Dog-friendly guide to Scotland

Welcome to dog-friendly Scotland

Say hello to Scotland, a country known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history and friendly locals. If you're a dog owner planning a trip to this stunning country, we've got you covered! In this blog post, we will take you on a dog-friendly journey through Scotland, highlighting the most scenic walks, captivating sites and family-friendly attractions where your pooch can come along too. Whether you're looking to explore historic castles, hike through picturesque mountains or simply relax on beautiful beaches, Scotland has it all, and your furry companion is more than welcome to join in on the adventure.

Jump to:
Scotland's dog-friendly walks
Scotland's dog-friendly National Trust sites
Scotland's dog-friendly and family-friendly attractions
Scotland's dog-friendly castles, stately homes and gardens
Scotland's dog-friendly beaches

Ready to book your pawfect stay? Discover our dog-friendly lodges in Scotland.

Dog-friendly walks in Scotland

When it comes to exploring Scotland with your furry friend, there's no shortage of dog-friendly walks that will leave both of you wagging your tails with delight. From breathtaking coastal paths to enchanting forest trails, Scotland offers an array of stunning landscapes perfect for an adventure with your four-legged companion. These walks will not only showcase the breathtaking beauty this country has to offer, but also provide a chance for your beloved pup to stretch their legs and breathe in the fresh Scottish air.

Here are some of our favourite places to go walking with your dog in Scotland:

• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

• Cairngorms National Park

• Inverleith Park, Edinburgh

• Culloden Wood, Inverness

• Pollok Country Park, Glasgow

Find more tail-wagging trails with our dedicated guide to dog-friendly walks in Scotland.

Dog-friendly National Trust for Scotland sites

The National Trust for Scotland offers a wide range of dog-friendly sites across the country. Experience the beauty and rich history of Scotland while exploring these sites with your four-legged friend. From ancient castles and lush gardens to rugged mountains and stunning coastlines, there is something for every dog and their owner to enjoy.

Tip: Rules and restrictions can often change, particularly at different times of the year, so be sure to check the National Trust for Scotland website ahead of your visit.

Some of the most popular National Trust sites in Scotland that are also dog-friendly include:

Culzean Castle & Country Park, Ayrshire

Located on the South Ayrshire coast, overlooking the Firth of Clyde, Culzean Castle & Country Park is undoubtedly one of Scotland's most popular National Trust sites, so it's a big bonus that it's also dog friendly. Although they can't go inside the castle itself, dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas, including the walled garden as long as they're on a lead, and throughout the estate's extensive woodland.

Stay nearby: Brunston or Heads of Ayre Holiday Park, both around 20 minutes' drive from Culzean Castle

Balmacara Estate, Lochalsh peninsula

Balmacara Estate is a traditional Highland crofting estate on the Lochalsh peninsula, just a few miles from the Isle fo Skye. The estate encompasses beautiful woodlands, lochs and hills, featuring stunning views, and miles and miles of dog-friendly walking trails. It's also home to a variety of Scottish wildlife, including birds, red squirrels, otters and the resident Highland cattle! Just be sure to keep your dog under control around the livestock.

Stay nearby: Kyle of Lochalsh holiday cottages

Newhailes House & Gardens, Musselburgh, near Edinburgh

Located in Musselburgh, on Scotland's captivating East Lothian coast, Newhailes House & Gardens is a beautiful estate with an 18th-century mansion surrounded by attractive gardens and parkland. Dogs are welcome not only in the expansive woodlands and fields here, but also in the shop, café and Stables courtyard. Only assistance dogs can go inside the house itself. Edinburgh city centre is around 20 minutes' drive away.

Stay nearby: Drummohr Lodges, 15 minutes' drive from Newhailes

St Abb's Head, Scottish Borders

Experience exhilarating coastal views alongside your four-legged companion at St Abb's Head, a National Nature Reserve in Berwickshire, on the Scottish Borders. This dramatic headland offers awe-inspiring cliff-top walks overlooking the North Sea, and is also a popular spot for birdwatching, especially during breeding season when there are dense groups of seabirds nesting on the cliffs. Dogs are welcome to explore the trails with you, just be sure to keep them on a lead near the cliff edges.

Stay nearby: Coldingham Bay Leisure Park or Scoutscroft Leisure Park, both less than 15 minutes' drive from St Abb's Head

Threave Garden & Nature Reserve, Dumfries & Galloway

Situated near Castle Douglas, in Dumfries and Galloway, Threave Garden & Nature Reserve is a colourful garden and estate boasting stunning floral displays, woodlands and meadows. Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden and nature reserve, and there are plenty of trails and pathways to explore together.

Stay nearby: Queenshill Lodges or The Pond Lodges, both 15 minutes' drive from Threave Garden & Nature Reserve, or Trefoil Treat cottage, five minutes' drive away

Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park, Isle of Arran

Situated on the Isle of Arran, off the west coast of Scotland, this historic red sandstone castle offers stunning gardens and incredible views over Brodick Bay and the surrounding mountains. With plenty of dog-friendly walking trails, Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park offers the perfect opportunity to explore the Scottish landscape while enjoying quality time with your beloved pet. You could even combine it with a hike up nearby Goat Fell if you and your pooch still have the energy!

Stay nearby: Isle of Arran holiday cottages

Inverewe Garden, Ross and Cromarty

Set on the shores of Loch Ewe in the northern Highlands, the showstopping garden of Inverewe offers a stunning setting for your dog walk in Scotland. As well as boasting breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastline, the garden itself is a horticultural paradise, with a collection of rare plants from around the world - made possible by the warm influence of the Gulf Stream. Dogs on leads are welcome to explore both the lochside garden and wider estate with you, and there are water bowls dotted around for when they get thirsty.

Stay nearby: The Old Smiddy cottage, 20 minutes' walk from Inverewe Garden

Ben Lawers, Perth and Kinross

Home to the highest mountain in the southern Highlands, this one is a great choice for active dogs (and owners!) Situated near Loch Tay in Perthshire, the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve offers spectacular views and a variety of walking trails suitable for all abilities. Dogs can accompany you on your outdoor adventure, but be mindful of the challenging nature of some routes and take plenty of water.

Stay nearby: Loch Tay Highland Lodge Park or Chapelburn (converted chapel), both within 10 minutes' drive of Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve

Dog-friendly attractions for family fun in Scotland

Scotland offers a plethora of activities and attractions that cater to both dogs and children, making it an ideal destination for a family-friendly and dog-friendly holiday. From train journeys and gondola rides to cave tours and adventure parks, Scotland ensures that the whole family, including four-legged members, will have an unforgettable experience.

Nevis Range Gondola, Fort William

The Nevis Range Gondola in Fort William - the UK's only mountain gondola - is a fantastic dog-friendly and family-friendly attraction that offers breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands. Families can take their furry friends on a scenic ride up the mountain, where they can explore numerous hiking trails and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area. Even better - dogs ride free!

Stay nearby: Ben Nevis Holiday Park, Burnside Lodge or Sonas (bungalow), all within 10 minutes' drive of the gondola

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, Falkirk

The Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway in Falkirk offers a memorable experience for the whole family - dogs included! Take a ride on the heritage steam train as it takes you along the Forth Estuary and over the Avon Viaduct, soaking up the stunning Scottish countryside views and scenic surroundings along the way.

Stay nearby: Hideaway Lodges, less than 15 minutes' drive from Bo'ness Station, where the train departs

Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Aviemore

Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Aviemore is a great place for family fun, and dogs can come along too. Children will love the treetop trails, rollercoaster and water slides, while dogs are welcome to explore the park's many walking trails and join their owners for a break in the picnic areas. While dogs are allowed in the park, they can't go on the rides themselves or inside the Butterfly House.

Stay nearby: Aviemore cottages

The Scottish Crannog Centre, Loch Tay, Perthshire

Located on Loch Tay in Perthshire, The Scottish Crannog Centre offers an immersive experience into Scotland's ancient past. Families can learn about Iron Age life and explore the reconstructed crannog (an ancient artificial island), and then enjoy the scenic walks around the loch with their furry companion. Dogs are welcome in all of the outdoor areas and around the Iron Age village, they just can't go inside the museum.

Stay nearby: Kenmore Lodge, five minutes' drive or 20 minutes' walk from The Scottish Crannog Centre

Foxlake Adventures, Dunbar

Foxlake Adventures in Dunbar is perfect for families seeking an exhilarating day out. This watersports centre offers a range of thrilling activities, including wakeboarding and paddleboarding, and they welcome dogs on leads to explore the extensive woodland trails surrounding the site. While dogs can't partake in the watersports with you, they can still spectate with the adults while the kids burn off some energy!

Stay nearby: Rennie House or Thurston Manor holiday park, both around 10 minutes' drive from Foxlake Adventures

Smoo Cave, Durness, Highlands

Tucked away on the very northern Highlands of Scotland, Smoo Cave in Durness is a fascinating natural wonder that the whole family, including curious canines, can enjoy. With guided tours available, children and adults will love exploring the dramatic sea cave and learning about its geological history. Dogs can go into the caves with you, but not on the boat as its inflatable.

Inchcolm Island & Abbey, Firth of Forth

Inchcolm Island and Inchcolm Abbey, located in the Firth of Forth, offers a unique experience for families and their pups. Accessible via a boat trip from South Queensferry, 30 minutes' drive from Edinburgh, this historic island boasts a medieval abbey and stunning coastal views. Dogs are welcome on the island and in the abbey but should remain on a lead and outside of the roofed areas, and you'll need to take extra care around birds during the nesting season.

Stay nearby: Edinburgh lodges and holiday parks

Dog-friendly castles, stately homes and gardens in Scotland

Scotland is well-known for its extensive history and proud heritage, with over 2,000 castles and ruins dotted around the country. These dog-friendly castles, stately homes and gardens in Scotland offer beautiful landscapes, historical significance and picture-perfect settings for dog owners to explore. While dogs must be kept on a lead and are generally not allowed inside the main buildings, these places have extensive gardens and grounds which dogs are very welcome to explore, allowing owners to make the most of the scenery and historic sites while keeping their furry friends by their side.

Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven

Located on the dramatic cliffs near Stonehaven, along the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail, Dunnottar Castle offers breathtaking views of the North Sea. This medieval fortress welcomes dogs to explore its extensive grounds, where you can stroll through ruins and learn about its historic significance.

Stay nearby: Royal Arch Park, 20 minutes' drive from Dunnottar Castle, or Cowie Mill Apartment, less than 10 minutes' drive away

Drum Castle, Banchory

Sitting amidst stunning woodland scenery near Banchory, just outside of Aberdeen, Drum Castle is one of Scotland's oldest tower houses. Its beautiful gardens span over four centuries, offering peaceful walks and enchanting views. Dogs are welcome to explore the vast grounds, which are free to enter, but can't go inside the castle or walled gardens.

Castle Fraser, Inverurie

Castle Fraser, near Inverurie, is a grand castle with a stunning walled garden and vast estate. The castle dates back to the 15th century and houses a wealth of historical artifacts. Dogs are welcome to explore the marked trails around the estate, they just need to be kept on a lead in the courtyard. Look out for red squirrels, roe deer, buzzards and dragonflies as you explore the trails!

Stay nearby: Skene House Court or Corrennie School Cottage, both within 15 minutes' drive of Castle Fraser

Scone Palace and Gardens, Perth

Located close to Perth, Scone Palace is a historic site with beautifully manicured gardens, woodlands and peaceful riverside walks. The palace has a fascinating history, and dogs are welcome to explore the extensive grounds and gardens - they can also go in the Old Kitchen and the shop. The palace actually hosts dog-friendly events throughout the year, including the annual "Paws at the Palace", which features doggy games and agility classes.

Stay nearby: River Edge Lodges, 15 minutes' drive from Scone Palace, or Boatland Cottage, five minues' drive away

Dog-friendly beaches in Scotland

Scotland is home to some breathtaking dog-friendly beaches, providing an idyllic setting for both pets and their owners to enjoy. These sandy shores offer the perfect opportunity for dogs to run freely along the coastline, explore new scents and even take a refreshing dip in the sea. With an abundance of clean, uncrowded beaches, Scotland ensures a peaceful and relaxing experience for all, allowing both dogs and humans to explore and enjoy the beauty of Scotland's coastlines. Many of our coastal cottages in Scotland welcome dogs, and some even have sea views.

Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Scotland that allow dogs all year round:

• Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides

• Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides

• Nairn Beach, Nairn, Scottish Highlands

• Claigan Coral Beach, Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides

• Loch Morlich, Glenmore, Scottish Highlands

All of these dog-friendly beaches also feature on our list of the 15 best beaches in Scotland. The rest of the beaches on this list also allow dogs, there just may be some restrictions in place, particularly in peak season.

Get tails wagging in Scotland

Scotland truly is a haven for dog lovers, offering stunning landscapes, welcoming locals and an abundance of dog-friendly attractions. Whether you choose to explore the breathtaking Highlands, wander the picturesque lochs or discover the quaint villages and historical sites, your four-legged companion will be treated to an unforgettable adventure - as will you! Discover our other dog-friendly guides below, or check out our full collection of dog-friendly lodges in Scotland and book your pawsome escape today.

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