Stonehaven Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Dunnottar Castle featuring farmland, mountains and a castle
This bustling seaside resort is best-known for its spectacular New Year’s fire ceremony.

Stonehaven is a lovely harbor town, where pretty, family-friendly beaches draw many summer visitors. The town is also an ideal base for excursions to nearby Dunnottar Castle, an infamous medieval castle set in a striking cliff-top location. Relax on the beach and visit one of Britain’s largest seabird colonies. Arrange your visit for New Year’s to witness one of the country’s most thrilling Hogmanay celebrations.

Stroll along the coastal path leading from Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle. Perched in a moody location and surrounded by the thrashing sea on three sides, this medieval castle has been visited by Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace and numerous other legendary historic figures over the centuries.

Learn about the town’s history at the Tolbooth Museum, a modest museum set in a 17th-century former tolbooth. Browse the exhibits, which tell the story of how the tolbooth once functioned as a town jail and court in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Sign up for a boat trip to the nearby Fowlsheugh RSPB Reserve. One of mainland Britain’s largest seabird colonies, the reserve is home to around 130,000 birds.

Take the kids to the Stonehaven Open-Air Swimming Pool, a seawater pool dating back to 1934. Designed in art deco style, the pool is one of the country’s few remaining heated outdoor pools. Consider taking an after-dark dip during one of the pool’s midnight swims, which take place on Wednesday nights during the summer.

Head to Stonehaven Beach for more salt-water fun. Stretching for 0.6 miles (1.1 kilometers), this beach is a popular base for watersports. The southern end of the bay is sandier, making it a better spot for those looking to swim.

Plan your visit during New Year’s to see the town’s famous Stonehaven Fireballs event. At midnight, a group of men dressed in kilts swing balls of flame on chains, symbolically warding off evil spirits. Watch the men make their way through the center of town to the harbor, where they throw the fireballs into the sea.

Stonehaven is located 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Aberdeen. It’s well-connected to Aberdeen and Dundee by both bus and train service. Enjoy historic attractions and seaside fun in this quaint town.

Rooms at 31
Rooms at 31
3.5 out of 5
Stonehaven, Stonehaven, Scotland
The price is NZ$157 per night from 5 Jun to 6 Jun
NZ$157
per night
5 Jun - 6 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly B&B in Stonehaven. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (68 reviews)
Good for a short stay
"Good location. Room was basic but fine. Breakfast options were excellent."

Reviewed on 20 Oct. 2023

Rooms at 31
Number 44 Hotel & Bar
Number 44 Hotel & Bar
3 out of 5
44 Allardice St, Stonehaven, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$250 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
NZ$250
per night
31 May - 1 Jun
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Stonehaven. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Stonehaven Tolbooth and Stonehaven Outdoor ...
8/10 Very Good! (120 reviews)
"Loved the location and the friendly staff! Lovely breakfast included."

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Number 44 Hotel & Bar
The Ship Inn
The Ship Inn
3 out of 5
5 Shore Head, Stonehaven, Scotland
The price is NZ$246 per night from 11 Jun to 12 Jun
NZ$246
per night
11 Jun - 12 Jun
Stay at this 3-star beach inn in Stonehaven. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (223 reviews)
"It was exactly what we pictured Scotland in the country to be. Really friendly people."

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

The Ship Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wing of prestigious Scottish Georgian Mansion House
Wing of prestigious Scottish Georgian Mansion House
Stonehaven
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Stonehaven. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions The Den & the Glen and Stonehaven ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Fantastic
"We stayed here for a joint 40 and 60th birthday get away, everyone loved it. The hosts went above and beyond to ensure that we all had a great time. I would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 25 Aug. 2023

Wing of prestigious Scottish Georgian Mansion House
The Boathouse has fantastic country views near spectacular coastal walks
The Boathouse has fantastic country views near spectacular coastal walks
Stonehaven
Stay at this cottage in Stonehaven. Enjoy a garden and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions RSPB Fowlsheugh and Todhead are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Beautiful
"Absolutely beautiful place to stay! Very clean and well stocked with all the supplies needed for multiple people to stay comfortably. Great views for the main room. A very short drive to the main town."

Reviewed on 26 Aug. 2023

The Boathouse has fantastic country views near spectacular coastal walks
The West Wing, your self contained luxurious rural haven.
The West Wing, your self contained luxurious rural haven.
Cammachmore
Stay at this apartment in Stonehaven. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions The Den & the Glen and Blairs Museum are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
Ideal for a short break
"This is our third visit which probably says it all! The property is war, clean , comfortable and peaceful. It isn't really equipped for proper cooking but has a toaster, small mobile hot plate and toaster, very adequate for our needs. Our hosts were friendly,welcoming and unobtrusive."

Reviewed on 26 Apr. 2024

The West Wing, your self contained luxurious rural haven.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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