A dog friendly destination
It shouldn't just be humans who are allowed all the fun and you will be pleased to know that we welcome your furry family when holidaying in Inverness and Loch Ness. We know it's not always easy to take our four-legged pals on holiday with us, however, there are plenty pooch friendly accommodation, activities and eateries on offer for you.
Whether you are walking the streets of Crown, with a stop off for coffee and cake? Or stretching your legs on a walk more rurally around the loch and hoping for a tasty meal at the end, there are many options to consider. To help you locate all the dog friendly places, we have put together this helpful guide to assist your holiday planning.
Dog friendly accommodation
Many hotels, B&B's and self-catering accommodations in Inverness and Loch Ness are dog friendly, so you don’t need to leave your furry friends at home!
There are so many to talk about we have a whole page dedicated to finding you the right accommodation to suit all your families needs.
Explore Dog friendly accommodation here.
Dog friendly eateries in Inverness
Inverness may be a city but don't be fooled, there are some wonderful places to walk your four-legged friends before enjoying a great meal and a few drinks. The river ness runs through the city centre which is a lovely tree-lined stroll that takes you to the Ness Islands, a popular green space that many visitors have on their to-do list to visit.
There is a great selection of pubs and cafes that welcome you and your dog in Inverness, let us tell you about some...
Velocity - Bang in the centre of Inverness, this cycling café is a perfect place for breakfast and lunch, or both! With long dining tables and cosy corners, you will be welcomed in with your pet to feast on the delights there is to offer- we challenge you to pop in without ordering a cake!
Castle Tavern - Cozy pub serving delicious hearty food, day and night. Has a very nice outside seating area for those days the sun makes an appearance. With direct views of the Inverness Castle and close proximity to the river.
Heathmount - A welcoming busy bar, restaurant and hotel that is dog friendly. Your furry pals can join you for food in the back bar and outside heated terrace.
Snow Goose - A dog-friendly pub on the outskirts of Inverness situated by the retail park. Dogs are welcome in the bar area of the pub, as this is the most friendly environment
for you and your four-legged friends to feel relaxed, safe, and happy at all times during your visit. There is water and treats available..... for the dogs, not you!!
Howdens Garden Centre - The Topiary restaurant and coffee shop allow your furry pal to join you for a delicious, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or coffee and cake.
Black Isle Bar - City centre brewery bar serving delicious pizzas and craft beer, need we say more?
Pet friendly eateries surrounding Loch Ness
When you are out and about exploring the tracks, trails, woodlands and landscapes of the beautiful surrounding areas of Loch Ness you need to keep yourselves fuelled with delicious snacks and food.
Here are some suggestions for the more rural areas...
Whitebridge Hotel - This rural hotel offers culinary delights! With the great walks in the area, it would be a shame to miss, and there is ample space for your pooch. Between the rolling Highlands Hills, this place is a breath of fresh air for those requiring pet-friendly facilities. You will receive a warm welcome and be delighted by the menus of beautifully cooked lunches and evening meals, as well as cake and coffee.
Dores Inn - Nestled at the bottom of Loch Ness, Dores Inn boasts a spectacular view. In Summer, you may want to visit the beer garden overlooking the Loch itself, or perhaps you want to get comfortable in front of the fire in the colder months. Either way, you are sure to receive a Highland welcome- for both you and your dog!
An Talla - which means "Gathering Place" in Gaelic is a lovely canal-side cafe/restaurant and gift shop with inside and outside seating, serving a delicious menu as well as coffee and cakes.
Dog Friendly Activities in Inverness and Loch Ness
Dogs can accompany you into the fort grounds but are not allowed into any of the buildings. The coffee shop within the fort has outside seating where your dog can join you
Culloden Battlefield & Visitor Centre
Dogs are not allowed in the visitor centre but they can go out on the battlefield if kept on a lead. For off lead walking, there is a field behind the centre
The Gardens, Grounds, Courtyard Café, Highland and Wool Shops are all dog-friendly provided your dog is kept on a short lead. The only place your canine companions can't visit is the interior tour of the Castle.
Dogs are allowed to join you for your activity but must be kept on a lead and all poop cleaned up!
Singleton Distillery, Muir of Ord
The visitor experience at Glen Ord Distillery is dog friendly
Dogs are welcome to Uilebheist distillery and brewery. Due to the flooring on the second level, please notify them if you are bringing a guide dog and they will lay down protective flooring.
City Sightseeing Inverness - open top bus tour operator
Hop on and Hop off as often as you like at any of the bus stops on the route to see all the best sights and attractions that Inverness has to offer. The driver will welcome you and your dog
Take a boat ride out on the Moray Firth looking for dolphins and seals. You get a great view of Inverness, North & South Kessock too – or choose a longer ride up past Rosemarkie and onto Chanonry Point. Wheelchair accessible and dog friendly too
Jump aboard a boat and go hunting for Nessie! Jacobite Cruises, based in Inverness, operates trips on Loch Ness and through the Caledonian Canal. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on board the Inspiration and Reflection cruises free of charge.
Sail the waves of Loch Ness with your pal with paws from Fort Augustus with Cruise Loch Ness, all dogs must be booked when booking your trip.
Dog’s sail for free with us on Loch Ness, we’re a dog loving family business and we know how important it is that your 4 legged family member can enjoy the trip.
