Stonehaven

Travel Guide

Dunnottar Castle showing rugged coastline
Stonehaven
Dunnottar Castle which includes wild flowers and farmland
Dunnottar Castle which includes general coastal views and farmland
Dunnottar Castle which includes château or palace, farmland and general coastal views
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 CastleOpens in a new window, 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.

The Ship Inn
The Ship Inn
3 out of 5
5 Shore Head, Stonehaven, Scotland
The price is €137 per night from 14 Mar to 15 Mar
€137
includes taxes & fees
14 Mar - 15 Mar
Stay at this 3-star beach inn in Stonehaven. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (268 reviews)
"Room was very clean and warm,the food in the restaurant was outstanding,had dinner and breakfast and both were brilliant and huge portions 10/10 . Will stay again next time am working in Stonehaven"

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2025

The Ship Inn
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 €101 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
€101
includes taxes & fees
15 Mar - 16 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Stonehaven. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (158 reviews)
"The hotel is walking distance from a beautiful beach. The restaurant/bar had delicious food and great service. We would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2025

Number 44 Hotel & Bar
Bayview Bed and Breakfast
Bayview Bed and Breakfast
4.5 out of 5
1 Bayview Apartments, Stonehaven, Stonehaven, Scotland
The price is €92 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
€92
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury B&B in Stonehaven. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Aunty Bettys and Stonehaven Outdoor ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (93 reviews)
"The property was perfectly situated and convenient for everything. The bed was comfy and clean as was the bathroom. Fridge was well stocked with a selection of breakfast food, fresh fruit, eggs, cheese, milk and juice, which was greatly appreciated. Not sure about the pre-wrapped pastries, not for ..."

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025

Bayview Bed and Breakfast
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.
2 Bedroom in the Centre of Stonehaven with Seaviews, near the Beach & Harbour!
2 Bedroom in the Centre of Stonehaven with Seaviews, near the Beach & Harbour!
Stonehaven
Stay at this apartment in Stonehaven. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Stonehaven Tolbooth and Stonehaven ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Fabulous!
"Absolutely fabulous apartment. Everything in it we needed plus plus. Very clean and everything worked. Richard was very communicative and suggested things to do, places to eat etc etc. The only negative was that it was on a busy street and therefore very noisy during the day."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2024

2 Bedroom in the Centre of Stonehaven with Seaviews, near the Beach & Harbour!
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! (3 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
Stonehaven Scotland Beachfront House - Stunning Sea and Beach Views
Stonehaven Scotland Beachfront House - Stunning Sea and Beach Views
Stonehaven
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Stonehaven. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Stonehaven Tolbooth and Aunty Bettys ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Comfortable, beach view and handy for town
"The house is great with a spacious living room and separate kitchen - both with dining areas.The living room, master bedroom and shower room all boast views of the beach, North Sea beyond, and the boardwalk. Market Square with shops and pubs is a three minute walk away and the Harbour about six minutes ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2025

Stonehaven Scotland Beachfront House - Stunning Sea and Beach Views
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Stonehaven

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
11
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lot's of good dining, very quiet with some great walks and shops in the area. Public transport to outlying areas on a regular basis.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great location and great access to all local amenities

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

If you like a day going to pubs and meeting nice people, Stonehaven and the Ship Inn are great xx

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wonderful little town had a great time

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The cliff top walk from the harbour to Dunottar Castle is quite spectacular.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I revisited Stonehaven as my dad grew up there and I lived there as a small child. I always love coming to Stonehaven.