Our favourite dog-friendly hotels in Scotland
Scotland is often a favourite of the adventurous traveller and their dog, and it’s easy to see why. Vast unspoilt wilderness, two national parks and an abundance of picturesque walking and hiking routes make it the ideal choice for an invigorating holiday with your four-legged best friend. Action-packed days call for evenings spent putting your feet up at a cosy hotel while someone else takes care of dinner, so we’ve rounded up five of our favourite dog-friendly hotels in Scotland.
1. The Pierhouse, Argyll & Bute
A small, charming hotel on the shores of Loch Linnhe, with spectacular views stretching out towards Lismore and the rising mountains beyond. Expect a warm welcome from the lovely staff before you settle into your comfortable room and plan out your adventures. Stay in pretty Port Appin for pierside walks and watching the boats bob along, or pick up the pace with a bike ride on the Appin Loop. Day trip to the Oban distillery, go wildlife spotting in Mull and Iona or hike Glencoe.
Back at the hotel, there’s a Finnish sauna for relaxing tired muscles, and a cosy bar and dining area for kicking back with a wee dram and some of the best seafood on the west coast. The sheer variety of things to do makes this one of our favourite dog-friendly hotels in Scotland.
2. Cavens, Dumfries & Galloway
Cavens is one of our favourite dog-friendly hotels in Scotland for beautiful local walks. This country-house hotel is tucked away in quiet countryside near the Solway Firth, just south of Dumfries. Kick back with a gin and tonic in the stylish sitting room and tuck into delicious home-cooked food – think scallops with lime and Vermouth, venison with a port jus and apple tart. Open fires and period art make things feel cosy, and doors open onto the garden on warmer days.
Walk the Solway Coastal Path and take in breathtaking views of the Firth, sample local cheeses at Loch Arthur Creamery or just relax in the hotel garden and listen to birdsong.
3. Windlestraw, Scottish Borders
This classic country-house is one of our favourite dog-friendly hotels in Scotland for wildlife lovers, with deer roaming nearby and osprey often seen gliding overhead. The interiors are gorgeous, with elegant bedrooms and a sitting room brimming with books and cosy corners.
Set off on long dog walks along the Southern Upland Way or River Tweed, or stay at the hotel and explore its two acres of stunning landscaped grounds. In the evenings, tuck into culinary delights – think scallops from Eyemouth or local lamb – and relax in the peace of this serene corner of the Scottish Borders.
4. Scarista House, Isle of Harris
Dog-friendly hotels in Scotland don’t get much more remote than this. This welcoming hotel is located on the spectacular Isle of Harris, surrounded by incredible scenery and vast white sand beaches. You’re truly in the middle of nowhere (in the best way!), so don’t be surprised if you don’t see another soul. This is a walker’s paradise, and you and your dog will love exploring the miles of remote hills, mountains and coastline that stretch out from the door. If the latter, look out for terns, oyster catchers and otters.
You’re well located for visiting the other islands of the Hebrides – ask your hosts for boat trip recommendations. Return to your cosy quarters for hearty feasts of local produce, such as Harris langoustine with garlic and butter followed by tarte tatin with cinnamon ice cream. Finish each day curled up by the peat fire with a good book borrowed from the shelf.
5. Kilcamb Lodge Hotel & Restaurant, Highlands
If you’re looking for dog-friendly hotels in Scotland that are well-placed for exploring the Highlands, this one’s for you. This grand hotel sits on the shores of picturesque Loch Sunart, framed by 22 acres of private meadow, mountains and woodland. A 12-acre garden leads down to the water, where you might spot otters and seals, and if you’re really lucky you might see eagles flying overhead.
Adventurous types will love being a short drive from Ben Nevis for bracing hikes and breathtaking scenery. Mull and Iona is also close for day trips – head to Tobermory for its iconic rainbow houses and distillery. Back at the hotel, a whisky bar and fantastic restaurant await your return.
Written by
Claire Maguire
Claire combines her twin loves of writing and travel to create inspiring blog content. Rudi combines his twin loves of baths and chasing squirrels to excuse getting as muddy as possible whenever he can. He hates missing out, so finding dog-friendly places is an absolute must. Claire loves a place with a stunning interior and is thankful Rudi is well-behaved enough to leave it the way they find it, unless there are slippers to be eaten.
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