September 01, 2023 6 min read
Embarking on a journey with your faithful furry companion is a joy that only fellow dog lovers truly understand. Scotland, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, offers an array of dog-friendly hotels that promise an unforgettable experience for both you and your four-legged friend. From elegant lodges tucked away in serene coves to opulent resorts surrounded by rolling hills, this guide invites you to discover the best dog-friendly hotels in Scotland. Let's explore these havens where modern luxury meets tranquil seclusion, ensuring cherished moments amidst captivating settings.
As a renovated country house, Knockinaam Lodge blends modern facilities with Victorian elegance. Tucked away in a serene cove on the south-west coast, this intimate retreat is surrounded by greenery and expansive open spaces, inviting you and your furry companion to explore scenic walks and refreshing swims in the turquoise waters of the private sandy beach, just steps from the hotel.
Immersed in natural beauty, the lodge recommends a diverse array of local activities, ensuring an enriching stay, strolls along the beach and watersports to engaging in local pursuits and museum visits, Knockinaam Lodge is a haven where modern luxury meets tranquil seclusion, promising cherished moments in a captivating setting. For those valuing culinary excellence, their award-winning restaurant guarantees a memorable dining experience.
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Explore the poetic heritage of Ellisland Farm, home to Robert Burns' family, and roam the splendid gardens of Drumlanrig Castle, a 17th-century Renaissance masterpiece. Unleash your pup's joy at Sandyhills Bay, where golden sands and rolling waves create a perfect canine playground. Adventure awaits for both history buffs and four-legged friends.
Located in the Scottish countryside, Gleneagles is a beacon of luxury and endless recreation. With 10 exceptional restaurants and bars, it's a haven for culinary enthusiasts, from fine dining to a vintage-inspired cocktail lounge.
Spanning 850 acres, Gleneagles offers 205 bedrooms and 28 luxury suites that blend comfort and elegance. Indulge at the spa, stay active at the gym, and unwind in the indoor and outdoor pools, or treat yourself at the Beauty Lodge.
As the UK's top golf resort, Gleneagles captivates golfers with championship courses that feature breathtaking backdrops. Adventure seekers can enjoy horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, guided hikes, and more.
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If, when staying at Gleneagles, you would like to treat your doggies, you should check out Brew and Chew, The BoatHouse Kitchen and Bar and Cullach Brewery; three independent establishments with dog menus. If you are looking for activities outside the hotel’s wide range- adventure to the hiking areas of Ben Shee, Innerdownie, or King’s Seat, where you’ll be surrounded by stunning landscapes. Alternatively, Drummond Castle Gardens and the Japanese Garden at Cowden are two must-visit attractions for gardening lovers.
With sister hotels in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Hotel Du Vin’s St Andrews welcomes both golf enthusiasts and pet lovers alike. Perfect for history enthusiasts, the hotel is conveniently located near the Old Course, the world's oldest golf course. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the town's coast, the hotel offers stunning views of the pristine beaches, featuring charming stone and slate architecture. The individually designed luxury rooms include Egyptian linen and flat-screen TVs. Enjoy sophisticated French cuisine at their bistro and unwind in the cozy bar. Private dining options and special events, such as wine tastings and afternoon teas, are available too.
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If you are looking to explore with your dog, explore West Sand Beach and Fife Coastal Path together, or visit pet-friendly spots like Hams Hame Pub and The Cottage Kitchen. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the renowned Cathedral and immerse yourself in St Andrews' rich history.
In the small town of Braemar, the Fife Arms Hotel invites you and your furry friend to experience Scottish charm like never before. With 46 individually exquisitely designed rooms, each full of Scottish art and history, this 19th-century gem offers an elegant experience. Discover the village's rich history as you hang out in themed social spaces like the King Edward VII-inspired Whisky bar or Elsa Schiaparelli cocktail lounge. The hotel includes a variety of dining options, from the cozy pub to the cellar and dining room.
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Explore Braemar's historical significance by visiting landmarks like Braemar Castle and the ruin of Kindrochit Castle. Embark on guided walking tours arranged by the hotel, following the picturesque river Clunie with your canine companion. Engage in unique activities such as foraging, hiking around Craig Leek, and wild swimming. Your four-legged friend is sure to feel as welcome as you are at the Fife Arms Hotel.
Found amongst the sprawling forests of the Trossachs, Monachyle Mhor offers you and your furry friend a quiet, secluded hideaway. Monachyle Mhor is a salmon-pink converted farmhouse with accompanying cabins. From luxurious features, Courtyard, or Farmhouse rooms in the main stone building and adjacent courtyard to a choice of cabins or lodges spread across the surrounding farmland.
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This is a truly spectacular location that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the outdoors. Set back from a double loch, Monachyle Mhor looks upon Loch Voil to the east while Loch Doine continues westwards. Following a swim, you and your pooch could spend an hour hiking up Creag an Tuirc to reach one of the most magnificent and easily accessible viewpoints in Scotland.
An elegant guesthouse situated on an island paradise. The Reef Inn was built and designed to provide outdoorsy families and adventurers with some contemporary comfort on the wild isle of Tiree. Known as the ‘Hawaii of the North’, the Isle of Tiree is accustomed to hosting surfers and lovers of the sea. While being well equipped to accommodate ocean lovers, the Reef Inn also welcomes your four-legged friend. The building itself speaks to the environmental principles of its owners. A low-energy, corrugated steel and timber-clad structure in which eight bedrooms and public rooms are heated by an air-source heat pump. At the end of a long day exploring the island, the underfloor heating that runs throughout the building is there to warm your toes.
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Tiree has 46 miles of coastline, white sandy beaches, and clear waters to try SUPing, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, snorkeling, fishing, or pier jumping. The relatively flat landscape is also idyllic for riding a bike or a pony, both of which can be hired on the island.
Nestled inconspicuously in the small village of Tongue, Lundies House is a former church manse located on Scotland’s North Coast 500 route. The humble, simple elegance of the original building provides the ideal context for this boutique hotel. Intending to provide a 'luxurious home away from home in the Highlands’, Lundies brings together warm hospitality and delicious food in a spectacular setting.
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Lairg is a great location for outdoors exercising and exploring with your dogs, you can visit one of the many lochs nearby, like lochs Shin, Dola, Craggie or Tigh na Creige. Alternatively, could follow the River Shin trail until you reach the falls of Shin or as far as you and your dog are willing to go, if you keep walking for an hour, you’ll find Carbisdale Castle, where the Shin meets Kyle of Southerland river and these cinematic views are well worth the effort.
As you bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Scotland, the memories of your journey through these dog-friendly hotels will remain in your heart. From tranquil coves to luxury retreats, each unique lodging embraces you and your loyal companion in its own special way. The rugged beauty of the coast, the opulence of refined resorts, and the warmth of Scottish hospitality have all intertwined to create a tapestry of unforgettable experiences.
If you are looking for a more secluded experience, closer to nature, self-catering lodges, and cabins can be great options for doggy getaways, check out our article ‘Guide to Your Next Forest Cabin Getaway’ to explore our picks;
https://meanderapparel.com/blogs/magazine/a-guide-to-your-next-forest-cabin-getaway
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