Top Activities For Dogs In Scotland

Introduction

Scotland is a place that is well known for welcoming four-legged pooches and their owners with a friendly smile and a bowl full of cool, refreshing water. There is no shortage of activities that you can enjoy in the country with your canine buddy. You and your furry friend can explore the country's beautiful beaches, picturesque lochs, green glens, and lush woodlands. The entire country is an outdoor lover's dream come true; combine the experience with your canine buddy and you both will be in pure paradise. However, remember that your dog should be leashed and under control at all times.

Inveraray Jail

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 - 3 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Collar

Poop Bags

Backpack

Water bowl

Bottled Water

Activity description

The historic Inveraray Jail is considered one of Scotland's finest tourist attractions and they welcome dogs! The entire complex is well-preserved. You and your best friend can explore not only the jail but also the courthouse complex. From April to October, the park is opened from 9 a.m. with the last admission at 5 p.m. The park closes at 6 p.m. From November to March, the park is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the last admission, and then the park closes at 5 p.m. They are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day. Admission is charged for humans but canines are free.

Step

1

Arrival at the site

When you arrive at the park, be sure to leash up your four-legged buddy when you exit the vehicle. You might want to give them a drink of water before you embark on the tour. Packing a small backpack with poop bags, an extra leash, and maybe a water bowl with bottled water is a great way to start the day.

Step

2

The tour begins

You will get to explore the Torture, Death and Damnation Exhibition, the Old Prison, the Country Courtroom and the New Prison. Get ready to do some serious walking as you take in everything that there is to see. Keep your dog close on their leash and always be respectful of other visitors and their canine companions.

Step

3

Ending the day

At the end of the day you might want to just rest on the park's grounds for a bit and give your dog a bowl of cool refreshing water. The chances are good that the two of you have done a lot of walking so you will need to rest a bit before you load up in your auto and head for home.

Sir Walter Scott Steamship

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

2 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Collar

Backpack

Canine Life Vest

Bowl

Bottled Water

Activity description

Boat tours are a big tourist activity across Scotland. Luckily, almost all of them welcome well-behaved dogs. You can both sightsee on the water together and snap some very memorable photos. Most boat owners charge admission for humans and a small fee for the dog. Be sure to ask up front about how much it is going to cost to have your dog enjoy the tour with you. If your dog has never been on a boat before, you may want to pack some extra doggy bags and wet wipes just in case he becomes motion sick. Although motion sickness is rare, in dogs who do not suffer from car sickness it can still happen, especially if your dog is nervous.

Step

1

At the boat dock

Has your dog ever been on a boat before? If not, you will want them to get accustomed to the boat. Most boat owners will not allow you to board the boat until it is time to embark on the tour but you can walk the dog out on to the dock . This will help your dog relax and get used to the variety of smells and sounds.

Step

2

Use a life vest

Many dogs will be fine on a boat with no life vest but, as an owner, you might feel safer if you put a life vest on your pooch before you set sail. As you strap on the life vest, talk soothingly to your dog and offer the pooch lots of praise. Most dogs who are accustomed to wearing doggy apparel will readily accept the life vest.

Step

3

Loading on the boat

When it is time for the tour to depart you should offer your dog lots of praise as you both walk onto the boat. Many dogs can feel the movement beneath their feet so might become slightly cautious. However, with ample encouragement your canine will willingly work towards making you happy and adjust to the boat. Finally, you can both enjoy the tour together.

Edinburgh Exploration

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

3 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Collar

Treats

Activity description

Edinburgh is a city that lives and breathes history. It is also an amazingly dog-friendly place. The Scottish genuinely seem to enjoy well-behaved pooches. If you want to explore everything the lovely city has to offer then it's time to leash up Fido and take a breathtaking walking tour of the city. Within the city are innumerable dog-friendly hotels where you and your pooch can spend the night or enjoy a holiday. You will probably be surprised at the many places you can take your dog in the city. If you want to get your hair done then why not stop at the Blondie Kerr Hair Salon where canines are welcome, or you might want to work out at Griffin Fitness. Edinburgh is just rife with canine-friendly establishments where you can make a day of it.

Step

1

Exploring the shops

Head for Leith to enjoy the dog-friendly establishments. There are stores, pubs, cafes and bars where you and your furry friend are welcome. Just look for a sticker or sign that says, "Dugs N Pubs ‘Dugs Welcome". The slogan lets you know that the establishment welcomes canines.

Step

2

Hit the Art Centre

At the Summerhall Arts Centre, Newington you and your pooch are allowed to peruse the galleries. You can even visit the cafe with your friendly pooch. If you still want to enjoy looking at local art together then head to the Edinburgh Arts & Picture Framers, to take a look at the works of local artists. The establishment is located on Nicolson street.

Step

3

Greyfriars Bobby

Although, dogs are not allowed inside the iconic pub, you can still stop with your pooch to get a photo in front of the outdoor bronze statue of Greyfriars Bobby. The small bronze statue was erected in memory of a small dog who loved his master so much that he waited by the man's graveside daily. He would only leave to grab a bite to eat at the local pub.

Step

4

Hotel relaxation

At the dog-friendly Cork and Cask Wine Merchant on Merchant Street you can grab a bottle of wine before heading back to your hotel. The location is a specialist wine and beer merchant that also hosts local events such as wine tastings and cider whiskey tastings. Depending on when you visit, you and your pooch might be able to enjoy an event together.

More Fun Ideas...

Culzean Castle

You cannot visit Scotland with your dog without getting a photo at a real castle. Canines are welcome at Culzean Castle. The picturesque castle is surrounded by woodland, landscaped gardens, and breathtaking coastline. You will find lots of photo opportunities for you and your pooch which will make wonderful memorials of the day. Remember to always keep your dog on a leash and under control. When exploring the grounds, keep a ready supply of poop bags on hand to clean up after your companion. Many people visit the castle at twilight to capture the setting sun with the castle as a backdrop.You are free to walk around the grounds and explore during daylight hours.

Mull of Galloway Museum

The Mull of Galloway Museum is open to dogs and their owners. There is an admittance fee charged to enter the site. Your dog is allowed to join you as you explore the museum. On clear and mild days you can also climb the 115 steps to the top of the lighthouse for fantastic panoramic views. This is a great way to spend a couple of hours and then you can go on to visit the beach with your pooch. Don't forget to hike around the grounds when visiting. Dogs are required to be on a leash and under complete control of their owner at all times when visiting the museum and lighthouse.

Conclusion

Scotland is home to over 4,000 miles of coastline and rugged terrain with numerous lochs. There are also sixty medieval castles throughout the country, many of which welcome dogs. You should always call ahead to make sure that canines are welcome. Many of the various attractions, parks, and business in the country have websites that clearly state if they accept dogs and if there is an admission price for your pooch. When visiting sites throughout the country you should make sure your pooch is up-to-date on all of their vaccinations and has a valid health certificate. Dogs must always be on leashes and under the control of their owners.