Pet-Friendly Castles Scotland

When you think of pet-friendly castles Scotland, historic Scottish fortresses that welcome dogs as part of the family. Also known as dog-friendly castles, these sites offer more than just stone walls and towers—they give you and your pup a shared adventure through centuries of history. Not every castle lets pets inside, but many open their grounds, gardens, and even some outdoor areas to four-legged visitors. That’s the difference between a tourist stop and a real experience.

Many of these castles are tied to castle gardens, carefully maintained historic landscapes that blend botany with heritage, like those at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden or Dawyck Botanic Garden in the Borders. These spaces aren’t just pretty—they’re safe, open, and often have paths wide enough for leashes and paws. Then there’s the Hermitage Castle, a remote, atmospheric ruin in the Scottish Borders shaped by war and legend. While you can’t take your dog inside the crumbling walls, the surrounding trails and open fields are perfect for a sniff-and-wander. And if you’re heading to the Highlands, places like Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park connect to castle visits with wide-open spaces where dogs can run free.

You’ll find that seasonal closures in Scotland, winter road conditions and attraction hours that affect access matter just as much for pets as they do for people. Some castles close paths in winter, others restrict access after dark, and a few only allow pets on leads during peak season. But the good news? Most places that welcome dogs in summer keep that policy year-round, especially if you stick to outdoor areas. You won’t find a castle that says "no dogs ever," but you will find ones that quietly say "yes"—and that’s what matters.

What you’ll see below are real, up-to-date spots where you can walk your dog past battlements, through herb gardens, or along the edge of a loch with a castle in the distance. These aren’t just lists—they’re stories of places where a wagging tail fits right in. Whether you’re chasing views from Calton Hill or tracing old border wars near Hermitage, there’s a castle waiting with a welcome mat for your pup too.