Location: Stonehaven
Top Things to do in Stonehaven
Top 10 Things to do in Stonehaven, Scotland
Stonehaven (/stoʊnˈheɪvən/ ( listen); [stinˈhaiv] ( listen)) is a town in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It lies on Scotland's northeast coast and had a population of 11,602 (Scotland's Census 2011). After the demise of the town of Kincardine, which was gradually abandoned after the destruction of its royal castle in the Wars of Independence, the Scottish Parliament made Stonehaven the successor county town of Kincardineshire. Stonehaven had grown around an Iron Age fishing village, now the "Auld Toon" ("old town"), and expanded inland from the seaside. As late as the 16th century, old maps indicate the town was called Stonehyve, Stonehive, Pont also adding the alternative Duniness. It is known informally to locals as Stoney.
Restaurants in Stonehaven
1. Dunnottar Castle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,128 reviews
Majestic 14th-century castle located on a rugged cliff overlooking the coast.
Reviewed By _sw5555_ - Vancouver, Canada
There's no mistaken that this is one of the top castle ruins, with an unique location and windy ocean views. Depending on the day, you may descent the hillside and climb into the ruins with a piper playing in the background. And with the likes of King Charles II making an appearance (who actually stayed overnight), the Scottish crown jewels too, and a legend involving William Wallace burning the English encampment, this place is just like Scotland crystallized.
2. Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Huge, Olympic-size open air swimming pool and lido with clean sea water heated to 29°C (85°F). Open daily 25 May - 1 Sept 2019. Quiet swims for adults, inflatables sessions for kids, toddlers' paddling pool, midnight swims in peak season. Chute (swimmers only) open daily. Sheltered sun terraces, on-site cafe, ample free parking. Day tickets valid all day! Family 2+2 or 1+3. 12-session & season tickets also available.
Reviewed By GailC158 - Inverness, United Kingdom
I visited for the 1st time with my boyfriend who has been here many times and it was just wonderful, huge pool and the warmth of the water just pure heaven ... think we were 2 hrs in the water !! Wonderful sunny day on Sat and live band was a bonus too, I thought it would have been over crowded with children but it wasn’t and although busy it’s large enough not to really notice that. I can’t wait to go back and the cafe is brilliant and lovely staff, very friendly and welcoming ... it’s almost like stepping back in time, I loved it all ... thank you to all that work there, it’s a wee bit of heaven in Stonehaven ????????
3. Stonehaven Land Train
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Stonehaven Land Train departs Market Square and takes passengers to Dunnottar Castle, the scenic Harbour, the Open Air Pool/QEII Caravan Park, returning to Market Square. A storyteller is on board throughout the journey
4. RSPB Fowlsheugh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Fowlsheugh's cliffs come alive from April to July when more than 100,000 seabirds return to their summer home to breed. Kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and gulls provide a sight, sound and smell experience like no other. All with a good chance of spotting a puffin too! There's a two-mile walk along the cliff tops with fabulous sea views to a beautiful look out shelter. Paths can be slippery and muddy, so please dress appropriately and take care as you walk along the unprotected cliff tops.
Reviewed By HellyWelly93 - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
This place is off the hidden track. Parking is free, but there isn’t much of it. Its well signposted when you get on the track, with information boards about the wildlife than can be seen. Watch your footing because the footpath is narrow in places. There is a lovely bird hide towards the end of the trial, perfect for sheltering from the elements. Unfortunately we didn't see many birds as it was the wrong time of year, but it was nice to visit nevertheless.
5. Tolbooth Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By HankBrogieLabrador
Cannot recommend this museum enough. Yes, it doesn't have items in glass cases - but it has stuff everywhere, and the people who run it are so full of interesting information and friendly - it is an utter delight to spend a couple of hours wandering around. Well worth a visit. Recommend.
6. Stonehaven War Memorial
7. Dunnottar Woods
8. Stonehaven Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By HellyWelly93 - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
This was a great place to eat our deep-fried Mars Bars. There are loads of benches around the area with great views, and there are also some public toilets.
9. Stonehaven Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 366 reviews
Reviewed By Fionabettley1974 - Sale, United Kingdom
A lovely pebble beach very clean and well looked after,I’ve been coming here ever since I was a child as I have family here, there’s a lovely cafe and ice cream place and also lovely clean toilets, well worth a visit ????
10. Catterline Bay
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By TravelWithEarlyTeens
Beware, this review is written specifically on Catter line Bay Not for Sup2Summit which is a different thing altogether. And, my family did all these activities on our own. What I like about this place: -nice and quiet stroll on the beach as not many people know about it -You could drive down to the beach and park there, but the road down to the beach is narrow and not many parking spaces -There was one table and benches there, should you want to do a picnic -you could do a bit of rock climbing but be careful though _________________________________________ Note: before you go you might want to find out more information about this beach ;I wonder why the sand on the beach is black. The last time I saw a black sand beach was in Hawaii but that was due to the aftermath of volcano activity. I am not suggesting in the area there is active volcano but would be interesting for you to find out . _________________________________________ TIPS: In the Summer, if I read it right, there are outdoor activities offers by Sup2Summit , which you could find it's information from TripAdvisor too. Bring a pair of rock climbing shoes, you would appreciate it more
