Pawesome dog-friendly hotels in Scotland for a pooch perfect trip

The Trump Turnberry Resort is one of our all-time favourite dog-friendly hotels in Scotland. With sumptuous rooms, a well-stocked whisky bar, fine dining and an on-site spa, Trump Turnberry is the perfect place for a luxury hotel break with your dog. Dogs stay free and a bed, bowls, treats and toy are provided (a big hit with The Wee White Dug). What’s more, you can even dine with doggy at a dog-friendly table in the bar.

The hotel was a good base for us to discover the dog-friendly delights of Ayrshire. The extensive grounds of Culzean Castle & Country Park are popular with dog walkers, and a must see when visiting the region. The castle was a favourite of President Eisenhower, who stayed there when visiting Scotland. It was a hit with us too.

As a poetry lover I adore the conservation village of Alloway – the birthplace of Robert Burns. There’s a Burns inspired literary trail in the village which is fun to follow. Just watch out for witches on the Brig o’ Doon, they’ve been known to tug at tails.

Although we live in Edinburgh, it’s always fun to explore the city as a tourist. The Rutland Hotel & Luxury Apartments are conveniently located in Edinburgh’s popular West End. The hotel’s one and two-bedroomed apartments are dog-friendly, and ideal if you’re looking for a home away from home. The apartments feature quirky decor, elegant period features and all mod cons, and there’s a flat rate of £50 per stay for dogs.

Edinburgh has lots of lovely green space, making it a great choice if you fancy a city break with your four-legged friend. Dogs on leads are welcome in Princes Street Gardens, which you’ll find a stone’s throw from The Rutland Hotel & Luxury Apartments. In my opinion there’s no better place to walk the dog, than in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.

There are dog-friendly visitor attractions in Edinburgh too, we love Camera Obscura and World of Illusions – a fun attraction all ages will enjoy. History buffs like me will love Craigmillar Castle which features in the popular Outlander TV series, and has links to the ill-fated Mary Queen of Scots.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite sightseeing, stop by the Innis & Gunn Beer Kitchen. The Beer Kitchen is owned by Scottish craft brewer Innis & Gunn, and serves good food and locally brewed beer in relaxed surrounding.

Aberdeenshire is one of our favourite areas to visit in Scotland. The Cock & Bull Inn is easily one of Aberdeenshire’s most dog-friendly places to stay. Rooms are comfortable and modern, and there’s no extra charge for dogs. The inn’s bistro has bags of rustic charm and a roaring log fire. The menu features lots of local produce, including Scotch beef and locally caught seafood. Your faithful friend can dine from the ‘dog’s dinner’ menu. Doggy menus are always a hit with The Wee White Dug.

Aberdeenshire has more castles than anywhere else in the UK. The National Trust for Scotland manages a number of historic properties in the region, including the magnificent castles of Crathes, Drum and Craigievar. Dogs are welcome in the castle grounds.

If the freedom of the open road is your idea of heaven, then the North East 250 will be right up your street. The 250 mile scenic driving route passes heather covered mountains, dramatic coastline and pretty fishing villages. A pit stop at Pennan is a must for movie buffs. The village appears in the 1983 movie Local Hero. The iconic red telephone box from the movie still stands in the village.

Trigony House Hotel is country house hotel situated in the heart of Dumfries & Galloway. The former hunting lodge for Closeburn Castle is now a peaceful haven, known for good food and a relaxing ambiance.

The hotel’s Garden Spa boasts a Swedish wood-fired hot tub and a Finnish sauna cabin. At Trigony House Hotel pampering is extended to pooches too. The hotel’s spa menu includes Reiki for dogs. For £9.50 per night, dogs staying at Trigony House Hotel will receive a sausage for breakfast (eaten by The Wee White Dug in record breaking time), and a welcome pack containing gourmet treats, and information on local walks.

We really enjoyed a visit to Crawick Multiverse, a land art project, that took the site of a disused coal mine and transformed it into a thought provoking landscape. Don’t miss the opportunity to journey through space and time with your four-legged friend at this unique visitor attraction.

Scotland has many beautiful beaches, and those found on Dumfries & Galloway’s Solway Coast are up there with the best. Dogs will love running free on the sand, exploring rock pools and enjoying a dip in the sea.

We love an island escape, especially when there’s lots to see and do. The Auchrannie Resort is a large spa resort on the Isle of Arran. The hotel’s rooms and self-catering lodges are modern, and have been decorated to a high standard. The resort offers a whole host of activities to keep the family entertained.

You’ll need to get active after tucking into one of their fabulous buffet breakfasts. With Arran cheeses, oatcakes and lots of other island goodies on offer, you’ll find it’s impossible to eat a light breakfast at Auchrannie.

Canine visitors are given the VIP (very important pooch) treatment on arrival. There’s a charge of £10 per dog per night in the hotel, or £30 for one VIP, £40 for two in lodges. Doggy treats, bowls and towels for wiping muddy paws are provided. Dogs are welcome in the hotel’s guest lounges, and at the Waterside Bar and Eighteen69 – Auchrannie’s Scottish Tapas restaurant.

If you have limited time, but want to experience the best of Scotland, then Arran is for you. The Isle of Arran is often described as Scotland in miniature, because its diverse geography mirrors that of Scotland, and the island is easily reached via a short ferry crossing from the Mainland.

Machrie Moor Standing Stones are one of the island’s most popular visitor attractions. The walk to the huge Neolithic stones takes around 30 minutes, making it popular with dog walkers. Combine your visit to Machrie Moor with a walk to King’s Cave at Blackwaterfoot. Local legend says the cave is where Robert the Bruce watched a determined spider spinning a web and it was the spider’s determination that spurred him to victory in battle.

Do you dream of staying in a castle with your canine companion? Well now you can. Stonefield Castle Hotel boasts unrivalled views across Loch Fyne. With baronial architecture, period furnishings and ornate ceilings you’ll feel as if you’ve travelled back in time to a bygone era. The hotel has a relaxed and friendly vibe and makes four-legged guests feel very welcome. There’s a £10 charge per stay for dogs.

Visit Inveraray Jail nearby, and experience something different with your dog. The award-winning visitor attraction gives a fascinating, and at times gruesome insight into crime and punishment over the years. Sit in on a trial, try a cell out for size and meet characters from the jail’s past. We can never resist popping in when we visit Loch Fyne.

Many of the shops in Inveraray are dog-friendly. And after stocking up on tweed, whisky and Scottish soaps, pop into Brambles of Inveraray for elevenses. Their cake selection is not to be missed.