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.
Edinburgh, Scotland
3.00This ground floor holiday apartment is situated in an historic building looking out to the ancient harbour on the River Almond and the tiny islands in the River Forth. With easy access into Edinburgh city centre and over the Forth Bridge to Fife and Perthshire. Discover many walks from the doorstep; across a tidal causeway to Cramond Island, along the river past tumbling falls or along the long sandy beach, this is the ideal spot for a relaxing break.£74From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Fort Augustus, ScotlandIn the picturesque village of Fort Augustus, next to the Caledonian Canal and a short walk from the head of Loch Ness, this ground floor holiday apartment makes an ideal base from which to tour the Highlands. The area hosts a large number of outdoor activities including mountain biking, hillwalking, golf, fishing, horse riding, kayaking and windsurfing. As Ardgay is a corporate member of Fort Augustus golf club, guests are entitled to as many free rounds of golf that they would like. Walk or cycle from the door along the canal towpath, or sit and watch the boats trying to negotiate the locks. Take a boat trip on Loch Ness to hunt for the Loch Ness Monster, drive through dramatic Highland scenery, visit historic castles and explore remote magical glens. Wildlife is abundant with golden eagles, wild deer and otters often seen. Inverness, the ‘Highland Capital’, Fort William, the ‘Outdoor Capital’ of the UK, and the beautiful Isle of Skye are easily reached. Shop, pub and restaurant 400 yards.£50From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Dumfries, ScotlandAuld Acquaintance Cottage sits in the heart of Ellisland Farm which was built by Robert Burns in 1788 for his young wife and family. Burns, known affectionately as Rabbie, is the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide for poems and songs including Auld Lang Syne, which was written here. Whilst Ellisland Farm remains much as it was in the 18th century, Auld Acquaintance Cottage was renovated in 2023 into a beautiful holiday retreat in the modern rustic style. The large, open plan living space with its cosy wood burner and beautifully fitted kitchen is a charming room with doors opening onto a garden overlooking the River Nith. The cosy interior includes artisan and antique pieces, with artwork inspired by Burns.
Ellisland is the best place to see nature through the poet’s eyes. Follow woodland paths created by the ploughman poet himself, including where he wrote his famous epic, Tam o’ Shanter. Auld Acquaintance Cottage looks on to the farmhouse built by Burns where you can experience what life would have been like for a rural family in the 18th century. The museum includes an extensive collection of artefacts, memorabilia and manuscripts. Proceeds from Auld Acquaintance Cottage support The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, the charity which safeguards this precious historic site and its collection.
You are perfectly placed to explore this unspoiled region. Visit the stunning Drumlanrig Castle where you can take a tour of the ’pink palace’ built by the first Duke of Queensberry, or explore miles of beautiful walks and gardens. There are numerous activities for kids, from the adventure playground to ranger-led wildlife walks. You are also just six miles outside the regional market town of Dumfries with its many attractions, including Robert Burns’ favourite establishment, The Globe Inn, now a fine dining restaurant.
The Galloway Forest Park is an amazing place to visit where you can enjoy the rolling glens with breath-taking loch and mountain views. As the UKs first Dark Sky Park, Galloway is one of the darkest places in the UK. Ellisland also has stunning night skies which inspired Burns to write Thou Lingering Star, a moving homage to his lost love, Highland Mary. Beach 19¾ miles.£100From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ayr, ScotlandBelstane Cottage is a semi-detached cottage with a large, shared garden and enjoys lovely views over the surrounding countryside. It is quietly situated next to the owner’s home on the edge of the very pretty conservation village of Straiton, voted one of the ten ‘Best Villages in Scotland’, and featured in the book ’The Most Beautiful Villages of Scotland’. The entire area is known for its gently rolling landscape, its hills dotted with sheep and traversed by the winding River Girvan, and is a hugely popular area with walkers and cyclists of all abilities.
Belstane Cottage is located on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park, Britain’s largest forest park with 300 square miles of wild beauty waiting to be explored. The park boasts tranquil valleys, rugged rock faces, forest, moorland, lochs and ancient woodland and a huge diversity of wildlife including red and roe deer, wild goats and many birds of prey. The park has also been awarded the status of one of only four Dark Sky Parks in the western world, and when the sun sets, enthusiasts come to wonder at the universe revealed above. Dalmellington is home to the Scottish Dark Observatory, and is only a short drive from the property. The seaside towns of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are all close by with beautiful sandy beaches and stunning views towards the Isle of Arran. Day trips can be taken to Arran and Cumbrae and are well worth the effort. Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh are perfect for a day out, as is Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Ayrshire is home to the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 100-mile long coastal walk with fantastic views over to the mountains of Arran. This coastline is steeped in history and teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, otters and seals, and is a haven for bird watchers.
Inland there are gardens and castles to visit, as well as riding, racing and a choice of golf courses, with the world famous Turnberry close to hand. Culzean Castle (owned by the National Trust for Scotland) is spectacular and is Ayrshire’s most popular tourist attraction, and Dumfries House is also worth a visit.
Belstane Cottage nestles in the heart of ‘Burns’ Country’, which is steeped in tradition and fans of the poet can visit Burns Cottage, The Burns Memorial Museum and the Brig O’ Doon, the bridge from the famous poem ‘Tam o’ Shanter’. Beach 14 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 100 yards.£48From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Skelmorlie, ScotlandSet close to Largs on the Firth of Clyde, these charming holiday apartments have been carefully converted from the stable block of a delightful Victorian manor house, which is located some 200 yards away along a tree-lined drive. Offering every contemporary comfort and convenience, enjoy the relaxing ambience of the scenic setting. You can relax amid 15 acres of landscaped grounds, or in the lawned areas, which are surrounded by woodland. There are wonderful views of the hills and islands of the Firth of Clyde, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. There are two golf courses, trout farm fishing, sailing, nature trails and pony trekking, as well as cruises aboard the famous ’Waverley’ paddle steamer. In Largs, 2 miles, you will find the Kelburn Country Centre and Vikingar - an exciting all-weather leisure centre, with a swimming pool, 500-seat theatre and children’s soft play area. There is also a choice of small shops, a supermarket, post office, pubs and a station. Although an attractive seaside resort now, Largs like much of this area has enjoyed an interesting history - in 1263 it was where the Norse fleet were defeated. From Largs take a ferry to Great Cumbrae Island and visit the aquarium, near Keppel Pier, and the ’Cathedral of the Isles’ on the sandy bay at Millport. The Cumbraes are not the only isles within easy reach. Go from Wemyss Bay across the waters to Bute, or drive south to Ardrossen and arrive in the exceptionally mild island of Arran. Arran is home to a wealth of places to visit, including the National Trust for Scotland owned Goatfell, 2,866 ft, with its magnificent views from the Clyde coast to the Hebrides and Northern Ireland. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy making the trip here, as Arran has 6 courses in which to shoot a round. Manor Park is well-placed for anyone looking to plan a diverse holiday itinerary. Whether you take to the sea or prefer to head inland, there is much to fill the days. Within an hour’s drive you can reach Loch Lomond, Burns country and Glasgow, with Edinburgh just a little further. Pub 2½ miles.£46From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Drumnadrochit, ScotlandSituated only a mile from the village of Drumnadrochit and with wonderful views over Loch Ness, this charming, self contained holiday apartment is on the ground floor of Temple Pier House, an impressive listed building set above the road along the side of the loch. The house retains many original features including small paned windows. Perfect for couples who want a comfortable hideaway with a private hedged garden. Great for walkers, there are many tracks to explore from the doorstep including the Great Glen Way which passes close and continues all the way to Inverness. A boat trip on the loch is a must for a spot of ‘Nessie Hunting’. The charming village of Drumnadrochit has good restaurants, a small but well stocked grocery store, a post office and a bank that opens occasionally. The bright lights of the city of Inverness, 12 miles, offer a superb choice of restaurants, boutiques, museums, and beautiful riverside pathways, with the imposing Inverness Castle, now the city’s courthouse, the impressive St. Andrew’s cathedral and the award winning Eden Court Theatre. Centrally located, this makes an ideal base to access all of the magnificent Highlands. Skye, Fort William and the West Coast of Scotland are within a couple of hours’ drive and the road through Inverness goes onto the A9 and then north to Sutherland or south to Aviemore and further to Perthshire. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£68From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Newton Stewart, ScotlandWelcome to The Hydeaway, a charming holiday cottage nestled in the picturesque town of Whithorn. This delightful cottage offers a cosy and comfortable retreat for those seeking a tranquil getaway in the heart of the stunning Scottish countryside.
The Hydeaway provides easy accessibility and convenience for all guests. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a beautifully decorated living room adorned with lovely artwork that adds a touch of elegance to the space. The modern kitchen/dining area is equipped with all the amenities you need to prepare delicious meals. A door opens out onto the enclosed rear garden, allowing you to soak up the fresh air and admire the open views of the surrounding farmland. It’s a real treat for those seeking a peaceful atmosphere. The Hydeaway offers a comfortable double bedroom, providing a serene haven for a restful night’s sleep. There is also a single bedroom, perfect for a child or an additional guest. The wet room with an electric shower and heated towel rail add a touch of elegance to your stay. For those travelling with furry friends, The Hydeaway is dog-friendly, welcoming your beloved pets to join in on the holiday fun.
The enclosed garden provides a great space for your four-legged companions to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Whithorn is a friendly little town with a convenience store and pub as well as attractions for you to enjoy. Explore the rich history of this ancient town by visiting the Whithorn Priory and Museum, where you can delve into its fascinating past. Take leisurely walks along the stunning coastline, enjoying breathtaking views and the soothing sounds of the waves. Venture further afield to discover the Machars Peninsula, boasting beautiful beaches, charming villages, and captivating wildlife. Embark on scenic drives through the Galloway Forest Park or visit nearby Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town, where literary enthusiasts can browse through quaint bookshops. Escape to The Hydeaway and experience a truly memorable holiday in the idyllic surroundings of Whithorn. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, this charming cottage provides the perfect base for exploring all that this enchanting area has to offer.£51From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Colintraive, ScotlandSurrounded by 150 acres of glorious wooded grounds, abundant in wildlife. Amidst a glorious landscape of unspoilt wooded glens, fragmented coastline, stunning sea lochs and breathtaking bays, the delightful cottages at Home Farm nestle in the peaceful wooded valley of the River Ruel. The steading and cottages, formerly the home farm to the estate, have been lovingly restored and are very comfortably furnished in contemporary Scottish style. Their spacious courtyard setting affords each of them a sense of privacy and they all boast access to 150 acres of wooded grounds, abundant in bird and wildlife, with free trout and salmon fishing on the Ruel beat owned by Home Farms - the fishing hut provides an ideal picnic spot. One of the most admired views in Scotland, The Kyles of Bute, awaits discovery just 6 miles away, as do the tranquil village of Tighnabruaich’s lovely natural bays, sandy beach, shops, restaurants and 9 hole golf course. Colintraive, 9 miles, offers a pub serving good food and there is a summer shop (limited opening hours) adjacent to Home Farm. Beach 5 miles. Shop 13 miles, pub and restaurant 7 miles.£105From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
