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.
Kirkbank, ScotlandAlma Cottage is a charming, 19th-century Galloway Roadmans cottage set in the small, picturesque village of Borgue just 5 miles from the popular harbour town of Kirkcudbright. Beautifully decorated throughout, Alma Cottage has a lovely welcoming living room, an attractive and well equipped kitchen/dining room, and a modern shower room all on the ground floor, whilst upstairs is a large bedroom with comfortable kingsize bed. There is an outdoor space beside and across from the cottage, where you can sit out for your morning coffee and relax whilst enjoying the beautiful Galloway countryside.
Borgue is a charming little village with a local pub serving great food so if you don’t want to cook after a day out exploring, wander along and enjoy a meal. Alma Cottage and Borgue are surrounded by miles of quiet country lanes so you can enjoy them either on foot, bike or car. The area around here has some marvellous beaches and coastal and countryside walks which can easily be reached by bike or car. A short drive away will take you to Kirkcudbright, known as ’the Artists Town’, a lovely town on the estuary which still has a bustling harbour. Kirkcudbright attracts visitors throughout the year drawn by the harbour, the historic high street and the diverse range of annual events and visitor attractions, including castle ruins. The popular programme of summer festivities culminates with the spectacular Tattoo, an event not to be missed. This stunning corner of South West Scotland, warmed by the Gulf Stream, also has many beautiful gardens to visit, including Threave Gardens (National Trust). Close to the Galloway Forest Park, the first Dark Sky Park in the UK, and central to several of the world renowned 7Stanes mountain biking tracks, it certainly is the perfect spot for the more adventurous.£60From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Castle Douglas, ScotlandThis spacious detached house, with large enclosed gardens, is situated in the popular traditional market town of Castle Douglas, known as Scotland’s Food Town, only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. This unspoilt area of south west Scotland offers magnificent scenery, some of the finest beaches and golf courses in Scotland, riding, fishing and water sports.
An excellent area for walkers and cyclists with Dalbeattie 7Stanes a mere 10 minutes away. The Galloway Forest Park offers fantastic scenery and wildlife and the Galloway Hills are within easy reach. For those with young children there are also a number of great days out on the doorstep including Cream o’ Galloway, an amusement park on a working dairy farm, 15 miles, and The Cocobean Company, with childrens play area and chocolate workshop, 9 miles away.
If arts and culture are a passion, a quick glance at the surroundings will see exactly why the region has inspired so many artists, writers and craftsmen, from the artist’s town of Kirkcudbright, the region’s infamous Spring Fling, Eden Festival, Electric Fields Festival and Knockengorroch Festival are amongst many other events that take place all year round. The Solway coast has many extensive sandy beaches and rocky coves to explore, with many traditional fishing villages and harbour ports. Kirkcudbright, the artists’ town, has art galleries, antique shops, museums and shops while Castle Douglas has many artisan food shops, galleries and independent shops. Beach 12 miles. Shop 250 yards, pub and restaurant 400 yards.
Just when you think this property can’t get any better, it will undergo impressive renovation from January - March 2023, including a new fitted kitchen; new bifold doors from the kitchen, a raised patio area, a brand new WC room downstairs and the removal of the current sitting area to create a large open plan living space, perfect for all of your family and friends.£407From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
- Kirkcudbright, ScotlandLittle Beach is perfectly positioned in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with uninterrupted sea views from the front and green rolling hills to the rear. This shepherd’s hut, surrounded by fields of cows and sheep, has been individually hand crafted and bespoke-built using Siberian larch wood. Whilst boasting traditional features such as a curved roof, internal and external wood cladding, and spindle wheels, it has been designed with comfort and style in mind. Not to mention being incredibly spacious too!
The kitchen has been hand built locally and finished with a solid wood worktop, and tucked in at the end is a breakfast bar with bar stools. Comfy seating fits snugly in beside the wood burner and there is also Wi-Fi. A Smart television is wall mounted above the breakfast bar and French doors open out onto an enclosed veranda, perfect for watching the sun set over Wigtown bay and later for gazing up at the stars. The bedroom, although cosy, fits a king size bed with feature headboard and wall lamps and beautiful views of the hills can be seen from the window. There is also ample storage for luggage and bags under the bed. The bathroom is spacious containing a toilet, sink and shower cubicle.
Situated 5 miles from Gatehouse of Fleet and a 5-minute drive from sandy beaches, Little Beach sits on the edge of the UK’s first Dark Sky Park as well as being within a short distance of the Southwest 300 route. The hut provides the perfect base for a short break exploring beautiful Galloway. Beach 2 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 5 miles.
Little Beach can be booked together with Little Oak (ref UK5996) and Little Willow (ref UK5998) to accommodate up to 6 guests.£101From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Stranraer, ScotlandEnjoying a wonderful setting with views over the picturesque town centre, harbour and out to open sea, these spacious, detached houses offer an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area. No 4 (UK5569) has stunning views over the sea from most windows, and also from the hot tub. No 7 (UK5736) is situated next door to No 8 (UK5770) and has a spacious interior with pool table and hot tub to the rear, while No 8 also with a hot tub, has a first floor living room with pool table, bar and French doors leading out to the balcony.
Portpatrick is perfectly placed to enjoy the challenging uplands of the Galloway Hills, to the more gentle seaside trails, rolling moors and dramatic cliff-top walks. The Southern Upland Way passing close by presents the ideal focus from which to enjoy the many and varied shorter walks within the region. The dramatic scenery is home to a rich company of flora and fauna, with many unusual species including pine martens, golden eagle, ospreys, red deer, red squirrels and the natterjack toad.
The area has many renowned gardens to visit including the Botanic Gardens in Port Logan. Wigtown, Scotland’s official book town, is home to a charming gallery, and excellent cafés, and is located only a few miles from Bladnoch Distillery, where visitors can sample the local malt whisky. For fishermen the area offers a wide variety of opportunities including sea fishing from Portpatrick, and both trout and salmon fishing close by. Other country pursuits are available including shooting and riding. Golfers will feel equally at home in this area with Stranraer, Portpatrick and Lagganmore golf courses within a 20-minute drive, while Turnberry, with its world famous course is only 45 minutes away and also offers a spa, off road driving, quad biking activities and restaurant facilities. For the more active there are numerous cycle routes set out in stunning forestry commission surroundings, and cycle hire is available at these centres. Sailing is available via the local marina, and for those happy to travel slightly further afield there is the Galloway Sailing Centre, where visitors can also try windsurfing, canoeing and power boating. From Stranraer, 6½ miles, there is the ferry service to Ireland for a day trip. Beach 200 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 200 yards.
4 Military Drive (UK5569) can be booked together with 7 Military Drive (UK5736) and 8 Military Drive (UK5570) to accommodate up to 32 guests.£245From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Newton Stewart, ScotlandThis cosy semi-detached cottage is situated in the lovely village of Wigtown, known as Scotland’s ‘Book Town’. The town provides a variety of shops, galleries, tea rooms and a pub. Located in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway amidst some of the finest scenery in southern Scotland, and ideally located to explore Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, wilderness and romance. The breathtaking scenery runs from the Galloway Hills and the Galloway Forest Dark Skies Park, with their many hidden lochs, burns and waterfalls, to the beautiful Solway coastline with sandy beaches, rocky coves and picturesque villages to explore.
Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve is the largest local reserve in the UK. It has significant numbers of pink-footed geese, greylag geese, and several species of duck and wading birds that visit in the autumn and winter months. Spend time at the Interpretation Centre where you can watch via video camera the Galloway ospreys during their nesting season (April to August), or the local wetlands during the rest of the year. Take time to visit the distillery at Bladnoch which has a large visitor shop and offers guided tours, or meander around Wigtown browsing the gift shops, gallery, plant nursery, and the numerous book shops and many cafés.
This beautiful region boast an exceptional number of activities to try, from a quiet afternoon fishing on one of the excellent rivers, or trying one of the challenging 7 Stanes cycle tracks. You will find horse riding, golf, sailing, diving and numerous walks all in the area and with its famously mild climate and the balmy influence of the gulf stream, Dumfries and Galloway is home to some of the most beautiful and exotic gardens in Scotland. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 250 yards.£59From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Dumfries, ScotlandSympathetically renovated, this 18th-century stone-built cottage has its own waterwheel and lies at the edge of the small hamlet of Glenmidge. Semi-detached, it lies next to the owner’s home by the Glenmidge Burn, where the odd glimpse of an otter can be seen. Surrounded by hills and forest, the area has abundant wildlife including roe deer, foxes, badgers, tawny and barn owls, buzzards and red kites. There are trail paths for walking, running and mountain biking on the doorstep, but there are also flat routes and quiet country roads along the valley (maps are available in the cottage).
Less than a mile away up the glen stands the remains of the Lag Tower, which was built by the wealthy Grierson family in the 15th century and was last occupied by Sir Robert Grierson towards the end of the 17th century. He was best remembered as a notorious persecutor of the covenanters, and his headstone is in a local graveyard.
Situated on the Kirkpatrick Macmillan Cycle Trail, the cottage is only 5 miles away from the old Courthill Smiddy at Keir, where Kirkpatrick Macmillan invented the first pedal-driven bicycle in the world. A replica is in the museum 3 miles further on at the 17th-century Drumlanrig Castle at Thornhill. Open to the public, the castle has one hundred and twenty rooms, seventeen turrets and four towers, and is home to the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. As well as beautiful grounds and river walks, it boasts one of the 7stanes cycle centres, with the Ae Forest close by.
Dalswinton Loch is 4 miles away with lovely walks, and there is a replica of the first paddle-driven steam boat in the world which made its first journey on the loch. The famous poet, Robert Burns, was one of the first passengers on board; he lived and worked the farm at Ellisland, where he wrote Auld Lang Syne and Tam o’ Shanter. Ellisland Farm is a museum and visitor centre, 3 miles away.
There are several golf courses to choose from in the area: Thornhill is 7 miles, and Dumfries is 9 miles, and both offer shops and plenty of restaurants and pubs. The highest golf course in Scotland is at Leadhills, near Wanlockhead, which is also the highest village in Scotland. Lying 17 miles away, it is famous for the mining of gold and lead, and you can visit the mining museum there. The River Nith and the River Cairn are both about 2 miles away in opposite directions, both being famous for salmon, sea trout and wild brown trout fishing. Day and season tickets are available to visitors. Each fisherman is permitted to keep two salmon per season. Loch fishing for trout and course fish are also available nearby. Beach 22 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.£56From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Annan, ScotlandThis beautiful 19th century historic property, with spacious rooms, has been sympathetically renovated to retain many of its original features whilst providing a luxury holiday location whatever your needs. With an accessible kitchen with rise and fall counters x-y ceiling track hoists in two of the five large bedrooms and one wet room, electric profiling beds in three bedrooms, two large specialised wet rooms with level-access showers, low level basin and emergency pull chord alarm system, not to mention the lift, this house caters for everyone no matter what their everyday needs may be. The house and grounds were built on the moat bank of an 11th century Motte-and-bailey castle, the original seat of the ’De Brus’ family who were the ancestors of ’Robert the Bruce’ who was featured in the iconic film ’Braveheart’. The other side of the moat bank can still be seen from the peaceful sensory garden.
The Moat House is only a very short walk from the main street of Annan where you can enjoy a range of pubs and restaurants, or take in a film at the local cinema. There is plenty to do in the area with forests and coastal walks. There are lots of castles to explore in Dumfries and Galloway but Caerlaverock Castle is particularly interesting being a moated, triangular castle. In comparison though Drumlanrig Castle is a very impressive building with 120 rooms, 17 turrets and towers, and it is equally stunning inside, being filled with beautiful French furniture and an art collection which includes Rembrandt’s Old Woman Reading. Mabie Farm Park is always popular with families, from feeding farm animals, a ride on the ‘Choo Choo Express’, a gentle paddle around the boating lake to racing quad bikes, there is fun for kids of all sizes. Alternatively Gretna Gateway Outlet Village can provide hours of retail therapy. It was while living and working in nearby Dumfries that JM Barrie befriended a local family, and their adventures inspired him to write Peter Pan, hopefully your family will have equally fantastic adventures on your holidays. Within 5 miles there is coarse and trout fishing (at cost), river fishing (day ticket permit required) and sea fishing (free) all available (rod licence may be required). Beach 1½ miles. Shop and pub 200 yards, restaurant 400 yards.£308From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
- Kirkcudbright, ScotlandThe perfect getaway for a couple, this large and sumptuous, one-bedroomed, terraced house is decorated using a colour scheme of soft greys and a splash of green, and makes an ideal retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Cosy up on the sofa in front of a blazing fire, or sit in the garden and enjoy the night sky. A wonderful ‘home from home’, Granary has it all - and your dog is welcome too!
It is set in a quiet street in Gatehouse of Fleet, a delightful village in this beautiful part of south west Scotland. Once known locally as the ‘Glasgow of the South’, the village used to have a thriving industry with cotton mills, shipbuilding, a brewery and its own port. Nowadays, its rich past can only be seen in the street names and inside the former textile mill, The Mill on the Fleet, which now houses exhibitions. There are many attractions in and around the town including the Mill on the Fleet Visitor Centre, Cardoness Castle and the popular Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre, home to one of Europe’s longest zip wires. For a more laid back day, there are delightful beaches just a few minutes’ drive away, including Mossyard and Carrick. The area has numerous walks available, from scenic coastal walks to forest trails. Together with sailing, swimming, riding, fishing, golf, boat trips and water sports close by, there is something for everyone. The area is warmed by the Gulf Stream, and many beautiful gardens flourish here, including Threave Gardens (National Trust). Granary is close to the Galloway Forest Park, the first Dark Sky Park in Europe, and being central to five of the 7Stanes, at Kirroughtree Forest and Dalbeattie Forest, it is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Kirroughtree has some of the best technical single track mountain bike trails in Scotland. Only a short drive away is Kirkcudbright, known as ‘the artists’ town’, which attracts visitors throughout the year who are 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 a spectacular tattoo - an event not to be missed! Shop 100 yards, pub and restaurant 20 yards.
Granary can be booked together with Knocktinkle (UK5243) and Willow (UK5244) to accommodate up to 10 guests.£106From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Dumfries, ScotlandQuietly situated on the edge of the pretty town of Moffat, this charming holiday cottage forms a wing of the owner’s home, and was once where the pony and trap were kept. It has now been transformed into a welcoming, cosy haven for two. The bright and spacious living room has a wood burner and French doors looking out to the garden and there is a small courtyard garden to the rear. Moffat has a thriving arts and music scene, a good range of local shops, pubs and restaurants and is ideal for hill walking being on the Southern Upland Way. Ideally placed for touring the area, Edinburgh and Glasgow are 50 miles, spectacular St Mary’s Loch, 30 miles, and the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall is just 10 miles away, while Drumlanrig Castle, near Thornhill is within easy reach. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£45From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Sandyhills, ScotlandThe Nook at Balcary is a beautiful detached cottage with a modern open plan living area boasting floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors opening on to the most fantastic views of Auchencairn Bay and Hestan Island.
Everything at The Nook at Balcary is perfect from the moment you step inside. Not only will the view amaze you, but the attention to detail throughout is stunning from the comfortable sofas, the large walk-in shower to the sumptuous bed. On fine nights, sit outside in the most peaceful of locations watching the stars and enjoying the sound of the sea. The perfect place to relax.
The area surrounding The Nook at Balcary is just as impressive. From your doorstep take a walk over the cliffs, or a short drive will take you to many lovely little towns and villages including Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright, Kippford and Rockcliffe to name but a few.
This corner of south west Scotland, warmed by the Gulf Stream, also has many beautiful gardens to visit, including Threave Gardens (National Trust). Close to the Galloway Forest Park, the first Dark Sky Park in the UK, and central to 5 of the 7Stanes, it is a popular location for cyclists and mountain bikers. Beach 50 yards. Shop 2 miles, hotel bar and restaurant next door.£82From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
