Kate W
02 August 2019
Holidays are always more fun with your canine companion by your side, so don’t leave your dog behind when you’re booking your getaway to Scotland.
Dogs make walks fun, even when caked up to the ears in mud, and they also provide wonderful company whether your holiday home is quiet and peaceful or full of commotion. Scotland is just one big adventure playground for dogs, but there are definitely areas which are more remote and wild for them to run free. Head to the east coast where the beaches are massive or to the Highlands with its impressive hills and woodland to explore. Wherever you go, the pooch will have a blast!
We all know there are many perks to having a dog, so we are proud to offer a wide range of dog-friendly accommodation for you to choose from. A holiday without the dog by your side just isn’t the same, so we’ve picked out three top dog-friendly holiday cottages to provide you with some holiday inspiration. If you are looking for an even wider choice, browse through our full range of dog-friendly accommodation in Scotland.
A luxury dog-friendly cottage in the Scottish Highlands
The Shell at Ardtur | Sleeps 10 | Argyll & Bute, Scotland | 🐕🐕
Your family, including canine companion (of course), would love The Shell at Ardtur. In fact, your extended family and their canine would fit too, for this delightfully presented house sleeps ten humans and your four-legged friend.
Why it’s great for dogs:
On your return to the house after a playful day out, the paved terrace provides a comfortable spot for those all-too-rare snoozes in the sun, with the huge glass-fronted sitting room capturing the sun’s rays so you can still enjoy the warmth even when there is an autumnal chill in the air. The central log burner is the ideal place to rest and recuperate after a day of excitement; the cloakroom makes for the perfect for a cosy, canine bed.
Extra dog points:
- Exploring the local beach which is perfect for relaxed or energetic strolls, ball games and – if they are feeling brave – a dip in the sea.
- The tree-lined private driveway offers a lovely rainy-day substitute location for a dog walk.
- The local bike hire close by means you can pick up the pace and turn a walk into a run. The cycle track between Glencoe and Oban can be reached by crossing the Jubilee footbridge and boardwalk over the tidal marshes – the dogs will love it.
A pet-friendly lodge in a remote valley
Professors Cottage | Sleeps 6 | Achnasheen, Scotland | 🐕
When holidaying with a dog, there are certain requirements that are essential when helping your canine to have the time of their life, the most important being: space. For these canines that also prefer a bit of peace and quiet, Professors Cottage near Kinlochewe is the dream destination. Located in the depths of a valley 3 miles down a rough track and on the edge of the Abhainn Bruachaig River, this cottage is a remote escape for all of the family to enjoy.
Why it’s great for dogs:
Is there anything better than an afternoon by the loch with a picnic? How about a sky full of stars so bright you feel you could reach out and touch them? You get all this with the telescope in the living room providing the chance to stargaze (admittedly, this is less interesting for the dog). The wood burner in the living room offers a lovely place for the dog to rest and warm up after days out adventuring and they will love the overgrown garden during quiet moments at the cottage.
Extra dog points:
- Hours of exploring and adventure can be had by both children and doggo in the wildly remote, bracken-covered landscape, hopping stones across the river with the space to roam and run until their legs feel like jelly.
- The surrounding nature and wildlilfe will give him plenty to look at, sniff and smell.
- There is a 4.5-mile walk close by to Loch Fada (not for the faint hearted) where there is a small boat with outboard motor, included in the rental of the cottage.
- Being a waterside property makes this the perfect cottage for dogs that like swimming - even though it can be chilly.
A dog-friendly cottage by the sea
Old Fishing Station | Sleeps 2 | Badachro, Highlands | 🐕
How many chances do you have to stay on your own island off the west coast of Scotland? The Old Curing station is a cool holiday cottage in a private setting with amazing views which will be hard to forget. Sleeping two, it has its own private walkway to the mainland and a hot tub which you can spend lazy evenings in enjoying this magical location. This is a beautiful remote place for you and the pooch to enjoy a Scottish break.
Why it’s great for dogs
Being surrounded by a nice section of lawn and set close to the water's edge, this is a dog's dream with plenty of space to stretch the legs and make a splash. The hot tub is set on a stylish decking area where the dog can keep an eye out whilst you kick back and relax, and the outdoor eating area has great views which you can all enjoy.
Extra dog points:
- There is a lovely open-plan living space which lends itself well to being sociable with the humans. The wood burner makes for a cosy place to sleep after fun days out.
- A whole island to explore with woodland, mini beaches, and lots of nature to enjoy.
- Exploring the coastline could not be easier, being set close by to Gairloch, Poolewe and Ullapool with plenty of beaches and dog-friendly places to eat and drink.
A dog-friendly stay in a Scottish castle
Grants of Freuchie Castle | Sleeps 10 | Dulnain Bridge, Highlands | 🐕🐕
This castle fits many clichés of a fairytale castle – tall in structure and picturesque in appearance, with its elegant small windows and magical turrets and its countryside woodland setting. Having been lovingly restored, this 16th-century castle has been tastefully transformed to offer sophisticated and stylish holiday accommodation in the Highlands of Scotland. Welcoming two dogs, you can all have a wonderful experience whilst staying in this historic hidden gem.
Why it’s great for dogs:
This castle is set off the main road into Dulnain Bridge, but sits far enough back that it has a good bit of ground around it for the dogs to run around in. There are remainders of outbuildings which have been purposefully left to honour the past, and these make for great obstacles for the dogs to jump over or sit on and enjoy the sunshine. Surrounding the castle, there are plenty of hill and fields to explore and woodland walks which will keep them busy for hours.
Extra dog points:
- The castle is beautifully decorated throughout and the stone staircase will alone offer plenty of exercise for your fluffy friend!
- There is a stunning sunroom with doors that open onto the garden which gives them easy access to their outdoor playground.
- There is a lovely big fireplace in the main sitting room which will offer the perfect snoozing area for those tired dogs who have been out exploring all day.
For more ideas on how to make the most of your pet-friendly break read our ulitmate guide to dog-friendly holidays in Scotland.
Holiday checklist for you and your dog
Holidaying with your dog can be easy, provided you have the space and comfort to do it in, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your dog is welcome too.
Every puppy parent knows should be prepared for their dog-friendly holiday to Scotland with the following items:
- Dog bed – we all know that you get a better night’s sleep in your own bed.
- Dog food – these cottages are self-catering after all.
- Dog bowl – this can make or break a meal;, you get used to your own things.
- Poo bags – yup, self-explanatory.
- Dog towel – there is nothing more essential after a long, wet, muddy, sandy, slobbery, exuberant walk!
Enjoy dog-friendly holidays in Scotland
Dogs are great companions and help you to appreciate the simple pleasures, which is exactly what holidays are all about! Gone are the days you need to leave them in a kennel; everyone can enjoy a Scottish break with our great collection of self-catering cottages.
For more ideas on locations, check out our guides on the best dog-friendly beaches and our guide to some great dog walks in Scotland.
Take a look through our full collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Scotland and find the perfect holiday home for your pet-friendly getaway.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.