If you’re the type of dog lover who likes to treat their pup like royalty, then there’s only one option when booking your next UK staycation: a castle. Traditionally, a fortified residence of a lord or noble, today you can find dog-friendly castles to stay in all over the UK to give your holiday a little regal touch.
No need for Rex to swim across a moat or dodge the falling portcullis at these fortresses of fancy; a stay at one of these poochy palaces means great big open fires, large lawns perfect for fetch (or joust), and more nooks and crannies to sniff than you can shake a stick at.
So, read on to find a dog-friendly castle to stay in to suit your pack. We have strongholds in England, Scotland and Wales all waiting for you and your waggy-tailed companion. All that’s left to do is to pull up the drawbridge and barricade yourselves in for a cosy evening in front of the fire. Take a look at our guide to castles for Corgis for the most regal dog-friendly residences.
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Dog-friendly castles in Scotland
Castle Wing, Kilmarnock | sleeps 2 dogs + 16 humans | 5 star
Set on a 600-acre estate, which includes a beautiful loch and an on-site cafe, Castle Wing is a spectacular place for you and your noble canines to stay if you’re looking to explore the Scottish countryside in style. With woodland walks in abundance on the estate, you’ll no doubt wear out furry legs before returning to this impressive wing of a castle which is set over three floors.
With beautiful, exposed stonework, open fires and truly grand furnishings in every room, everyone will find space to relax or celebrate, depending on your preference. Play pool in the games room, unwind in the mezzanine-style bedroom or come together in the lavish, high-ceilinged dining room to share stories of your day, whilst the pups sniff around for dropped scraps.
Why your doggo will love it
- Warming themselves outside by the fire pit will become a regular occurrence
- Dean Castle Country Park is less than 1 mile away where the dogs can run by the river
Airlie Castle, Airlie | sleeps 3 dogs + 18 humans | 5 star
As far as dog-friendly castles in Scotland go, Airlie Castle is up there with the very best. Set on an estate that covers 30,000 acres, this 18th-century castle has a large, formal garden that is perfect for chasing tails whilst you catch up with friends and family on comfy outdoor furniture.
When you delve inside, you’ll be spoiled for choice with where to relax. Choose the library and catch up with a good book in front of the fire. Feast in the formal dining room with direct access to the gardens. Or get competitive in either the snooker room or the games and music room with table tennis and a drum kit.
If you can bring yourself to leave the lush grounds for the day, make your way down the beautiful tree-lined drive and head to either the coast or the Cairngorms National Park, both of which are within easy reach.
Why your doggo will love it
- Surrounded by the Angus Glens, rivers and woodlands, your pups will not be short of trails to explore
- With open fires in so many rooms, your dogs will never have felt so snug and cosy
The Castle – Selkirk, Selkirk | sleeps 2 dogs + 11 humans | 5 star
If you’re after a realistic medieval holiday experience, a stay at The Castle – Selkirk should be high on your list. With rooms that wouldn’t look out of place on a Game of Thrones set, this 16th-century castle in the Scottish Borders invites you and your two dire wolves to enjoy a unique holiday experience. With characterful beams and exposed stone walls throughout, you’ll feel like the king of your very own castle when staying at this property.
Gather in the great hall and chat around the unforgettable fireplace where you can just imagine plots and schemes were thought up in centuries gone by. Choose from five warming bedrooms, one of which is in the castle eaves, and pull on the cosy bathrobes left for you by the owners.
When you head outside, explore the gardens and the tree tunnel on the private grounds, before journeying to the Yarrow Valley or Glentress Forest to leave no stick unfetched.
Why your doggo will love it
- There are plenty of warm spots to curl up in, from the open fires to the AGA-warmed kitchen
- With an extensive garden and rolling countryside beyond, there’ll be ample opportunity to tucker out those with four legs
Kilchrist Castle, Machrihanish | sleeps 4 dogs + 13 humans | 5 star
Paws almost outnumber feet at Kilchrist Castle where four canine companions are welcome to join you on your escape to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Argyll and Bute. There’s floor space in abundance for the dogs to explore in the lobby, dining rooms and lounge area, not to mention the spectacular period spiral staircase which they will love scampering up and down.
For the two-legged members of the pack, there’s a whole host of features to leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied, including four-poster beds and a hot tub. You’ll then be ready for an evening of fun and games with the roulette and poker table, pool table and board games. And, on balmier evenings, spend time outside in the south terrace with its seating area, perfect for dining alfresco.
Why your doggo will love it
- Embrace the substantial gardens and woodlands of this 8-acre plot
- There are plenty of spots to curl up in with two open fireplaces in the dining room and lounge
Grants Of Freuchie Castle, Dulnain Bridge | sleeps 2 dogs + 10 humans | 5 star
Visit the Cairngorms National Park and revel in the countryside views of this 16th-century castle. Blending traditional features with modern touches, this converted keep is within touching distance of a plethora of walkies and dog-friendly pubs.
Wander up the winding spiral staircase to reach the fairy-tale turrets with far-reaching views and choose a bedroom, be it one with a four-poster bed or one lined with tartan decor. When you’re ready to congregate, meet in either the first-floor sitting room or the second-floor great hall-style room with its open fire. A stay in Grants Of Freuchie Castle is one you’ll never forget.
Why your doggo will love it
- The underfloor heating and open fire will be paw-fect for warming through chilly fur
- The modern sunroom leads to a large, enclosed garden where the pups can let off some steam
Port An Eilean, Pitlochry | sleeps 2 dogs + 25 humans | 5 star
A palatial manor on the banks of an expansive loch with Munros dominating the skyline, Port An Eilean in Pitlochry in Scotland is filled with opulent interiors that will make you and your canine companion think you’ve arrived at a royal estate.
Intricate wood panelling that’s unique to each room, high ceilings allowing for tall windows framing each view, and perfectly placed furniture that ranges from antique pieces to contemporary works of art all add to the grandeur of this resplendent holiday home.
If you can drag yourself away from the pool table and private bar, there’s much to explore in the grounds too. Play on the all-weather tennis court or hire a boat and head out on the loch. When your days come to a close, watch the moon come out while sharing a nightcap around the giant fire pit with an unbeatable view.
Why your doggo will love it
- Enjoy dog walks down to the loch in the peaceful hours of the morning
- Your four-pawed pal can join you around the fire pit each evening for stargazing
Kinnairdy Castle, Aberdeenshire | sleeps 2 dogs + 7 humans | 4 star
Set in 450 acres of land with winding rivers and courtyard gardens, this medieval castle in rural Aberdeenshire is sure to whisk away guests and their royal rovers for a magical getaway.
Known to locals as Old Kinnairdy, the castle’s stain-glass windows and vaulted ceilings are sure to impress guests on arrival, as travelling canines no doubt head for the warmth of the crackling fireplaces. Discover narrow and winding stairs that lead to the elegant bedrooms, and make use of the spacious kitchen to cook banquets fit for your fellow kings and queens.
Guests and their furry friends can relax in the warmth of the atmospheric lounges, and on warmer days can dine alfresco in the courtyard with greenery all around. Stretch your legs around the extensive grounds, and try your hand (and paws) at salmon and trout fishing in the River Deveron that cuts through the estate.
Why your doggo will love it
- Let travelling canines snooze in front of the various crackling fireplaces dotted around the castle
- Allow Fido to spend all his holiday energy on charming walks around the extensive grounds and rivers
Dog-friendly castles in England
Castle By The Water, Saltash | sleeps 4 dogs + 22 humans | 5 star
The second-largest castle on our list lies in Cornwall, in an enviable position by the River Tamar. There’s so much on offer for active guests – including 4x4 off-roading, stand-up paddleboarding, boat trips and wine tasting – that you’ll need to put some time aside to enjoy this outstanding property itself.
With a morning room overlooking the garden and three terraces facing the River Tamar, you’ll not be short of outside spaces to catch up with old friends at Castle By The Water. Challenge someone to a game of lawn bowls or just relax in the outdoor heated swimming pool. Indoors, if you can drag yourself away from staring at all the luxury and magnificence that makes every single room an attraction, dare a friend to beat you at a game of pool, table football or darts in the games room.
Why your doggo will love it
- Exploring the 55 acres of gardens and woodlands and orchards could eat up the whole holiday
- Keeping cosy won’t be an issue with a log fire inside the drawing room and the fire pit outside
Rock-rose House, County Durham | sleeps 4 dogs + 20 humans | 5 star
If your choice of palace is more ‘Grecian’ than ‘English country house’, this elegant Georgian property in County Durham built in a classical style may be just the place for you and your canine companions.
Magnificent pillars mark the entranceway and welcome guests on arrival while the interior is more traditional with detailed cornices, portrait and landscape paintings, and ornate fireplaces. A sweeping staircase in the centre and a selection of impressive rooms all ensure everyone from the humans to the canine members of your party will enjoy a regal stay.
A billiards room with a host of games plus a record player, CD player and surround sound offer evenings of entertainment, and catering is available to be booked in advance so you can join in the frivolity without the worry of organising dinner.
Why your doggo will love it
- Pups can marvel at the landscape and local wildlife through giant windows from the vantage point of the morning room
- Fido will love crossing the private bridge for a woodland walk and further adventures in the nearby Pennines
Ingoldisthorpe Hall, Norfolk | sleeps 3 dogs + 18 humans | 4 star
Set near the rural village of Sandringham in Norfolk and just 3 miles from the famous Sandringham Palace, traditionally the royal family’s Christmas getaway, you can soak up the beauty of the same scenery beloved by the Queen and her corgis.
Behind the splendid English country manor façade of Ingoldisthorpe Hall, there’s a suitably regal interior containing lavish furnishings, sophisticated style and a host of antiques.
Socialise in the elegant drawing room, home to a beautiful fireplace and views out onto the garden, or get everyone together in the dining room which seats up to 24 guests. There’s a second dining space in the kitchen for more relaxed breakfast and brunch gatherings too.
Step out into the grounds for a breath of fresh air where views across The Wash await and the canine members of the party can race around free to play on the sweeping lawn.
Why your doggo will love it
- Pooches will love playing and relaxing on the sun-soaked lawn as humans fire up the BBQ on balmy evenings
- With plenty of open fireplaces and grand rugs around the property, dogs are spoiled with places to curl up and snooze
The Castle, Brean | sleeps 2 dogs + 8 humans | 4 star
This open-plan getaway for eight is perfect for keeping one eye on Rover and Rex as they explore their new surroundings. With plenty of floor space inside and a decked area and a multi-level garden outside, your pups probably won’t stop sniffing and scampering about all holiday.
The children of the group will be in their element at The Castle, with the impressive play equipment in the enclosed garden, along with the fun, novelty giant deckchair, which is perfect for an Instagram moment! Add to this, the beach which is within touching distance, and you’ll have some happy kids and content canines. Not forgetting the grown-ups; there’s a spacious BBQ lodge for those balmy evenings when you need some comfort food and an ice-cold beer.
Why your doggo will love it
- With private beach access directly from the garden, the dogs can swap spongy lawn for soft sand in an instant
- The huge, enclosed garden with decking and a BBQ lodge for shelter will provide hours of tail-chasing entertainment
Dog-friendly castles in Wales
Globe House, Angle | sleeps 2 dogs + 24 humans | 5 star
Saving the biggest until last, we have Globe House, a magnificent dog-friendly castle in Wales sleeping 24 guests and two happy hounds. This recently renovated Victorian mansion has an abundance of space inside and out, meaning those on four legs can tucker themselves out before warming their paws by the coal-effect gas fire in one of the lounges.
For the two-legged amongst you, there’s an eight-seater hot tub for some guests to relax in whilst the others prepare a feast on the BBQ or unwind on the garden furniture. After dinner, if you want glorious, far-reaching views, move up to the roof terrace with its castellated walls and finish your drinks like the regal beagles you are!
Why your doggo will love it
- The Pembrokeshire Coast Path and West Angle Bay Beach are just 300 metres from the property, providing near-endless walks
- The enclosed garden and roof terrace offer perfect sunbathing spots for indulgent pups
Be the king of your castle
We hope you’ve been inspired and that you’ve really ‘fort’ through your options when it comes to dog-friendly castle living in the UK.
These large and impressive residences are perfect for four-pawed good boys and tail-wagging good girls, and provide the whole pack with stunning locations to explore, history to immerse yourselves in, and space to celebrate that special occasion. Time to become the king, or queen, of your own castle.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.