Unleashed at Laurney Lodge

The sign for Unleashed at Laurney Lodge sits just outside Laurencekirk, and you'll spot it if you're driving through Aberdeenshire looking for something a bit different. It's a working facility rather than a tourist attraction in the traditional sense - a place where dogs get proper training and socialisation, set on grounds that feel removed from the usual park circuit.

What makes it worth knowing about is that it sits well with a broader Aberdeenshire trip. If you're staying at Royal Arch Riverside Park down the road, you've got a decent base for exploring the wider area, and Unleashed offers something for visitors with dogs who want their pets to have a proper day out beyond the usual walk. The lodge grounds give working and energetic breeds somewhere to burn off steam under supervision.

I'd be honest though - this isn't a destination attraction on its own. It's the sort of place you'd visit if you're already in the region with a dog that needs proper exercise and training input. The Highlands around Laurencekirk have far more compelling draws for a holiday - castle ruins, proper walking, the lot.

You'll want to ring ahead before you visit. Opening hours and admission fees aren't widely published online, which suggests they operate by appointment rather than as a walk-in spot. Allow a couple of hours if your dog is staying for a session. Late spring through early autumn is your best bet weather-wise for the grounds.