8 Dog Friendly Holiday Houses in Scotland

1. Lord Galloway Lodges, Newton Stewart, Dumfries

🛏 Sleeps 6-38 over 5 lodges

🛝 Play area on site

🔥 Hot tub

🌳 Outdoor seating

🍽 Disposable BBQ’s available

These beautiful lodges are tastefully designed, with large open reception areas perfect for family get-togethers. Each comes with its own private hot tub, and owing to the location of the Lodges in a designated Dark Skies Region, on a clear night you can even relax in your tub and take part in some stargazing! Situated just 10 miles from Newton Stewart, you’ll find plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, and the local area is full to the brim of walks, children’s activities and mountain biking trails.

2. Crosswoodhill Farm Holiday Cottages, Edinburgh, Lothian

🛏 Sleeps 5 – 14 in 5 bedrooms

⚽️ Outdoor games available

🎲 Toys, games and jigsaws supplied

🛝 Play area

🌳 Countryside views

Craigengar Lodge is one of 4 properties available at Crosswoodhill Farm Holiday Cottages, so if your number exceeds 14 you have plenty of options to expand. This stylish and contemporary cottage is in a wonderfully rural location, with panoramic countryside views from all angles of the property. Despite its rural feel, Edinburgh is only a 35-minute drive away, so you really will be spoilt in terms of shopping, eateries, and entertainment.

3. Hawkswood Country Estate, St Andrews, Fife

🛏 Sleeps 10-30 over 15 bedrooms

🪵 Wood burner

⛳️ Private golf area and driving range

🔥 Hydro spa

Golfers will be blown away at Hawkswood Country Estate. You’ll find yourself just a short drive from the famous courses at St Andrew’s, while your own private golf area and driving range are available on-site to practice those hole-in-ones! After all that exertion, head back to the estate to chill out in the hydro spa, or simply curl up in front of the wood burner with a good book. If golf simply isn’t your thing, St Andrews is full to the brim of shops, cafés and eateries, and you’re never too far from a beach or a good walk with the pooch.  

4. Polmaily House, Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands

🛏 Sleeps 6-24 over 12 bedrooms

📽 Cinema room

🪵 Open fire

🏊‍♀️ Heated indoor pool

🎣 Fishing lake

🎾 Tennis court

🎮 Games consoles

In its previous life, Polmaily house was a hotel, and therefore is full to the brim of fantastic facilities, including a swimming pool, tennis court, and cinema to name just a few. There are plenty of additional activities available if you’re hungry for more, including murder mystery evenings, or even whisky tastings to truly embrace Scottish tradition. As a former hotel, you’ll find plenty of reception rooms for socialising, or to split into smaller groups for a little quiet time. Found just a 3-minute drive from famous Loch Ness, you’ll even have the opportunity to see if you can spot the legendary monster while you’re there!

5. Moray Lodge, Granton on Spey, Morayshire

🛏 Sleeps 2 – 20 over 3 cottages

📽 Cinema room

🎲 Escape rooms on site

🍾 Bistro / bar on site

🪵 Log burners

🏊‍♀️ Indoor heated pool

These stylish properties are all tastefully designed, and offer families their own individual spaces to relax in, while the whole group have plenty of opportunities to come together to socialise both indoors or out. This includes a fantastic indoor heated swimming pool and spa, cinema room and games room. If you’re looking for further entertainment, why not visit the onsite bar, or even test your group’s detective skills in one of the two escape rooms? With so many on-site facilities available you may find it hard to leave, however, if you do venture further afield, you’ll find the town of Grantown, full of small independent shops and restaurants, and a great starting location for walks across Cairngorm National Park.

6. Eastwood House, Dunkeld, Perthshire

🛏 Sleeps 2 – 20 over 9 bedrooms

🍽 Aga

🪵 Open fires

🎲 Games room

🔥 BBQ and firepit

🎣 Fishing available

Eastwood House is the perfect location for a cosy getaway, with both open fires and wood burners in the reception rooms, a games room, and a toasty Aga available in the well-equipped kitchen. Outside, discover the beautiful riverside gardens, or take a short walk to the village of Dunkeld, where you’ll find a range of outdoor activities as well as local shops and restaurants. If you fancy a spot of fishing during your stay, the owners will be happy to arrange this for you in their named Tay pools. 

7. West House, Elie, Anstruther, Fife

🛏 Sleeps 8-18 over 8 bedrooms
🎲 Games available
🪵 Open fire
🔥 BBQ and firepit
🏖 Beachside property
🌳 Garden with ocean view

This stunning property is set right on the beach near St Andrews, so boasts incredible ocean views from both the property, and the secluded garden. Outside, you’ll be able to take part in a game of boules, catch up around the firepit or BBQ, or of course pop down to the beach for a sunbathe or swim if the weather permits. You’ll find yourself right on the Coastal Path, famous for its picturesque walks. The house is situated in the holiday village of Elie, a lovely vibrant area with plenty of entertainment, shops and restaurants available.

8. Ormidale Mill House, Glendaruel, Dunoon, Argyll

🛏 Sleeps 12-22 over 9 bedrooms
🪵 Open fire
🎲 Games cottage
🛝 Play area and football pitch
🏊‍♀️ Indoor heated pool
🔥 Hot tub
🍽 BBQ area
🎾 Tennis court

Ormidale Hill House is full to the brim of contemporary charm, with plenty of open spaces for socialising, and a range of entertainment available on site. Relax in the 7 person hot tub or sauna, take a swim in the indoor heated pool, or head outside for a family BBQ, or a few drinks around the firepit. There’s even a games cottage complete with table tennis, a pool table or darts for a fantastic games night! If that’s not enough for your busy group, you’ll also find plenty of outdoor activities including water sports or fishing close by. The property itself is set within 22 acres, so you’ll find a range of walkies available straight from the front door.

FAQ’s

How many dogs can I take to each property?

Properties tend to accept between 2-4 dogs, although some don’t specify and will simply charge individually. It’s always a good idea to double check if you’re planning on taking more than one dog, properties tend to be very transparent about this so you shouldn’t have any problems finding out.

Do I have to pay extra to bring my dog? 

Most holiday properties will charge around £25-£30 per dog. Sometimes dogs are welcome to join the family free of charge, but always best to check.

Are there dog-friendly pubs / cafés / restaurants IN SCOTLAND?

Nowadays you shouldn’t find it difficult at all to seek out a dog-friendly café or eatery. It’s always wise to check their individual website or give them a call, as some restaurants / pubs have dedicated dog-friendly rooms which you may want to book in advance if you’re a large party.

What should I pack for my pooch?

• Food and Food bowl
• Lead, harness, collar, tag
• Water bowl plus water for the trip
• Their favourite treats (it is their holiday too after all)
• Toys
• Bed and bedding
• Poo bags
• Towels
• Any medication / dog friendly sun cream that your dog needs 
• Cool mat during the summer months