Scotland is the perfect playground for you, the whole family and especially your four-legged friend to explore. Offering a wide range of pet-friendly accommodation, Scotland is a great choice for a staycation or short break, with many dog-friendly locations, attractions and more to enjoy on your travels too.
Across Scotland there are hundreds of self-catering cottage accommodation options that welcome dogs, from Jackdaws Cottage in Crieff and the scenic Braehead Croft in Buckie, to magnificent Highland escapes and more. There’s plenty to choose from and many offer extras such as dog bowls, treats and dog beds, so keeping reading to see which one takes your fancy.
1. Old Brewery Cottage, Seil Island, near Oban
Head just south of Oban to the glorious Seil Island for a stay at the Old Brewery Cottage. This romantic little cottage is perched on rocky outcrops, boasting immense views over the Atlantic, and is an ideal location for exploring the west coast and islands. Bring along your pooch and snuggle into this fully equipped self-catering cottage, so you can enjoy an escape from the busy city in this tranquil corner of Scotland. Nearby there is lots to see, do and explore. Head into Oban and admire the offerings this seaside town boasts, as well as tucking into some delicious locally sourced seafood, or arrange a trip out to one of the many surrounding islands.
Did you know, Seil is separated from mainland Scotland only by the thinnest of sea channels, which is connected by the 18th century Clachan Bridge, popularly known as the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’?
Explore Seil Island.
2. Jackdaws Cottage, Crieff, Perthshire
In Perthshire, stay at Jackdaws Cottage near Crieff. Easily accessible from Perth and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, it’s an ideal location to base yourself if you’re looking for an outdoorsy getaway. Surrounded by lush green landscapes, rolling hills and lochs, your pooch will thank you for a dog-friendly scenic corner of Scotland.
Boasting a unique, architect-designed layout, this cottage has everything you need for a cosy self-catering stay; a wood-burning stove, a private garden, shared tennis court, a local pub nearby and more. You won’t be lost for things to see and do in the area, with plenty of walking routes and trails to explore, dog-friendly attractions, iconic landmarks nearby and much more.
Explore Crieff.
3. Naro Moro Lodge, Tain
For no extra charge, bring your canine companion along on your travels and stay at Naro Moro Lodge in Tain. Perfect for a romantic getaway, snuggle up in the evening by the woodburning stove, or on a summers evening, tuck into a meal on the outdoor seating whilst admiring the magnificent panoramic views over the coast. You may even see dolphins, seals and porpoises playing in the Dornoch Firth!
Enjoy countless walks and beach strolls along Shandwick Bay, head to Balintore village and browse the local store, pub, café and restaurant, or venture further afield exploring the Highlands, the North Coast 500 and the very northern corners of Scotland.
Explore Tain.
4. The Cottage, Dumfries & Galloway
Take your dog-friendly travels south to Dumfries & Galloway where you’ll be met by long stretches of rocky coastline, beautiful sandy beaches and many quaint coastal towns to explore. Book a stay at the 18th century The Cottage just north of Dumfries in Auldgirth. Enjoy a cosy retreat surrounded by hills and forest that are abundant with wildlife, including roe deer, foxes, badgers, tawny and barn owls, buzzards and red kites, so keep your eyes peeled to see how many you can spot. Bring your pooch along, for no extra charge, and explore all the sights, beaches, coasts and lush countryside for the perfect dog-friendly getaway.
Explore Dumfries & Galloway.
5. Braehead Croft, Banffshire
Located on the incredible Banff coastline in Aberdeenshire, Braehead Croft is a traditional stone-built cottage boasting magnificent views over the Moray Firth. The croft is well equipped and has all the amenities and facilities you need for a glorious self-catering getaway. Visit the nearby villages of Gardenstown, Pennan and Cullen, head to one of Scotland’s largest beaches at Cullen, keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the Moray Firth and much more can be enjoyed in the area. Bring along your well-behaved pooch and explore until your heart’s content on your dog-friendly holiday. At the croft there is also a free 24/7 vet line so your pup will be in good hands.
Visit Banff.
6. Strathcashel Cottage, Loch Lomond
You don’t get a bonnier location than Loch Lomond. Situated on the glistening shores of one of Scotland’s most famous lochs, set up camp at Strathcashel Cottage near Rowardennan. This lochside location boasts its own secluded pebble beach, just 5 minutes from the shore, and with a native woodland backdrop and Ben Lomond in the distance, this is the perfect tranquil spot for a getaway with friends or family to unwind and relax. Bring along your furry family member and uncover all of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs hidden gems. From Munros to conquer and lochs to paddle and splash in, to pet-friendly attractions and miles of forest trails to wander along, there’s plenty to enjoy on your dog-friendly holiday.
Explore Loch Lomond.
7. Eastside Cottages, Penicuik
Head just south of Edinburgh to Eastside Cottages in Penicuik. Nestled in the hills just outside the capital, it’s the ideal location to base yourself if you fancy exploring city gems, but want to stay in the peacefulness of the countryside. Each cottage offers a cosy home-away-from-home feel, all equipped with everything you need for a self-catering break. Bring your canine companion along, for an extra charge, and stay in the Steading Cottage or The Byre, and enjoy the lush rolling countryside that surrounds you, with a variety of walks and trails to uncover, there’s plenty to do with your pooch.
Did you know, VisitScotland’s Ambassadog, George, stayed at Eastside Cottages? They had a paw-some time exploring the area!
Explore Edinburgh & The Lothians.
8. Portavadie Cottages, Loch Fyne
Portavadie, where to start! Sitting on the shores of Loch Fyne, these 4-star holiday cottages overlook the stunning marina and offer an affordable spot of luxury. Each cottage is fully equipped with everything you need for a dog-friendly self-catering holiday, and each stay includes access to the Leisure Experience, as well as a full Scottish breakfast served in the Marina Restaurant and Bar. Why not treat yourself to a spot of indulgence with a Spa Experience?
There are many restaurant spots around Loch Fyne which serve up delectable fresh seafood to try. From mussels and oysters, to freshly-caught fish and more.
Head out with your pooch and explore all the nearby walks, lochs, attractions and more. Keep an eye out for local wildlife on your travels too.
Explore Loch Fyne.
9. Mansefield House, Arrochar
If you’re planning a family reunion or a get together with friends, Mansefield House may be for you. Just a 45-minute drive from Glasgow, this gorgeous self-catering cottage can host up to 12 people and features immense views over Loch Long and the Arrochar Alps. Well behaved pets are very welcome here and the surrounding area boasts plenty of trails and walks to explore with your pooch too. The area is also very well suited for avid walkers and cyclists! This cosy and welcoming home from home is perfect for young families and special occasions, with 4 double rooms and a twin room, as well as en-suite bathrooms, loch views and family facilities, it’s the perfect self-catering cottage for a getaway.
Explore the countryside and get outdoors with plenty of things to see and do, including walking, climbing, golf, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, canoeing, sailing and more all on your doorstep.
Explore Arrochar.
10. Seasgair Handpicked Lodges, Aviemore
The Cairngorms National Park is a stunning part of the Scottish Highlands and definitely one to add to your Scottish bucket list. Enjoy a stay at Seasgair Handpicked Lodges in Aviemore for a spot of luxury with your favourite canine companion. These dog-friendly lodges offer a cosy and welcoming stay; some with hot tubs, others boasting a modern and contemporary feel, or stay in a characterful cottage that boasts its own private stretch of river. Admire the amazing panoramic views in this popular location of the Highlands, featuring hundreds of outdoors activities to get involved in, as well as scenic lochside walks, or treat yourself to a nearby spa day.
Did you know, ‘seasgair’ is a Gaelic word which means ‘comfort, warmth, sheltered and protected’? A stay at these homely lodges will provide just that.
Explore Aviemore.
11. Balmaqueen, Isle of Skye
Do you and your pooch love a home away from home? How does a beautiful house on the Isle of Skye sound? Balmaqueen on the Trotternish peninsula offers two self-catering cottages to rent, The Old Croft House and The Byre. In a peaceful setting, only 30 -40 minutes away from the island’s hub of Portree, there’s lots to do nearby with clifftop walks and The Quirang just a short distance from your front door.
12. Hyrneside, by Newburgh, Fife
This quiet, luxury countryside base is only 35 minutes from St Andrews and 50 minutes from Edinburgh. Old Parkhill is a beautifully restored 3 bedroom, dog friendly farm cottage, featuring a stylish open plan living space for socialising, with big river views, handmade kitchen, wood burning stove, corner sofa and warm polished concrete floors.
13. Sail Mhor View, Durnamuck, Highlands
Looking for a place to stay that will accommodate multiple doggos? Sail Mhor View has you covered, as multiple dogs are welcome here free of charge. The property is a beautiful, detached cottage, overlooking Little Loch Broom in the stunning North West Highlands. Dogs of all sizes are welcome too – from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, and everything in between!
This is just a taste of all the amazing dog-friendly self-catering cottages our spectacular countryside spots have to offer. Explore more dog-friendly cottages and start planning your Scottish holiday with your pooch. Or why not stay in a dog-friendly hotel or hostel?
- Pet Friendly Holidays
- Cottage Holidays in Scotland
- Dog Friendly Days Out in Scotland
- Coastal Cottages in Scotland
- Self Catering Holiday Ideas
- Special Self Catering Spots
- Hotels vs Self Catering
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