Scotland is a dream destination for anyone who enjoys spectacular scenery writ large. Outdoors-folk young and old will uncover new adventures with each visit, but what we want to focus on here is the four-legged adventurers in your party. Our guru's have scoured the region and compiled a list of the best dog friendly hotels in the region. They've made their selections based on a number of factors including pet friendly amenities and proximity to some of the best walking country around.
For the Album
Glenapp Castle
- Glenapp Castle is every bit the baronial pile, complete with towers and turrets: a family owned, and occupied, castle in the Scottish lowlands, now part-converted into an award-winning country escape. The castle has an impressive collection of antiques and art, and beautiful decorations in every room, it also has a tennis court, a croquet lawn, an impressive restaurant and fishing opportunities. There are four dog friendly rooms, all with direct access to the grounds, and a collection of doggy treats.
For the Views
- Airds is an idyllically located, and intimate feeling hotel known for its tranquil views and its restaurant. The hotel sits right beside Loch Linnhe, on the edge of the pretty village of Port Appin, and as well as the loch views in one direction it has mountain views in the other. The hotel has 11 rooms and suites, plus one self-catering cottage. The restaurant feels like an occasion, with a seasonal menu made from locally sourced produce, and there’s an impressive wine list. Dogs are welcome, but if you want your own outside space opt for a Junior Suite.
- The Torridon is an elegant country house hotel at the foot of Ben Damph, and on the shore of Loch Torridon. There’s a slew of outdoorsy adventures you could be getting up to as soon as you set foot outside, and inside there are 18 contemporary rooms and suites, a seriously good restaurant and a whisky bar. Dogs are welcome in the ground floor rooms, the stable rooms, and in one of the suites, so there’s plenty of choice.
For a Countryside Escape
- Trigony House Hotel was once the hunting and fishing lodge for Closeburn Castle. It's a wonderfully symmetrical building in the heart of the Borders country, which really prides itself on its friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. There are ten rooms, where the focus has been on the really important things, like handsprung mattresses and the finest Egyptian cotton, and a wonderful restaurant known for its locally sourced food — quite a bit of it is from the hotel’s kitchen garden. Dogs are positively welcomed, with extras like dog beds, towels and treats. There’s also four acres of woodland to explore, and a Finnish steam room.
- Kilcamb Lodge is a charming country house hotel on the spectacular shores of Loch Sunart, overlooking the loch and the mountains rearing up behind. There are just ten rooms and suites, plus an award-winning restaurant serving fabulous food. The decor is traditional in style, but set against pale walls and big windows, so it feels light and airy. The five bedrooms with direct garden access are dog friendly. Popular with fisher-folk and romantics.
For Walkers and their Dogs
- Knockderry House is a Victorian era retreat on the banks of Loch Long, with 15 elegant rooms and suites and wonderful views. There’s lots to do in this part of the world, so we highly recommend this spot to sailors, cyclists, anyone wanting to try a watersport or two, and walkers. It’s also great for dog owners, because there are five dog-friendly rooms, where your canine friends are supplied with towels, treats and more.
- The Inn at Loch Tummel is a coaching inn, built in the 19th century, but revived into a stylish, as well as historic property in the heart of Perthshire. Its six rooms have charming, rustic details, and it’s only £15 extra for night to accommodate your dog too — they have a great list of local walks in the incredibly beautiful local area. The cosy bar and restaurant are a welcoming place to come back to.
For Foodies and their Dogs
- Knockinaam Lodge is a hunting lodge turned small hotel. Both Churchill and Eisenhower are known to have stayed here, and they probably marvelled at the same unspoiled views of the Scottish coastline from beside a cosy tiled fireplace. They undoubtedly also ate well, and that hasn’t changed either, the lodge has a Michelin star. There are nine rooms, three of which are dog friendly.
For a Rural Retreat
- Built in 1810, and surrounded by 20 acres of woodland, Forss House is a fantastic base for a range of outdoor pursuits. You can fish in the grounds, and walk and cycle, of course, and there’s a wonderfully cosy restaurant to come back to, and a lounge specialising in whisky by the fire. There are just 14 rooms and suites, and a good selection of them are dog friendly.
For a City Break
- The Dunstane Houses are two stately Victorian townhouses in a quiet corner of Edinburgh’s West End, combined into one 35 room boutique hotel. Just 15 minutes drive from the airport and a short stroll from Haymarket, these rooms are elegant, with decor that references their heritage, but all the facilities you really appreciate in a contemporary hotel room, like Nespresso machines, Vispring beds, Egyptian cotton and Roberts digital radios. There’s also a great bar, with around 70 whiskies, and a restaurant specialising in seasonal Scottish produce. Dogs are welcome in one of the houses, and get a bed, bowl and treats on arrival.
- B+B Edinburgh is reminiscent of a private member’s club, a converted Victorian townhouse in Edinburgh’s West End, with pared back, rather masculine elegance and true Scots hospitality. As well as the 27 rooms and suites there’s a resident’s bar and a library with a roaring fire and paintings of former residents. And all the rooms are pet friendly.
For the Whole Family
- Even if you didn’t realise Gleneagles is a wonderful grand dame of a resort hotel, you probably know it’s got something to do with golf! It’s got three championship courses, spreading lightly over the stunning Perthshire countryside. Gleneagles also has its own station, an incredible spa, an equestrian school, a falconry centre, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, fishing, pools, a kids’ club and dog training centre. And there’s a choice of places to dine, including Scotland’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant. There are more than 200 rooms and suites, so there’s something suitable for whatever configuration of people and pets you are.
- The Auchrannie House Hotel is set on a sprawling estate on the beautiful island of Arran. It has 84 rooms and suites, in a range of shapes and sizes that really does have something to suit most families, plus a great list of activities and facilities that includes a large spa. There’s archery and tennis onsite, and opportunities to cycle, walk, kayak and fish nearby. Dogs are most welcome, and are offered their own fluffy towels and doggy treats at check in.
For Romantics and their Dogs
- Prestonfield is a country house hotel set in 23 acres of beautiful, secluded grounds — but just five minutes from the Royal Mile! It sounds impossible, but this warm, wonderfully romantic, and opulently decorated countryside escape, is actually in Edinburgh. Its 23 rooms and suites are decorated with maximalist style and plenty of velvet, and the fine dining restaurant feels equally spoiling and romantic. Kids aren’t allowed, but dogs are.
- Cromlix is Andy Murray’s hotel, a beautifully refurbished country house, with elegant interiors and plenty of places to relax by a series of fires. The restaurant is light and bright, with impressive cocktails and food to match — there’s even a menu for dogs, with gourmet dog treats. Surrounding the hotel are 34 acres of grounds and gardens, complete with tennis courts — of course — croquet lawns, and a loch. You can also try archery.
For Pub Dogs
- The Meikleour Arms is a cosy pub and excellent restaurant close to the River Tay, which also has a collection of 11 rooms and five cottages to rent. The decor has had a recent make over by the dynamic young local Laird and his wife, an interior designer; they’ve collected some charming vintage pieces and paired them with Farrow & Ball classic ticking and French toile. The downstairs rooms are dog friendly. And the pub and food are award-winning.
For the Mountains
- Monachyle Mhor is a chic pick in the heart of spectacular Rob Roy country, close to Loch Lomond and within the Trossachs National Park. Its 14 rooms and suites are decorated in an eclectic and funky way, with contemporary art, design furniture, and cool retro and vintage finds — but from the outside it looks like a country farmhouse. The restaurant is an award-winner, serving the best local produce. Three of the rooms are dog friendly.
For Great Value
- Banchory Lodge is a carefully converted Grade II listed Georgian house in a quiet spot in the centre of Banchory, right beside the River Dee. Inside are 28 guest rooms, decorated with a combination of contemporary pieces and vintage, or antique, finds — our favourites (and the dog friendly ones) have private terraces overlooking the river. The hub of the hotel is the bar and restaurant, where you’ll find the same menu, but a choice of ambience. There’s plenty to do from the doorstep too.
- The Tobermory Hotel overlooks the Tobermory Harbour, on Mull, and has done since 1869. Today the facade is a distinctive pink, you can see from a distance, and the 11 rooms and suites inside are simply dressed with contemporary details. There’s a restaurant and bar onsite, serving pub food that’s heavy on the seafood. They also have a self-catering cottage that sleeps up to six. Dogs are welcome for a one off charge of £20.
Still not sure where to book?
