Settle down at the top dog-friendly cottages in Scotland by the sea for a Scottish getaway to remember.
Scotland’s coast is often overlooked in favour of lochs, Munros and other spectacular inland landscapes.
However, owners and their four-legged friends have plenty to look forward to when they begin exploring Scotland’s wild coastline, which has everything from sandy beaches and Jurassic cliffs to busy harbours and discrete fishing villages. For a memorable self-catering holiday, dog-friendly cottages could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Even when you’re staying on the Scottish coast, you might find that towering mountains and lochs are still a short drive away. The Scottish borders have a hilly coastline with abbeys and castles scattered around its slopes. In the Scottish Highlands, expect to find lochs and beaches with towering cliffs, especially at Durness Beach and Balnakeil Beach. On the west coast, the Isle of Skye might attract you if you’re into rural locations with rare wildlife and striking geological formations. Whatever you’re looking for, the following dog-friendly cottages in Scotland all have spectacular locations on the coast with features such as hidden coves, woodland walks and dog-friendly pubs a short walk or drive away.
The Top 10 Pet-Friendly Cottages in Scotland by the Sea:
1. Oran Mor (Skelbo, Scotland)
2. On The Beach (Balintore, Scotland)
3. Fishermans Cottage (Cromarty, Scotland)
4. Sir Walter Scott (Taynuilt, Scotland)
5. Bank House (Fortrose, Scotland)
6. McCaig’s Tower Apartment (Oban, Argyll And Bute)
7. Lower Whinhill (Dornoch, Scotland)
8. Woodlands (Tore, Scotland)
9. Otterburn 2 (Melvaig, Scotland)
10. Rowan House (Brora, Scotland)
Oran Mor
Location: Skelbo, Scotland
Best for: An architect’s cottage with a coastal view
A short walk away from sandy beaches, Oran Mor is an architect’s cottage with a striking view. Looking over Loch Fleet and the undulating landscape of Sutherland, the Skelbo-based holiday cottage is well-located for exploring the Highlands and the surrounding coastline. Scandinavian and sleek both inside and out, the cottage welcomes four people and their faithful pet to explore the surrounding countryside, sandy beaches and woodlands.
Oran Mor is located in Dornoch, which is as well-known for its extensive sandy beaches as it is for its golf courses. Roll down to Dornoch Point and Embo Beach, where the Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve is located. It has native Scots pinewoods, a tidal basin and trails with plenty of rare wildlife lurking around such as osprey, otters and seals.
Facilities: Why is Oran Mor one of the best dog-friendly cottages by the sea in Scotland? Not only is it the ideal place for a self-catering holiday, but it’s also modern, stylish and incredibly comfortable. There’s an extensive outdoor space with private parking spaces for three cars, an enclosed garden, a decking and a table set with views of the water. The same views come with the dining table, where you can tuck into a dinner rustled up in the vintage-contemporary kitchen. The ground floor is compromised of an open-plan space with full-length windows and a Danish wood-burning stove, making it homely, bright and spacious.
On The Beach
Location: Balintore, Scotland
Best for: A gorgeous cottage right on Balintore Beach
If the name On The Beach is anything to go by, this Balintore cottage is exactly what you need for a dog-friendly holiday by the sea. Designed by an architect and positioned on Balintore Beach, a crescent-shaped sandy cove on the Moray Firth which backs onto the countryside, it’s just moments from the sand. When you’re not busy spotting dolphins and porpoises on the local coastline or sharing ice creams after playing ball with the dog on the sand, prop your feet up on the garden furniture in the neat garden.
Furry friends will appreciate that On The Beach has direct access to the path over the coast and the surrounding villages, which are together known as the Seaboard Villages. Walk along the path, and it won’t be long until you pass the Mermaid of the North, Balintore Harbour and Shandwick Bay. The Moray Firth’s dolphins are fond of this particular stretch, so you might encounter a lucky spotting on your stroll too.
Facilities: Being right beside the beach isn’t On The Beach’s only attractive feature. The modern property has a contemporary open-plan living space where occupants can socialise between the dining set and the kitchen. A very spacious living room has views over the undulating waves, and outside, there’s a garden enclosed by a wooden gate, the ideal space for well-behaved dogs to sniff around and do what they do best.
Fishermans Cottage
Location: Cromarty, Scotland
Best for: A self-catering holiday in a traditional fisherman’s town
Traditional and truly dainty, Fishermans Cottage is an atmospheric place for a Scottish getaway by the sea. This dog-friendly accommodation opens up a plethora of different activities, from hiking and cycling to sailing, birdwatching and golfing. Located in Cromarty, there’s a ferry connection to Balnapaling for those who’d like to explore northwards towards the Seaboard Villages, Dornock and Golspie. To the south, along the Moray Firth, the ‘Highlands capital’ Inverness and its Victorian market and castle are only a short drive away too.
Cromarty may be a small Scottish village, but it’s full of other fisherman houses just like this one. Mostly from the 18th to 20th century, the town is undiscovered by most tourists, so it still retains its traditional feel. Visit nearby Macfarquhar’s Bed while you stay there, a section of the coast with several stunning natural arches and a sea cave.
Facilities: The dog-friendly cottage isn’t high fashion and glamour. Instead, it has traditional décor mixed with a few modern conveniences, such as a Freeview TV, games, books and modern kitchen appliances. Cosy down in the living room in front of the wood-burning stove and crack open a board game, or head outside onto the gravel patio, where there’s a wooden table and a bench.
Sir Walter Scott
Location: Taynuilt, Scotland
Best for: A chalet with views of the hills and countryside
Named after a Scottish novelist and playwright, Sir Walter Scott is just as romantic as the writer’s prose. Anyone who has been searching for pet-friendly cottages with stunning scenery is in for a treat here. Likewise, those who have been foraging for dog-friendly cottages which are well-suited to climbing Munros and exploring country trails with their furry friends will also find this a fitting escape. Located in a clearing in Taynuilt with views of hills and a short drive from Loch Etive and Oban on Scotland’s west coast, the location is incredibly desirable for active breaks.
In Oban, get a taste of Scottish whisky in the Oban Distillery or take a peaceful walk along the promenade before descending upon McCaig’s Tower and Battery Hill or the Dunollie Castle and Grounds. Nearby, Loch Etive is a 30-kilometre sea loch surrounded by mountains, so it provides plenty of opportunities for spectacular hikes or boat trips.
Facilities: Throw away any formalities at Sir Walter Scott. The two-bedroom chalet has a way of helping you get back to the basics without compromising any luxuries. There’s a cosy kitchen with a breakfast bar and dining table, cosy caravan-style sofas and beds surrounded by tartan curtains. A picnic bench is placed on the wide, open green space surrounding the lodge, so you have somewhere to dine, share stories and take in the views of the slopes simultaneously.
Bank House
Location: Fortrose, Scotland
Best for: An 18th-century holiday cottage with a barbecue
Bank House may sound like all business and no leisure, but it couldn’t be more opposite. With three double bedrooms and an enclosed garden equipped with a barbecue, the 18th-century dog-friendly cottage is exactly what families with well-behaved dogs need to unwind and explore the Moray coast. Whether you track down bottlenose dolphins on a boat trip across the Moray Firth or head to the hills for activities like horse riding and climbing, there’s a wide assortment of ways to spend your day from Bank House.
Work your way along the Moray Malt Whisky Trail, investigating the many nuances of Scotland’s world-famous whiskies. Then, sojourn in the lively Highland capital of Inverness for a boat trip over Loch Ness. The town where the holiday cottage is based has a direct single-track road to a harbour and a remote beach, where watersports or boat trips can entertain you for the day too.
Facilities: Bank House has been around since 1712, and it retains many of its original features, including cornicing and high ceilings. A study is available for those who want to pour over local maps, while outside, those craving burgers and other good stuff can set about cooking over the barbecue. The spacious living room, which is lit by a chandelier in the evening or bay windows in the day, has a bookcase, electric fireplace and a TV, which adds to the traditional atmosphere. The best part for those searching for dog-friendly cottages suitable for more than one canine is that the cottage welcomes two well-behaved dogs.
McCaig’s Tower Apartment
Location: Oban, Argyll And Bute
Best for: A dog-friendly holiday with sea views
With an elevated position above the coastal town of Oban, McCaig’s Tower Apartment doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to stunning scenery. The traditional three-bedroom apartment is just a short walk from the harbour, so whether you’re looking to take a boat trip, go fishing or simply admire the spectacular views of the waterfront and towering hills in the background, dog-friendly holidays will be complete here. Sea views come along with the kingsize bedroom and the living room too.
In Oban, take yourself on a historical tour. McCaig’s Tower and Battery Hill have views of the bay and are often described as Scotland’s very own colosseum. The Dunollie Museum has ancient castle ruins once owned by a clan. There’s a war and peace museum in the town which delves into more of the local history, and for those wanting a taste of the whisky history, there’s also the historic Oban Distillery, which runs tours.
Facilities: The four-bedroom McCaig’s Tower Apartment is exactly what you need for a family holiday with the canine. The apartment is equipped with all the essentials, including a modern kitchen, a dining table and comfy bedrooms with full furnishings. In the living space, warm your feet next to the wood burner – because the town is within walking distance of the apartment, you may find that your feet need it after strolling around and taking in the views for most of the day.
Lower Whinhill
Location: Dornoch, Scotland
Best for: A rural cottage on the east coast of Scotland
Located on the east coast of the Scottish Highlands, Lower Whinhill combines a rural location with sea views. The charming cottage is set in the green countryside, which slopes down to the Dornoch Firth. Embo Beach, a lengthy stretch of golden sand with views of the hills, is an excellent setting for dog walking, as it is also backed by a web of footpaths which snake through sand dunes and the Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve.
This isn’t just an ideal holiday cottage for a dog-friendly holiday involving wildlife spotting and hiking through the spectacular countryside. The Royal Dornoch Championship Course is a short drive away too and provides excellent entertainment for golfers. Dornoch is a historic town, as it’s the location where the final alleged witch was burnt in Scotland’s gruesome witch trials. Head to Witch’s Stone to visit the exact spot.
Facilities: Lower Whinhill is a dainty dog-friendly holiday cottage in a remote location, meaning that it’s very peaceful for six guests and their well-behaved dog to unwind. Out of the conservatory, a wooden decking opens up to views of green fields and a fully-enclosed garden where there’s a barbecue and outdoor furniture. The property is well-suited to families, and not just because of the barbecue, smart TV and three bedrooms, but also because it has a travel cot, highchair and a stairgate available to cater to pint-sized guests.
Woodlands
Location: Tore, Scotland
Best for: A peaceful spot near nature reserves, waterfalls and beaches
Set alongside a scattering of trees in the Tore countryside, Woodlands is one of the most peaceful pet-friendly holiday cottages by the Scottish seaside. It’s just a short drive from the Beauly Firth and the Moray Firth, the latter being a popular hangout spot for bottlenose dolphins and other passing wildlife. The tranquil location is on the Black Isle Peninsula, an elevated position which is ideal for mountain biking, cycling and hikes through the forest.
However, those aren’t the only pursuits that will keep you busy during your time at Woodlands. Chanonry Point, a short drive away, is a top spot for dolphin spotting. Wildlife can also be tracked down at the local RSPB nature reserves or Fairy Glen, a woodland setting with waterfalls. Udale Bay, just one of the breathtaking beaches within the local area, also has pink-footed geese. As for those who have a keen sense of adventure, nearby Learnie Red Rock has graded mountain biking trails.
Facilities: It doesn’t make much of a difference whether you’re visiting Woodlands to hike, mountain bike or relax. You’re guaranteed a cosy retreat either way. The holiday cottage consists of a double and a single bedroom, a bathroom and an open-plan living space. If you need additional space for more loved ones, the cosy sofa doubles up as a double bed. Two dogs are welcome to join guests inside the compact caravan too; they can curl up by your feet while you share dinner under the parasol-covered furniture.
Otterburn 2
Location: Melvaig, Scotland
Best for: A cosy cottage with views of the Isle of Skye, Lewis and Harris
One of two dog-friendly cottages placed side-by-side, Otterburn 2 is a dream for those who want to stay by the sea in the western Scottish Highlands. This luxury cottage is in a pretty village on the coast with sea views from the conservatory and the outdoor picnic bench. The cottage is perfectly located for a beach retreat. It’s just a short walk from a little, remote beach, and with bike storage in the cottage’s shed, you can pedal there in a jiffy if you don’t fancy walking.
The township of Melvaig is in an elevated spot, below a small hill and just 10 miles from Gairloch. On the shore of Loch Gairloch, Gairloch sits next to the sea, but it also backs onto lochs, islands and Munros typical of the Highlands. Drive to the Flowerdale and Shieldag Forests for hikes past lochans too, where your well-behaved dog is sure to want a refreshing dip.
Facilities: Otterburn 2 is one of the last cottages on the way to the lighthouse, meaning that this is one of the closest spots to the Melvaig coast. The Isle of Skye, Harris and Lewis are all visible from the conservatory, so you may find yourself seated there often, rather than relaxing in the armchairs and the sofa in the main living room. Outside, the garden is fully fenced, so guests can be sure that their canines are in safe hands while they picnic on the bench and plot out exactly where to visit the next day.
Rowan House
Location: Brora, Scotland
Best for: A large luxury holiday home on the North Coast 500
Based a short drive from Inverness, Rowan House is perfectly located for road trippers, golfers, hikers and all folk seeking a beach retreat. The North Coast 500 road runs past the property, so taking in northern Highlands sights such as rugged mountains, fishing villages and castles has never been easier. Designed for groups of six and thoroughly luxurious from start to the finish, the cottage has an extensive garden, decking and summerhouse.
The holiday home belongs to the village of Rowan, which is located just outside of Brora, between Dornoch and Wich. The nearest beach is Brora Beach, where there are Jurassic land formations and regularly-visiting wildlife such as dolphins, seals and minke whales. Call by the 18-hole golf course, one of the greatest links courses in the area, while you’re in the area.
Facilities: Rowan House doesn’t disappoint when it comes to luxury. There’s natural luxury in the form of a remote, sloping setting with views of the Moray Firth in the distance. As for manmade luxury, expect to find elegant, well-decorated rooms with delicate armchairs, rugs, and telescopes perfectly positioned by the windows. The large decking adds comfort to the outdoor space too, and handily, there’s a summer house on standby should the weather take a turn for the worse.
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Whether you’ve found your ideal holiday cottage or want to continue your search, Breakfree Holidays has a large, well-appointed selection of dog-friendly cottages in Scotland to suit many different tastes, styles and activities. Find your perfect escape today!