Location: Within striking distance from Edinburgh – around half an hour’s drive – and approximately 3.5 hours from Yorkshire. Perfectly situated on Scotland’s east coast.
We’ve been a little quiet on here, but we’re back! A new year brings new resolutions – more exploring, more sniffing on dog-friendly walks in East Lothian, and obviously, more treats. Anyone else have such noble goals on their list? And what better place to start the year than Bonnie Scotland, where half our heart resides, and our paws are always at their happiest.
It’s a little too far to our usual Highland retreat, so we set out with waggy tails towards the East Coast just north of the borders – after all, seaside living is very much our vibe.
The hoomans came across a charming-looking dog-friendly hotel near Edinburgh, and it didn’t take long to realise that four paws were most definitely their thing.
From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this is somewhere that understands the joy of travelling with dogs – two legs, four legs, muddy paws and all – exactly how it should be.
We arrive on New Year’s Day yet there’s a comforting sense of calm, despite the hustle and bustle of guests. It’s stylish without being stuffy, welcoming without trying too hard – the sort of place where you can sink into a chair after a good walk and feel instantly at home. I did contemplate curling up on the sofa but thought this was a paw step too far!
The Leddie makes a brilliant base for dog-friendly adventures in East Lothian, with beaches, woodlands and peaceful village strolls all within easy reach and so doggy friendly. The staff were super friendly and genuinely appreciated a furry guest – from the extra-lovely housekeeping team to the waiting staff. A special shout-out to James, who was ever so patient and gentle with my little bro, who has a bit of social anxiety. Not that you’d know but the time we were leaving.
And then there was breakfast …
The food was droolicious – a hearty breakfast with starters and mains. (Don’t even mention the fried tattie scone … it was barking!)
The pawrents raved about the Santu coffee roasted in Edinburgh (their essential adult day fuel), a Brazilian-Brit collaboration specializing exclusively in authentic Brazilian coffee. Sadly, it’s not for us doggos…though we couldn’t help licking our lips at the excitement around it! No complaints here – we had our own chilled Scottish water delivered before anyone else. Royal service, frankly.
They had two separate eating areas: a dog-friendly bar and lounge, plus another area that’s a dog-free zone. We met so many pooches happily chilling and dining with their families – tails wagging, naps happening, and everyone very content indeed.
As for the local dress code …
A number of hoomans were spotted dining in the hotel in curious outfits. Apparently, one must look very fancy for golfing – the uniform seems to involve tight troosers (insert Scottish accent here) and tasselled shoes. It turns out that the area of East Lothian is Scotland’s Golf Coast, boasting 21 golf courses and 30 miles of picturesque links coastline…but sadly, no balls we’re allowed to chase.
Doggy Adventures on Gullane Beach
When it came time to stretch our legs properly …
Royal pursuits aside, we might be banned from the golf course – their loss, not ours. It hardly matters; Gullane Beach just a few miles from the dog-friendly hotel, offers a little slice of heaven for us dogs – paws running, balls flying, tails wagging – perfect for dog walks in East Lothian. Sea, beach, forests, sand dunes … and gorse bushes for a dignified game of hide and seek. It’s got everything a dog of distinction could wish for.
The place was full of hoomans being walked by their dogs. So friendly were they that we made a whole new tribe of furry acquaintances. We had such a wooftastic time that we practically forced the hoomans to check out Rightmove for a permanent beach residence .. purely for research purposes, obviously.
Doggy tips for staying at the hotel … woof! Listen up, fellow sniffers:
- The hotel offers a pawfect dog package: dog bed, bowl, towel and treats – all ready and waiting for your arrival (tails wag immediately).
- We stayed in a deluxe room, which was lovely, but room 3 was a little snug for the two of us big labs. Don’t worry though – larger room types are available, so if you’ve got multiple paws like us, ask for a bigger one so everyone can stretch out properly. if space is your priority, the Cottage Suite solves this brilliantly (more on that below!).
- A little heads-up from us: the hotel dog bed is a thin mat, which might not suit every pooch. Great for a quick snooze, but not quite enough for our serious lab-level napping (the kind that requires full body sprawl and gentle snoring). Luckily, our pawrents brought an extra bed, so optimal nap conditions were achieved.
- Down the lane at the side of the hotel, then along the lane at the back, you’ll find a grassy area where important sniffing and pee stops can take place. Follow the path and it comes out by the church on the High Street, which loops you neatly back to the hotel – a handy little circular route for any urgent wake-up or bedtime potty breaks. Bonus points: plenty of bins along the way for easy clean-ups.
🐾 UPDATE: We’re Back! A Cottage Suite Adventure
We had the delight of revisiting the hotel back in March this time, and yes, it was a little dreich (that’s Scottish for grey and a bit soggy, in case you’re not fluent in hooman weather-speak), but a wonderful adventure all the same. A little drizzle never stopped a lab with a mission.
This time round, the pawrents booked us into the Cottage Suite, just off the car park but with its very own little courtyard garden and let me tell you, it is a game changer for us larger four-legged types. So. Much. Space. No squeezing past furniture or negotiating who gets the good spot on the floor this time.
So, let me take you on a little tour, or as they say in the business, an orientation of the room…
As for everything else – the staff, the food, the sips, the sniffs and the walks – all just as fabulous as we remembered. Some things, thankfully, don’t change.
Woofability: 4.5/ 5 tails
From comfy naps and tasty treats to endless sniffing and beach adventures, this hotel gets full tail wags from Dylan and the gang. Pawfect for any dog of distinction!
Anything else you’d like to know? Ask me here – always happy to talk walks, naps and snacks.
Waggy waves
Dylan 🐾
Enjoyed this tail? Don’t miss the next adventure – join Dylan’s Pack below!
Disclaimer: naps may exceed planned duration.
#DogFriendlyScotland #EastLothianDogs #DogTravel #LabLife #Woofability
Just one more aftercare appointment with the vet to go! Have any of my furry friends have come across this nasty beast? Paw your stories or comments below.
