Dog-friendly places to stay in Scotland
Discover the best of rugged Scotland from this specially selected collection of hotels, inns and cottages that welcome your dog as warmly as you. Arrive to dog treats and much fussing over, tips for walks and dog-friendly beaches, even a dog sitter if you fancy a night out without your sidekick in tow. Scotland is the perfect place for you and your dog to scamper through ancient forests and remote peninsulas glimpsing much wildlife all across the sublime landscape. Once your crew is tuckered out on all that fresh Scottish air, return to your cosy hideaway and sink into deep relaxation.
The Meikleour Arms, Perth & Kinross
An hour from Edinburgh, this large estate wrapped in ancient woodland and steeped in history is a super outdoorsy retreat – dogs welcome too. Much of the food in the restaurant comes from the estate – vegetables and herbs grown in the walled garden, scallops hand dived on the west coast and venison from the Meikleour Forest. Take long dog walks through woodland and beside the river Tay where you may spot ospreys, otters, kingfishers; return for dog treats at the bar and a glass of Bordeaux. You stay in the 19th-century coaching inn or the serviced cottages in the grounds – a short drive or walk from the main building. Scone Palace, Glamis and Balmoral are all within reach.
Dogs stay for free.
The Potting Shed, Scottish Borders
This cosy hideaway for two and a dog is reached down a mile-long bumpy track and surrounded by woods and wildflower meadows. Rescued from ruin on the Cowdenknowes Estate, it once housed the heating for greenhouses, now it’s cosy with a wood burner, board games and books. Sit out on your deck overlooking the River Leader while your dog has a splash – have a barbecue in the enclosed garden (safe for dogs) or stroll 20 minutes through woods to Earlston for cafés and pubs. Find a generous basket of home-baked bread, jam, granola and eggs from the free-range hens when available. Utterly peaceful, it’s paradise here for outdoor lovers with dog walking routes from your door. Explore the great houses, abbeys and castles of the Scottish Borders; the coast and Edinburgh are about an hour’s drive away.
Max. 2 dogs.
Strathspey Lodge, the Highlands
This big, no-expense-spared house with a dog-friendly fenced garden and stunning views into the far distance is a treat for a large group. Find masses of space indoors and out with a wonderful flow in the design and French windows opening onto a large terrace with a second dining table for summer eating facing the wonderful views. Books are arranged into cookery, maps, guidebooks; board games and televisions are many and the wood-burning stove belts out the heat. Hike along the Strathspey Way – it’s an hour or two to Aviemore, and then get the steam train back. Return with muddy boots and hose down dogs in the separate utility room before tucking into hot chocolate and marshmallows, prosecco and Cairngorm Brewery beer from your generous welcome hamper.
Well-behaved dogs welcome.
Trigony House Hotel and Garden Spa, Dumfries & Galloway
A welcoming family-run hotel with good food, fire-warmed living rooms and a small spa in the garden with a sauna and rather good views from the hot tub. Expect lovely rustic fare, locally sourced or provided by a small, organic kitchen garden in summer. Bedrooms – some big, some smaller, a couple dog friendly – have warm colours, crisp linen, good beds and spotless bathrooms. Your dog gets a welcome pack on arrival that includes a map of the surrounding land marked with all the best walks, as well as a few treats. Spend your days walking the Southern Upland Way or discovering the spectacular country between Moniaive and the Galloway Forest, a lost world of huge beauty you’ll have almost to yourself. Go for a splash in the River Nith, scamper along a nearby dog-friendly beach and return to snooze by the fire. They even offer a dog-sitting service.
£15 per dog per night.
Stay at Trigony House Hotel and Garden Spa >
Fauhope House, Scottish Borders
Sink into bucolic bliss in the Scottish Borders with fantastic hosts who give you afternoon tea or sherry on arrival, and for your dog, biscuits, pig’s ears, good water and advice on walks. Near to Melrose Abbey and the glorious St Cuthbert’s Walk, this solid 1890s house is blessed with views soaring to the Eildon Hills through wide windows with squashy seats; all is luxurious, elegant, fire-lit and serene with an eclectic mix of art. With parkland in front, hill walks behind and only five minutes to the closest river, your dog will be in heaven. Breakfast is served with smiles at a flower-laden table and overlooking those purple hills. A short walk through the blooming garden and over a footbridge takes you to the interesting town of Melrose, with shops, dog-friendly Gatton restaurant and its own theatre. Return to warm and inviting bedrooms.
One well behaved dog welcome.
Slackbrae at Brucefield Estate, Clackmannanshire
Scottish meets Scandi at this very pretty eco-cottage with vaulted ceilings and vast windows, a generous welcome hamper brimming with local produce, and your own private herb-scented garden. Dogs arrive to beds, bowls, treats and a towel for muddy paws. There are over a thousand acres of pasture, ancient woodland, meadows, willowy heath and wetland to roam – in the woods and along tracks, dogs must be on a lead due to livestock. Explore the natural habitats managed as part of the estate’s 10-year wildlife plan or join a guided wildlife walk around the estate to learn more about its fascinating history. Listen to the dawn chorus, hire a bat detector, sit round the firepit in the evenings and tell stories.
Two dogs welcome, £10 per dog per night.
Stay at Slackbrae at Brucefield Estate >
Written by
Carmen McCormack
Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.
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