over the adjoining land. The living room has a wood burner for those chilly evenings, and is open plan with the conservatory. Outside, there is a large, enclosed garden and private parking.
There are numerous places of interest, and a range of sporting activities in the area. The nearby village of Lybster has an interesting past, built at the height of the 19th-century herring boom. With its pretty harbour and beach, it is well worth a visit. This coast has some of the most outstanding beaches to be found anywhere. Fishing, golf, horse riding, kayaking, sailing, mountain biking and wildlife watching are all enjoyed locally, and puffins, seals, dolphins and whales are seen around these coastal waters. Beach 6½ miles. Shop 7 miles, pub and restaurant 6½ miles.£72From price per night based on 7 night stay
- St Andrews, ScotlandEscape to this delightful detached holiday cottage, part of the Old Inzievar House estate which is situated in beautiful and natural parkland, on a working farm with varied livestock, about 6 miles west of Dunfermline and 1 mile from the historic Culross village and abbey on the Forth Estuary. Fernwoodlea has been thoughtfully restored to retain many original features and provides spacious, comfortable accommodation. Ideal for relaxing and enjoying the area and all it has to offer with friends and family. You can curl up with a book in the cosy living room in front of the wood burner on cooler days or sit in the garden with a glass of wine.
If you are feeling more energetic, try the owner’s tennis court, or with permission from the owners, a tour of the restored walled garden can be arranged. This rural haven has excellent access to dog friendly walks, cycle paths, and outdoor amenities, but within easy access of Edinburgh 24 miles, Perth 33 miles and Stirling 18 miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant 2 miles.£63From price per night based on 7 night stay
- St Andrews, ScotlandJust minutes walk to the centre of St Andrews, Woodburn is a welcoming self contained ground floor apartment in a quiet location, with the added benefits of a small garden. Ideal for couples, a small family or group of friends, St Andrews has much to offer with excellent restaurants, unique bars and a good selection of shops including high street names. There are three beautiful sandy beaches, East Sands which is minutes walk from the apartment with a children’s play area and life guard in the summer months and is close to the harbour and sailing club. West Sands is over 2 miles long and was used in the film Chariots of Fire. Tentsmuir Nature Reserve with sand dunes is a good place to spot wildlife including seals, eider ducks and oyster catchers.
The area is well known for its historic buildings with St Andrews medieval cathedral and castle. Why not join one of the ghost tours to discover the spooky facts. There are superb coastal walks along the Fife Coastal Route with spectacular views along the shoreline leading to old harbours and picturesque fishing villages with plenty of places to stop off for refreshments.
Woodburn is ideal for guests who enjoy a game of golf on their holiday with some of Scotland’s most spectacular courses on the doorstep, as well as family friendly courses. For guests who have a friend or family attending the university, Woodburn is a good location for attending the graduation ceremonies.
As well as having lots to do, Woodburn is ideal for exploring the beautiful East Fife villages which are within a short drive. Dundee is less than half an hour with the waterfront and Victoria & Albert museum. Edinburgh is just over an hour and a half, or you can take the train from Leuchars station. Beach 500 yards. Shop 300 yards, pub and restaurant 500 yards.£202From price per night based on 7 night stay
- St Andrews, ScotlandThe Goldsmiths Apartment is situated on the first floor and has been renovated maintaining some of the original features, including a Juliet balcony overlooking the courtyard and a circular window. Light and airy, this holiday apartment has a cosy, open-plan living/dining room leading to the kitchen with good quality appliances, a family bathroom and three bedrooms.
Set in 400 acres of parkland on the Balbirnie Estate, in central Fife between Edinburgh and St Andrews, the building and cobbled courtyard dates back to the 1700’s when it was part of the estate and housed the stables, coach house, grain store and gardeners cottage. In the mid 1970s, the building was converted to a craft centre with individual workshops and apartments. The estate has a rich history and was owned by the Balfour family until 1969, and during the 18th and 19th centuries, the estate landscape was designed by Robert Robinson and Thomas White, who created one of the most extensive and significant collections of rhododendrons in the east of Scotland. Guests are able to see a magnificent display of around 200 varieties from India, China and the Himalayan provinces.
From the apartment, guests can explore the parklands with bridle paths and woodland walks, ideal for a picnic and a good place to spot wildlife. There is also a an 18-hole golf course. The conservation village of Markinch is only a short walk and is a good place to pick up supplies and have a coffee. If you prefer to leave the car behind, the local railway station has links to most major cities and you can enjoy a day out to Edinburgh, Perth or Inverness. For a day at the seaside, Leven offers a promenade and sandy beaches, you can also explore the coastal towns and villages on the Fife coastal route. St Andrews is just over 30-minute drive. Beach 7½ miles. Shop 800 yards, pub and restaurant 300 yards.£66From price per night based on 7 night stay
- St Andrews, ScotlandSituated at the entrance to 400 acres of beautiful parkland on the Balbirnie Estate, The Gate House is a beautifully furnished and extremely cosy and comfortable cottage. Dating back to the 1800s, the cottage provides a contemporary home while still maintaining many of its original features. There is a quirky spiral staircase to the first floor double bedroom with its own relaxing seating area. On the ground floor, guests will find the living/dining room has an open fire, which is just the spot for spending a lazy afternoon on cooler days. There is also a good size kitchen with breakfast bar, family shower room and double bedroom with a king size bed.
From the front door you can take a stroll into the delightful conservation village of Markinch, rich in history and once the medieval capital of Fife. The village has a good selection of supermarkets, local independent quality shops, cafés, a deli, restaurants and pubs and the local butcher, whose award winning steak pies are well worth sampling. This semi-detached cottage is part of Balbirnie South Lodge which was built in 1861 and designed by the architect David Bryce. The gates were usually locked and visitors were required to ring the bell, still on one of the pillars today, to gain entrance to the estate. In 1837 John Balfour became master of the estate and in 1840 married Lady Georgine Campbell, (daughter of the Earl of Cawdor) and the inter-twining initials in the date stone is thought to represent this. The Balfour family continued to own Balbirnie House and the estate until 1969.
During the 18th and 19th century, the estate landscape was designed by Robert Robinson and Thomas White, who created one of the most significant collections of rhododendrons in the east of Scotland. There are around 200 varieties from India, China and the Himalayan provinces and when the plants are in bloom it is well worth seeing. The Gate House is ideal for guests attending a wedding or event at Balbirnie House as you are only a short walk to the hotel. The location is ideal for walkers and cyclists as the Balbirnie Estate has parkland to explore and the Lomond Hills Regional Park is only a short drive away. This is a brilliant choice for golfers with an 18-hole golf course on your doorstep and many local courses nearby, and St Andrews, the home of golf, with its championship courses is just 30 minutes’ drive away. The British Golf Museum is close to The Old Course and there is the only hickory golf course in the UK at Kingarrock. For days at the seaside, the sandy beaches of the East Neuk of Fife are within a short drive and the Fife Coastal Path takes you to secluded coves, little fishing villages and award winning sandy beaches with plenty of places to visit and find refreshments. Beach 6½ miles. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 300 yards.£72From price per night based on 7 night stay
- St Andrews, ScotlandThe Roundel is set in a most fantastic rural location with uninterrupted views over the open rolling countryside of Fife. It is the perfect location for weekend celebrations or getaways for your whole family who can revel in the space, ambience and warmth of this remarkable holiday home. On the ground floor, the focal point of this semi-detached house is the living/dining room, which has three sets of patio doors leading to the garden. Its floor-to-ceiling windows take full advantage of the views. For younger members of the group, there is a special toy corner. Outside, there is ample space for everyone to enjoy, and the patio with garden furniture is great for al fresco dining.
There is much to do in the area, and guests are in an ideal location for exploring coastal Fife. In a small quiet hamlet, The Roundel provides a rural location with miles of sandy beach and dunes less than 6 miles away, and the bustling city of Dundee and historic St Andrews are both only 15 minutes away (6 miles) with activities for all ages and tastes. Just 10 minutes away lies the picturesque market town of Cupar, which is ideal for picking up supplies. For families there is the Scottish Deer Centre, St Andrews Aquarium, sandy beaches at Tentsmuir Forest and beach, as well as riding stables.
The historic city of St Andrews can be reached within a 15-minute drive, making The Roundel ideal for guests visiting friends and family who are based at St Andrews University or attending one of the graduation ceremonies. As a popular tourist location, St Andrews offers a great selection of quality cafés, bars and restaurants, excellent shopping as well as a sandy beach, harbour and many historic buildings. Renowned worldwide as the ‘Home of Golf’ and regularly playing host to the Open Championship, this is a golfers’ paradise with eight courses to suit all abilities, as well as the British Golf Museum.
Dundee has lots to offer for a day out, the Olympia Sports Centre has a swimming pool, great for keeping your childen entertained on wet days. A visit to RRS Discovery at the multi award-winning Discovery Point makes for a good day to see how Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton made their epic journeys. Falkland Palace and its garden are well worth a visit - this is one of Scotland’s finest Renaissance palaces and is steeped in history. Fans of the TV series ‘Outlander’ will recognise the location which was used as 1940s Inverness, and there are many more locations in the area that were used in the series. Beach 6 miles. Shop and restaurant 2 miles, pub ½ mile.£109From price per night based on 7 night stay
- St Andrews, ScotlandDiscover this holiday home which sits in a quiet location, yet is still within walking distance of the sandy beach and town centre which are just over a mile away. Part of the owner’s home, this is the ideal getaway for two, with plenty to offer in the area. Perfect for a golfing holiday, St Andrews is the home of golf, with the Old Course being just over a mile away and over 30 golf clubs in the area. This medieval town has much more to offer with excellent shopping, art galleries, restaurants and museums. The beautiful Fife Coast has an abundance of both indoor and outdoor activities, and visitors do not need to travel far to find some of the best beaches in Scotland. Other places to visit include Perth, 30 miles, Edinburgh, 50 miles, and Glasgow, 70 miles. Shop ½ mile, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£67From price per night based on 7 night stay
- St Andrews, ScotlandHorseshoe Cottage is a traditional, terraced, stone-built cottage tucked away on a quiet lane, in the heart of the picture-postcard village of Freuchie at the foot of the Lomond Hills in rural Fife. After spending a day exploring, Horseshoe Cottage provides a cosy and welcoming base to retreat to, and is perfect for a romantic weekend in the countryside. The small enclosed garden is an added benefit where you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink or, weather permitting, enjoy an al fresco barbecue. From your front door you can walk to the local hotel for a drink or a meal, explore the friendly village down old lanes with well-kept gardens and out into the surrounding countryside. If you enjoy walking or cycling there are miles of lanes and quiet roads to explore.
The historic conservation village of Falkland, with it’s fairytale Renaissance palace and gardens, are only 2 miles away and makes a great day out where you can experience a day in the life of the Stuart monarchs and visit the extensive gardens. Wander around the medieval village where properties date back 300 years and stop for a refreshment in one of the tea shops or places to eat. For fans of the epic TV series Outlander, the village was one of the many locations filmed in this area.
The property is ideally located for a golf break, with 52 golf courses in a 25 mile radius, and St Andrews, with it’s championship courses, can be reached in under 30 minutes. For exploring further afield there’s Dundee with the V&A Museum and harbour side, and Perth can be reached in under 30 minutes. Sandy beaches at Leven are only 10 miles away and the Fife Coastal Path, for coastal walks to secluded coves and old fishing villages, can be joined here. Beach 10 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.£52From price per night based on 7 night stay
- St Andrews, ScotlandThe perfect escape for walkers, golfers, couples or a small family who want to spend time together, Dyke End Cottage is in the perfect location for a relaxing holiday and to explore this most scenic area of Fife.
Situated in the historic and picturesque village of Ceres, from your doorstep you can explore the village with its local shops, a museum with café and a village green. This friendly village holds regular events throughout the year and the annual Highland games in June are the oldest free games in Scotland.
Dyke End Cottage was originally built as a weaver’s cottage and has been renovated to a good standard, retaining some of the original features and rustic charm. The owners have worked with interior designer Terian Tilston who featured on the BBC2 television series ’Interior Design Masters’ in August 2019, to create a charming cottage for your summer or weekend getaway. If you enjoy walking, the garden gate leads out onto the Fife Pilgrim Way. The cottage is just 2 miles away from the traditional market town of Cupar, ideal for picking up supplies at one of the supermarkets. The town also has a good selection of local shops and eateries, and is an interesting place to explore with ports and historical gates.
For family days you can visit the Scottish Deer Centre, St Andrews Aquarium and the miles of sandy beaches at Tentsmuir Forest, where seals can be viewed basking on the sand bars. Just a short drive away is the city of Dundee with much to offer, including the V&A Museum with a dramatic water front, and the Olympia Sports centre with swimming pool, great for entertaining the kids on wet days. The city is packed with interesting places to visit as well as quality places to eat, galleries, a cinema, independent shops and high street names.
This area is ideal for golfers and St Andrews with its championship courses is just 8 miles drive away, alongside other courses within easy driving distance. The East Neuk of Fife has a spectacular coast line with picturesque fishing villages built around old harbours and unspoilt sandy beaches to visit. Following the coastal pathway offers guests a scenic walk with plenty of places to stop off and visit or have something to eat. Beach 8½ miles. Shop 300 yards, pub and restaurant 173 yards.£61From price per night based on 7 night stay
- St Andrews, ScotlandGuests will find a real home from home in this warm and welcoming holiday cottage at any time of year. Inside this wing of the owners’ home and accessed by a steep gravel drive, the open plan living space is spacious and bright with cosy seating and a window seat offering panoramic views across the surrounding farm lands to St Andrews Bay, the Eden Estuary and St Andrews itself. The kitchen area with an Aga, as well as an electric cooker, is well-equipped and ideal for practising your cooking skills, or creating a special meal, with a dining table where everyone can sit together and plan the next day’s activities.
Lucklaw Steading dates back to the 18th century, former farm buildings which have been converted and renovated to a good standard; the cottage, which is all on one level, is a private wing of the main house. The Steading is set within 2 acres and there is much to explore on foot from your doorstep; woodland and hilltop walks will appeal to hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers alike. With all this fresh air, you will be looking forward to a good night’s sleep. Why not ease those tired limbs after a day out with a deep bubble bath, as well as the option of a shower in the four piece bathroom. The utility and boot room is shared with the owners and houses the washing machine and tumble dryer.
Ideally located for exploring this area of Fife, St Andrews can be reached within a 15-minute drive, making Lucklaw Steading Cottage perfect for if you are visiting students at the university or attending a graduation ceremony. As well as the spectacular castle and cathedral ruins, sandy beaches and pretty harbour, there is much to explore in this historic city, with galleries, cinema, quality places to eat and local and independent shops. St Andrews is renowned worldwide as the home of golf, with seven courses under the management of the St Andrews Links Trust, and there are many local courses within easy driving distance for guests wanting to enjoy golf in the area.
The traditional market town of Cupar, which sits on the banks of the River Eden, has much to offer and is fascinating to walk around, with plenty of places to eat, and a particularly good selection of independent shops. For families the area also has the Scottish Deer Centre, an aquarium at St Andrews and award-winning sandy beaches and forest walks at Tentsmuir, just a short drive away. Across the Tay Bridge, Dundee has lots to offer for a day out, including the V&A with its dramatic waterfront setting and the historic ship ’Discovery’, and is well worth a visit. The Olympia Leisure Centre has a swimming pool, which is great for entertaining the kids on wet days. The East Neuk of Fife has spectacular coastline with picturesque fishing villages built around old harbours and unspoilt beaches. Following the coastal path offers a scenic walk with plenty of places to stop off and visit. Beach 9 miles. Shop 3½ miles, pub and restaurant 4 miles.£88From price per night based on 7 night stay