Hounds on holiday

The most luxurious dog-friendly hotels in Scotland

Whether you’re in the market for a restful staycation or a rollicking road trip, there’s nowhere like Scotland for travelling with your four-legged friend. There are beautiful walks at every turn – wide beaches, towering Munros, rolling woodland and moors – and Scottish pubs and parks are famously accommodating to dogs.   

To make sure both you and your pup get the all-star treatment you deserve on your next trip, we’ve put together a little guide to dog-friendly Luxury Scotland members at every point of the compass – including several that abandon the mainland entirely.  

South of Scotland 

Whether you’re popping up from England or migrating down from the central belt, the south of Scotland is a beautiful, peaceful place that simply adores dogs.  

Knockinaam Lodge 
In Dumfries & Galloway you’ll find Knockinaam Lodge – a stunning property that welcomes dogs and even has its own local cove and vast gardens for walkies. While dogs aren’t permitted in the restaurant or lounge areas, they’re very welcome to snooze away in one of three beautiful, individually designed dog-friendly rooms.  

Glasgow and the West Coast 

From dog-friendly cafés to wild, open coastal beaches, this region welcomes four-legged explorers with open arms.  

Glenapp Castle 
You shouldn’t have to choose between five-star stays and your precious pooch – and at the world-famous Glenapp Castle, you don’t have to. A stone’s throw from the Firth of Clyde on the west coast, this luxury hotel is set in 110 acres of gorgeous gardens and woodland – the perfect playground for well-behaved dogs.  

Each of the hotel’s dog-friendly rooms is on the ground floor with easy outdoor access, though dogs are not permitted in public areas. Simply contact the hotel in advance to arrange their stay.  

Crossbasket Castle  
A little to the north – perhaps after following the breathtaking A77 coastal route from Glenapp Castle – you’ll find Crossbasket Castle, another magnificent and historic Luxury Scotland member property that adores dogs.  

This 17th-century icon permits dogs in any of its rooms, though they will need to nap in a travel cage if left alone. Dogs get their own towels and food menu (if desired) and can also join you for alfresco dining by the gorgeous fountain area.  

Crinan Hotel 
Rounding off what would make a spectacular road trip is Crinan Hotel on Scotland’s remote and breathtaking west coast. Smells, sounds, sprints and swims abound for any dogs in this magnificently eccentric four-star hotel.  

While you need to provide your own bedding and pay a small surcharge per dog, per night, dogs are welcome in both the Seafood Bar and The General’s Bar, so you never have to be separated. If you dine in the Westward Restaurant, your best friend will need to relax in your comfy room. What hardship!  

Edinburgh 

From summiting Arthur’s Seat to roaming through East Lothian, Edinburgh is a great city for dog lovers.  

Prestonfield 
Five minutes from Edinburgh Old Town but ensconced in its own 20-acre world, Prestonfield is a spectacular and historic five-star property – and every room and suite is dog-friendly!  

Let the team know at booking and they’ll also arrange a comfy dog bed, free of charge. They’re free to accompany you into all public spaces except Rhubarb, Prestonfield’s two AA Rosette restaurant, and of course they can explore the exceptional grounds.  

Greywalls Hotel 
When travelling with your dog, sometimes you want that sense of space that comes with being near, but not in, the big city – and Greywalls Hotel in East Lothian offers exactly that.  

Just 45 minutes from Edinburgh centre, Greywalls is a five-star Edwardian hotel surrounded by vast beaches and beautiful views of the Firth of Forth. To sleepover with your pooch, simply reserve a cottage room and the hotel can provide both food and towels. Just note that they’ll need to sleep in a travel cage if unattended.  

The Scottish Highlands 

There’s nowhere like the Highlands for dog-friendly travel. You can climb Munros and stroll through vast woodland and rolling moors, often without another soul for miles around. And at the end of each day, you’ve got the pick of spectacular and indulgent Scottish hotels to retire to...  

Inverlochy Castle 
A 19th-century castle in the foothills of Ben Nevis? If you and your pup are avid walkers, it doesn’t get better than this. There are walkies galore in the castle’s expansive grounds and a plenitude of hiking spots in the local area.  

Inverlochy Castle welcomes dogs into any of its rooms and provides a special doggie menu and fresh towels to keep them fed, clean and dry. When dining or enjoying the public areas, they’ll need to stay in your room in a travel cage. 

Rocpool Reserve Hotel  
While dogs aren’t permitted in the hotel’s public spaces, Rocpool Reserve remains a fantastic stopping point for road trips or staycations with your pup. There’s a special doggie menu – they’re on holiday too, after all – and they’re welcome to join you in any of the hotel’s splendid rooms.  

The only requirement is to bring a travel cage if they’ll be unattended at any point. Rocpool is a hub for excursions and experiences on both land and sea, and your loyal pet can be with you every step of the way.

The Torridon 
The UK’s most northernly five-star hotel offers an awe-inspiring retreat for humans and hounds alike. Both the bar and ground floor rooms in The Stables are dog-friendly, along with the beautifully put-together Chestnut Cottage.  

Set within 58 acres of parkland, there are countless adventurous walks to be had. Guests are reminded to keep dogs on the lead around the main house and to watch for both cars and bikes on the resort roads.  

Murrayshall Country Estate 
Just outside of Perth is the glorious Murrayshall Country Estate – and you couldn’t design a better holiday for your four-legged friend than here. For a start, every one of the Fairway Suites, just a short walk from the main hotel, is dog-friendly.  

Your pup will also get their very own doggie pamper pack – including a handy welcome letter for the humans – in addition to their bed and water bowl Dogs are welcome in almost all the public areas, including Barossa Bar & Cairns Restaurant, but not the Eolas Restaurant. There’s a small nightly fee per dog, but it goes a long way.  

Scottish Islands 

There’s something about crossing a body of water that makes it feel like more of a holiday, even if it’s only a short bridge or a 30-minute ferry. These island properties are equally spectacular for both owners and pets.  

Isle of Eriska 
If you want to really spoil your pup, why not treat them to a stay on a private island?  

Isle of Eriska is a dream destination for dog owners. Every room is dog-friendly – though dogs should be left in travel cages if unattended – and there are 350 acres of the most beautiful private land to explore, not to mention swimming on the rocky coastline.  

Kinloch Lodge 
There’s something about travelling to Skye that just feels like being in another world. Kinloch Lodge, a charming family-run hotel famous for extraordinary food and hospitality, is surrounded by woodland and water – perfect for tiring out happy dogs.  

While pets aren’t permitted in common areas or the restaurant, there are plenty of dog-friendly rooms and the island itself is paradise for dogs and humans alike.  

So when you’re planning your next holiday, remember that you don’t need to compromise – with our recommendations, luxurious holidays and happy dogs go paw in paw.  

-

Information correct at time of going to press