Stonehaven

Travel Guide

Dunnottar Castle featuring rocky coastline
Stonehaven
Dunnottar Castle which includes wild flowers and farmland
Dunnottar Castle featuring farmland and general coastal views
Dunnottar Castle featuring farmland, a castle 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.

Number 44 Hotel & Bar
Number 44 Hotel & Bar
3 out of 5
44 Allardice St, Stonehaven, Scotland
The price is S$167 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
S$167
2 Jul - 3 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (170 reviews)
"Great dinner, staff friendly, lovely breakfast, efficient check in and check out"

Reviewed on 15 Jun, 2025

Number 44 Hotel & Bar
The Ship Inn
The Ship Inn
3 out of 5
5 Shore Head, Stonehaven, Scotland
The price is S$236 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$236
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (291 reviews)
"Very beautiful location, Breakfast was good and service was above expectation"

Reviewed on 18 Jun, 2025

The Ship Inn
Rooms at 31
Rooms at 31
3.5 out of 5
Stonehaven, Stonehaven, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly B&B in Stonehaven. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Stonehaven Outdoor Pool and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (89 reviews)
Great stay nice and comfortable.
"Great room at the top of the building, the shower was really good. Breakfast was continental and a brilliant start to the day. Room was cleaned every day and wifi was great. If you have trouble with stairs ask for room 7 on the ground floor."

Reviewed on 9 May, 2025

Rooms at 31
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.
Aberdeen by Charles Hope
Aberdeen by Charles Hope
3 out of 5
Schoolhill, Aberdeen, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Union Square Shopping Centre and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (31 reviews)
Cool place but water temperature also cool
"Shower/ bathroom spacious and new but hot water temperature not high enough so shower uncomfortable. Nightshift porter like a robot, no emotions, cold reception on late night check in."

Reviewed on 29 May, 2025

Aberdeen by Charles Hope
Royal Athenaeum Suites
Royal Athenaeum Suites
3.5 out of 5
15 Union Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Union Square Shopping Centre ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (257 reviews)
"Fantastic location on Union Street. Triple glazing means you dont hearva thing. Will book again"

Reviewed on 14 Jun, 2025

Royal Athenaeum Suites
Lovely 2 Bedroom Apartment With Private Parking
Lovely 2 Bedroom Apartment With Private Parking
3.5 out of 5
Aberdeen
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Union Square Shopping Centre and ...
Lovely 2 Bedroom Apartment With Private Parking
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.