Stonehaven Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Stonehaven, located in the picturesque region of Scotland, is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Nestled on the stunning northeast coast of Scotland, this coastal gem is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic Scottish experience.

One of the town's most iconic landmarks is Dunnottar Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the North Sea. Steeped in history, this medieval fortress dates back to the 15th century and has witnessed countless battles and sieges. Visitors can explore its ancient ruins, wander through its atmospheric courtyards, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline.

For those seeking a taste of the great outdoors, Stonehaven offers an array of natural wonders. The picturesque Stonehaven Beach, with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing dip. The nearby Dunnottar Woods provide a peaceful escape, ideal for hiking and picnicking amidst lush greenery and towering trees.

History enthusiasts will be captivated by the town's rich heritage. The Tolbooth Museum, housed in a 17th-century former courthouse, showcases Stonehaven's fascinating past through its collections of local artifacts and exhibits. The charming Old Town, with its cobbled streets and quaint buildings, evokes a sense of nostalgia and transports visitors back in time.

No visit to Stonehaven would be complete without sampling its delectable seafood. The town is renowned for its fresh catches, and its coastal location ensures that visitors can savor mouthwatering fish and chips or indulge in a sumptuous seafood feast at one of the many charming waterfront restaurants.

For those seeking a taste of the local culture, Stonehaven hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. The Stonehaven Folk Festival celebrates traditional Scottish music, while the annual Fireball Ceremony on New Year's Eve is a unique spectacle that draws crowds from near and far.

Alternative names: Population: 11.4 thous. (2020)Elevation: 20 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 56°57'48"N, 2°12'26"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Stonehaven Top Attractions

Stonehaven Attractions - What to See and Explore

Stonehaven offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven Tolbooth, Cowie Chapel, Fetteresso Castle. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Ruins of 13th-century clifftop fortress
Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle is a dramatic and evocative ruin perched on a giant rocky outcrop on the edge of the North Sea. Located near the coastal town of Stonehaven in Scotland, this fortress holds a place of great significance in the history of Scotland.
Specialty museum • Museum
Stonehaven Tolbooth
The Stonehaven Tolbooth is a late 16th-century stone building originally used as a courthouse and a prison in the town of Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Ruins
Cowie Chapel
The Chapel of St. Mary and St. Nathalan is a ruined chapel overlooking the North Sea immediately north of Stonehaven, in the Mearns of Scotland, along the northern shoreline of Stonehaven Bay.

Forts and castles
Fetteresso Castle
Fetteresso Castle is a 14th-century tower house, rebuilt in 1761 as a Scottish Gothic style Palladian manor, with clear evidence of prehistoric use of the site.
Church
Dunnottar Parish Church
Dunnottar Parish Church is a parish church of the Church of Scotland, serving Stonehaven in the south of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is within the Church of Scotland's Presbytery of Kincardine and Deeside. During 2020, the congregation united to the South Parish Church in Stonehaven to form Carronside Church of Scotland.
Bridge
Cowie Bridge
Cowie Bridge is a roadway bridge which carries the B979 across the mouth of the Cowie Water in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Historically, the area in the vicinity of the Cowie Bridge site has been an old fishing village known as Cowie Village.

Day trips

Stonehaven – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Stonehaven, it's worth seeing attractions such as: V&A Dundee (Dundee), Old Course at St Andrews, Balmoral Castle (Ballater).

45 milesSW
Museum
V&A Dundee, Dundee
The V&A Dundee, Scotland's first design museum, is an architectural marvel and a beacon of creativity nestled in the heart of Dundee's waterfront. Opened to the public in September 2018, the museum is a branch of the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum in London...
48 milesSW
Golf
Old Course at St Andrews
The Old Course at St Andrews is a revered icon in the world of golf, known as the "Home of Golf" and situated in Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom. This ancient golf course is renowned for its rich history, having been established in the early 15th century, and it is...
39 milesW
Royal residence with ballroom art show
Balmoral Castle, Ballater
Balmoral Castle stands as a quintessential emblem of Scottish heritage, nestled in the verdant landscape of Aberdeenshire, near the village of Ballater, United Kingdom. This private residence of the British Royal Family is steeped in history and grandeur, offering a...
13 milesN
Street, Shopping district, Shopping
Union Street, Aberdeen
Union Street, the beating heart of Aberdeen's bustling city center, stands as a vibrant testament to the Granite City's dedication to commerce and community. This iconic thoroughfare, stretching for approximately a mile, is not only a hub for shopping enthusiasts but...
49 milesS
Golf, Garden, Park
Cambo Estate, St Andrews
Nestled within the rich tapestry of Scottish history and natural beauty, Cambo Estate stands as a testament to the elegance of country living in the city of St Andrews, United Kingdom. This grand estate is a prime example of the luxurious housing that dots the Scottish...