Dog-Friendly Scotland | Places to go in Scotland

Want to get the scoop on dog-friendly Scotland? Look no further than this ultimate guide to exploring the country with a canine companion.

Here we tour the top places to go in Scotland with a dog, including pet-friendly tourist attractions, beaches, walking trails, national parks and places to eat.

So, whether you’re house sitting soon, you’re welcoming a Scotland pet sitter or you simply want to get better at planning dog-friendly days out, take a look below.

Dog-friendly walks and tourist attractions in Scotland

No matter where you live, or where you’re house sitting in Scotland, you’re never far from an epic dog-friendly day out. Whether it’s a castle with centuries of history, tranquil lochs or national parks with sweeping views across the country, there are always incredible places to visit in Scotland. To give you a flavour of the sorts of places there are to see in the country, start with our list of Scotland’s dog-friendly tourist attractions and walking destinations below.

Dunnottar Castle

If you’re after a dog-friendly day out in Scotland and you live in the north east, a visit to Dunnottar Castle is well worth the hype. Set on a dramatic cliff edge (which means dogs should be on a lead), the castle holds over 1000 years of history amongst its walls and ruins.

Location: Stonehaven AB39 2TL

Nevis Range Gondola

If you live (or are house sitting) anywhere near the Scottish Highlands, a trip to the Nevis Range can’t be missed. Complete with hiking and biking trails perfect for any keen adventurer and your athletic furry friends, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most iconic attractions in Scotland. And for sweeping views across The Highlands, treat yourself (and your pup) to a ride on the Nevis Range Gondola, which takes visitors up 650 metres of Aonach Mòr Mountain.

Location: Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SQ

Inveraray Jail

Looking for dog-friendly museums in Scotland, perfect for a day out with the whole family - including your furry companions? If you live in the Argyll and Bute region of Scotland, you might have heard of Inveraray Jail - a restored prison from the 1800s with slightly disturbing exhibits.

Location: Church Square, Inveraray PA32 8TX

Glenmore Forest Park

In the heart of Cairngorms National Park, Glenmore is complete with a centuries-old forest, mountains and lochs that simply look otherworldly. If you’re visiting between April and August, remember to keep your dog on a lead to avoid disturbing the capercaillies during their breeding season.

Location: Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1QU

Loch Lomond

If you’re looking for tranquil views and an epic landscape, Loch Lomond has to be one of the best places to go in Scotland with a dog. Along with the stunning views it offers, Loch Lomond is steeped in a history of battles and Scottish folklore. And if you’re up for a challenge, consider a hike up Ben Lomond, which is to the east.

Location: Loch Lomond, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland

Lindores Abbey Distillery

Interested in the process of whisky making? Well you’ll be thrilled to hear that Lindores Abbey Distillery - which can be traced back to the early 1400s - is dog-friendly. So, book a tour and taste a couple of drams for yourself.

Location: Abbey Rd, Newburgh, Cupar KY14 6HH

Arthur’s Seat

Feeling particularly adventurous, live in Scotland’s capital or house sitting in Edinburgh? You have to hike to Arthur’s Seat - it’s one of the best places to go in Scotland and we simply know your dog will love it. And if you didn’t know already, Arthur’s Seat is a mountain peak just outside of Edinburgh that offers up unrivalled views of the city and beyond.

Location: Edinburgh EH15 3PY

Culzean Castle and Country Park

If you live in south west Scotland, visit Culzean Castle and Country Park for a scenic stroll with your canine companion. Ideal if you want to tick off Scotland's sightseeing places - the castle was designed in the late 18th century for the Marquess of Ailsa, the chief of Clan Kennedy, and is now looked after by the National Trust for Scotland. While dogs aren’t allowed inside, they can roam most of the grounds and parklands, but must be kept on a lead in the walled gardens.

Location: Maybole KA19 8LE

Glasgow Mural Trail

Whether you’re house sitting nearby or you live in Glasgow, you’ve probably walked past at least a few of the wonderful pieces of art that make up the Glasgow Mural Trail. So for an inner city dog walk, grab your morning coffee and have a stroll to see how many murals you can spot along the way.

Location: Glasgow City Centre, Scotland

Pollok Country Park

As the largest park in Glasgow with 361 acres of green space, you might have heard of Pollok Country Park if you live nearby. Along with parklands to explore with your furry friend, it’s also home to Pollok House, which was built in the mid 1700s for the Maxwell family.

Location: 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G43 1AT

Tips for visiting dog-friendly attractions in Scotland

As is probably clear to you at this point, Scotland is brimming with dog-friendly attractions that take visitors on a journey through the country’s past, culture and wildlife. To find more fun places to go in Scotland, check for National Trust and Historic Environment Scotland properties near you.

Dog-friendly beaches in Scotland

Some of the most beautiful places in Scotland are on the coast - sandy white beaches stretch for miles, and it’s simply not a sight to be missed if you live in the country or you’re a pet sitter. There are countless dog-friendly beaches in Scotland, but to start you off, we’ve listed some of the most iconic below.

Balnakeil Beach

Perfect if you live in the north of Scotland, Balnakeil Beach offers a stunning stretch of white sand and deep blue waters. And the best part? There are no seasonal bans, so dogs are allowed to splash in the sea and zoom across the beach to their heart’s content.

Location: Lairg IV27 4PX

Dornoch Beach

South-east down Scotland’s coast is Dornoch Beach, where dogs are completely welcome. Keep your eyes peeled for sea birds, seals and even dolphins.

Location: Dornoch IV25 3LX

Findhorn Beach

Along the coast is Findhorn Beach, which is also without any seasonal restrictions - so perfect for dog walkers! Find a long expanse of golden sand and let your pooch frolick in the dunes.

Location: Dunes Rd, Forres IV36 3YQ

Fraserburgh Beach

This award-winning beach in Aberdeenshire is known for its quality surf, golden sand dunes and of course, dog-friendliness. Naturally popular with the dogs of Scotland’s eastern coastline, stop by to see where the Moray Firth meets the North Sea.

Location: S Harbour Rd, Fraserburgh AB43 9TB

Lunan Bay

Around a 50-minute drive from Dundee, Lunan Bay is a popular dog walking spot amongst locals. And if you’re into history as well as walks along the stunning coastline, check out the Red Castle, which dates back to the 12th century and was built by King William the Lion.

Location: Lunan Bay, Scotland

Tyninghame Bay

Just east of Edinburgh, Tyninghame Bay is accessible through Tyninghame Links and provides more than enough space for a walk, a game of fetch or even the zoomies. Keep your eyes peeled for the WWII tank barriers, which are remnants of the Polish soldiers who were stationed in the local area.

Location: Dunbar EH42 1XW

Tips for visiting dog-friendly beaches in Scotland

There’s no mistaking it, beaches are the places to go in Scotland - so many are dog-friendly and they offer some of the most stunning views of the country. And naturally, when visiting any beach in Scotland, it’s important to abide by local rules. Check for local signage and any restrictions around taking dogs, and always respect local wildlife - being careful to avoid disrupting resting birds. And it goes without saying, always come equipped with poo bags, and clean up after your dog each and every time.

Balnakeil Beach, Scotland

Dog-friendly places to eat in Scotland

Scotland is home to countless pet-friendly eateries - from casual dining settings to hip coffee shops, eclectic brunch spots and historic pubs that date back through the centuries. While there are far too many for us to list here, below find a few tips for finding the perfect place to eat with your dog in Scotland:

Experience Scotland’s history through its pubs. Taverns, inns and public houses have been a part of Scotland’s history for centuries. So, be sure to check out the dog-friendly pubs in Scotland to take a step back in time, and enjoy a hearty meal alongside an open fire.
Get to know your local coffee culture. If you live in a city, there are surely coffee shops popping up left, right and centre. So, why not check out the dog-friendly cafes Scotland has to offer near you, and get chatting to your neighbours at the same time?
Try local delicacies. Whether you’re a local or a pet sitter, you might not have tried the culinary delights that the country has to offer. So, why not check out the dog-friendly restaurants Scotland boasts near you, and tuck into a plate of haggis, a warm bowl of cullen skink, or a hearty snack of tattie scones?
Plan ahead. Naturally, local businesses change hands, and so do their rules around dog-friendliness. That’s why we’d always recommend phoning up before arriving with your dog, just to check they still welcome four-legged guests.
Consider your dog’s behaviour. If a pub, cafe or restaurant is dog-friendly, it’s with the understanding that your pooch can handle being around other people, food and dogs. So, make sure you’ve taken your dog for a walk beforehand, and only take them dining with you if you don’t think they’ll disturb other guests.

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

Dog-friendly places in Scotland

It’s safe to say that the country is brimming with places to visit - whether you’re house sitting in Scotland as a pet sitter, or you’ve got dogs of your own and you simply want to make your day trips a little more exciting. Some of the most dog-friendly cities in Scotland are Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh - and some of the most popular spots for pet sitting. So, take a look below for the top attractions in Scotland’s buzzing cities below.

Dog-friendly Edinburgh

It would be rude not to start with Scotland’s capital, and what a dog-friendly city it is! Edinburgh is packed with famous places in Scotland - including Arthur’s Seat, the Royal Mile and Holyrood Park - all ideal places to visit as an Edinburgh pet sitter.

And whether you’re house sitting in Edinburgh or you consider the city your local, you won’t be short of dog-friendly cafes, restaurants and pubs. A trip to Edinburgh isn’t complete without a little dog-friendly dining, so be sure to stop by Greyfriars Bobby's Bar, Badger & Co. and The Old Spence Café.

Want more pet-friendly recommendations? Head to our full guide to dog-friendly Edinburgh, where you can get the full scoop of dog-friendly restaurants, pubs, cafes, walks and things to do.

Dog-friendly Glasgow

Whether you’re house sitting as a local Glasgow pet sitter or you live in Scotland’s second city with a canine companion, rest assured you won’t be short of things to do. Many of Scotland’s attractions are in the heart of Glasgow, including Kelvingrove Park, The Glasgow Necropolis, and Bothwell Castle. The city is also brimming with dog parks, and it even has a soft play for dogs at a spot called The Dug and Bone. And you might not know this, but Glasgow is the place to be if you love to brunch with a canine friend by your side.

For a full rundown on the top sites in Scotland’s Glasgow along with places to eat and tips from locals, check out our full guide to dog-friendly Glasgow.

Dog-friendly Aberdeen

Last but not least, we stop in Aberdeen - an eclectic city in its own right and a spot that’s lined with dog-friendly sandy beaches. Boasting some of Scotland’s attractions that can’t be missed, head to Kincorth Hill, Aberdeen Beach and Crathes Castle - whether you’re house sitting as a pet sitter in Aberdeen, or you live nearby with a four-legged companion. And for more local recommendations, ideas for local days out and unmissable places to visit, check out our full guide to dog-friendly Aberdeen.

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire

Dog-friendly things to do in Scotland: tips from locals

There’s no better way to get to know a place than to speak to locals. And if you’re thinking about becoming a pet sitter in Scotland but you’re not quite in the country on your house sitting adventure yet, get the next best thing with advice from our community forum. Below find ideas and tips from local residents, and people who know Scotland like the back of their hand.

“Depending what your interests are, you can also get the Historic Scotland membership, which will get you in to so many castles & historical places for free” - @Nagy26
“You gotta see Glasgow Cathedral, explore the trendy West End, and hit up the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.” - @Candyapple24
“Another nice day trip from Glasgow is to get the ferry over to the Island of Bute, lovely wee Scottish island.” - @ziggy
“The free walking tours in Edinburgh — the one of the old city and one of the modern city are fab. You are expected to tip the tour guides.” - @mars
“My advice is to map out train & bus schedules and if you are planning travel just know to add some flexibility to your schedule to allow for delays.” - @Peg
“Sits in Scotland are certainly possible, though they are less frequent than sits in England. Most are in larger cities like Edinburgh & Glasgow, but if you set up a saved search you’ll be able to find the occasional listing in more remote areas.” - @Nagy26

Dean Village, Edinburgh

Dog-friendly Scotland: statistics and fun facts

Want to get the download on all things dogs and Scotland, or want to know just how dog-friendly Scotland is? Check out a few fun facts and statistics on the topic below.

There are roughly 1,155,625 pet dogs in the UK.
9.1% of the UK’s dogs are estimated to live in England.
42% of Edinburgh and Glasgow’s landlords do not accept pets.
31% of Aberdeen and Dundee’s landlords do not accept pets.
87% of National Trust properties are dog-friendly to some degree.
The Highlands has the most dog-friendly beaches in Scotland, with a total of 34, followed by the Hebrides with 31 and Grampian with 23.

Sources: Dog’s Trust, Hillary’s,The National Trust,The Beach Guide

Glenmore Forest Park, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

Tips for pet parents

Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Getting clued-up on the SOAC will help you to keep your dog safe, your local area clean and livestock undisturbed.
Check beach restrictions. Many of Scotland’s beaches are dog-friendly, but some have restrictions in place during the summer months, so always check local signage before roaming with your dog.
Use off-lead spaces. Many of Scotland’s cities are complete with off-lead dog parks, so can help when planning a dog-friendly day out near you - especially if your pooch can’t resist a game of fetch.
Get your holiday pet care sorted. So, your local day out in Scotland is all set - but what about when the time comes to take a holiday? Well why not keep your pups at home - where vets agree they’re happiest - and give them the ultimate staycation with a verified pet sitter? Click below to find out more.

Connecting with pet sitters in Scotland

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Tips for pet sitters

Experience Scotland’s history. The country is bursting at the seams with historic castles, gardens and ruins - your Scottish house sitting adventure simply isn’t complete without looking into its rich history.
Chat with locals. One of the best ways to get to know a place is to chat with locals - your new neighbours, for a time! Head to local dog-friendly cafes, pubs and dog parks to truly soak up local life.
Be prepared for the weather. If you’ve ventured this far north before, skip this one! But if not, don’t underestimate Scotland’s harsh winters - come prepared with waterproofs, thermals and appropriate footwear.
Explore Scotland through house sitting. So, want to hike the Highlands, roam the country’s expansive beaches or even city hop? Click below to find out how exchanging in-home pet care for a place to stay will give you the pet-filled adventures you’ve been waiting for.

House sitting in Scotland