Our Favourite Dog-Friendly Castle Breaks
We know how important it can be to dog owners to holiday with their four-legged friends. That is why at Celtic Castles we make it easy for you to find dog-friendly stays within our selection of beautiful castles, so you don’t go barking up the wrong tree!
Whether you are planning your luxury wedding, a milestone birthday celebration or just a weekend away, your beloved pups are very welcome to pad across these floors to their hearts’ content. Here are just a few of our castles that offer dog-friendly stays and some even have specific doggy packages which are sure to get their tails wagging...
Melville Castle
A favourite dog hotspot of our Castle Experts, Beth and Séamy, is this handsome and characterful property just 20 minutes from Edinburgh. It combines authentic Scottish grandeur with original touches, with each of the castle’s 33 bedrooms and suites individually styled and many featuring four-poster beds.
Your lovable hound will receive a wonderfully warm Scottish welcome in all areas of the castle where they can make themselves at home in comfortable, spacious rooms, curling up on the leather sofas or falling asleep on the deep-pile carpets. Up to two well-behaved dogs can accompany you during your stay in a variety of bedroom types and the only place out of bounds for your hound is the restaurant.
It’s a dog’s life!
Your devoted pup can enjoy the freeing landscape of Melville’s 54-acre estate – you may simply choose to wind your way along the tree-lined drive in companionable silence or let them run on ahead across this perfect pet playground to explore the gardens and grounds as only a dog knows how.
On other days, venture off the country estate to the bustling city of Edinburgh just a few minutes' drive away – enjoy walkies along The Royal Mile, visit dog-friendly Holyrood Park and climb up Arthur’s Seat for a fabulous view of the city with your faithful friend by your side.
Cringletie
Available for exclusive use or room only, this beautiful pink-stone, luxury retreat nestled in private grounds just 40 minutes from Edinburgh is one our Castle Expert, Julie, would highly recommend. Cringletie sleeps 32 guests in 14 bedrooms (with an option for another four guests) and enjoys a heavenly position for groups of family and friends to enjoy along with their beloved dogs, basking in the glory of a lush country estate.
The hospitable castle welcomes all pups with open arms, with up to two large or three small dogs able to accompany a group booking. They can expect to be offered regular treats by the attentive team and will even receive a special doggie welcome pack. Should you choose to book Cringletie for your wedding, your dog could even be the ring bearer!
Ample space for your dog to run free
Take advantage of the Doggie Walks Map to embark on adventures across more than 28 acres of canine-friendly terrain. Experience the enchantment of Cringletie’s breath-taking grounds with your furry companion, as they sniff the captivating scents of the lush gardens, race through expansive woodland and play ‘fetch’ across the manicured croquet lawn.
As if all that wasn’t enough to entertain your canine, they can also run wild by the river and waterfall, discover the fascinating historic dovecote and muse over the captivating outdoor sculptures. At the end of a fun filled day, your loyal friend can curl up at your feet as you immerse yourselves in Cringletie’s ambiance of Victorian opulence, indulging in the warmth of one of the many log fires in the castle.
Thornbury Castle
Castle Expert, Lizzy, encourages you to come and enjoy the beautiful South-Gloucestershire countryside with your beloved four-legged family member, and sample all that Thornbury Castle has to offer. From its huge walled garden to its imposing architecture and regal bedchambers, you can explore the castle with your dog in tow. Either taking it as exclusive use for up to 52 guests or on a bed and breakfast basis, this 16th-century property invites you to dine together in the library and lounges so everyone can relax and feel welcome.
Your dog-friendly stay package includes:
- Accommodation in either a Deluxe or Superior Deluxe Bedchamber.
- Three course à-la-carte dinner, served in the library.
- Full English breakfast the next morning.
- Dog bed, bowl and bone in your bedchamber on arrival.
Experience the outdoors together
Take your faithful friend on a colourful walk and admire bewitching landscape views by simply strolling through Thornbury’s scenic grounds. The Privy Garden encases flowering foliage with stoic stone walls, whilst the Labyrinth offers a winding journey through wildflowers and long grass. Spending quality time with your dog out on the estate will add even more memories to your stay.
Lickleyhead Castle
This Grade-A listed 16th-century property makes for a fabulous dog-friendly retreat and is favoured by our Castle Expert, Simon, for its generous hospitality, allowing up to three dogs during your luxury stay. Each of the eight bedrooms (sleeping up to 18 guests) has been styled to reflect a period of Lickleyhead’s rich history and is named after a former owner or resident of the castle. Choose to take exclusive use of one wing, or the entire place, depending how large your party is.
Dogs deserve a treat too!
Relax with your faithful companion in this authentic property set in idyllic grounds in rural Aberdeenshire and backing onto Mount Bennachie. Cosy up together in front of original working fireplaces, the roaring flames warming you through after a rejuvenating walk.
Lickleyhead Estate is a beautiful and atmospheric dog-friendly retreat in any season; your pooch can bark along with the birdsong in summer, breathe in fresh morning autumnal air amid the changing colour of the leaves or pass red deer feasting on the dew-dropped grass during winter walkies. The long woodland drive provides shelter from the rain, whilst the dark evenings bring out stunning starlit skies and hooting barn owls for added company.
Ready to treat your pooch to a paws-itively unforgettable stay?
Celtic Castles offers a wide range of stunning properties that warmly welcome your furry companions, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious castle stay together. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a special celebration, your dog (and perhaps more than one) is invited to join in the experience. For more dog-friendly options, feel free to explore the links below!
Dog-friendly castle hotels in Ireland
Castles hotels in the UK that welcome dogs
Exclusive use dog-friendly castles
Dog-friendly self-catering breaks
Why choose Celtic Castles?
Should you wish to enquire about any of the above properties, or discover others within our extensive portfolio that will welcome your four-legged friend with open arms, our friendly and knowledgeable team would be delighted to hear from you. Our castle experts are available seven days a week and offer a complimentary, unbiased service, from your initial venue search through to the booking process. Please get in touch today with your dog-friendly holiday requirements - you’d be barking mad not to!