Location: Stonehaven
Top Things to do in Stonehaven
Top 10 Things to do in Stonehaven, United Kingdom (UK)
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 based on 2 reviews
Majestic 14th-century castle located on a rugged cliff overlooking the coast.
Reviewed By Rembug22 - Leeds, United Kingdom
This castle was absolutely stunning! The best castle ruins I’ve been to. It has an amazing history and is well worth a visit!
2. Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Huge, Olympic-size open air swimming pool and lido with clean sea water heated to 29°C (85°F). Open daily 27 May - 3 Sept 2017. Quiet swims for adults, inflatables sessions for kids, toddlers' paddling pool, midnight swims in peak season (1 July - 21 Aug inc 2017). Chute (swimmers only) open daily. Sheltered sun terraces, on-site cafe, ample free parking. Day tickets valid all day! 2017 prices: Adult £5.40, child/senior/student with ID/spectator £3.30, family £14.65. Midnight swims £7.10/£4.85/£18.40. Family 2+2 or 1+3. 12-session & season tickets also available.
Reviewed By Laurence B - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Went here as last day of holidays. First time here. Pool is cold but refreshing. We all had a great day here. Great for all ages.Glad you enjoyed your visit Laurence B, but the pool itself should not have been cold! The water is kept as close to 29°C as can be managed but unfortunately we can't do anything about the air temperature!
3. Tolbooth Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By IslaT54 - Tranent, United Kingdom
MUST MUST MUST visit. this place is so welcoming,spectacular and a towns treasure trove. The staff are volunteers and their knowledge is astounding. Quiz for the kids. Lock yourself in the jail and peer through the bars. Many photos and information boards. Donations only so please give to keep this place going.
4. Stonehaven Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 289 reviews
Reviewed By Deborah J - Bromsgrove, United Kingdom
Stayes in our motorhome at the caravan + motorhome club site right near sea front. The site was excellent clean and tidy. The sea front and sea clean and the weather great and dry (as it seems to be on east coast of scotland) award winning garden Seating areas. Coffee shops and eating places. Long sea front flat walk along decked path to pretty harbour and town. Small town with all shops required. A lovely place to visit for couples and families
5. Stonehaven War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By Nick G - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
This memorial is visible from Stonehaven. There is no direct road to get you to it, though, so, plan to hike a bit. Once you get there, you will find yourself surrounded by epic scenery of rugged coastline, lush hills and waving fields of wheat, as well, as remarkable views of the city of Stonehaven and Dunnottar Castle. Like many other war memorials, this one what erected following WWI. What I found most interesting is that the memorial was purposefully left to look unfinished in order to represent the unfinished lives of those it commemorates.
6. RSPB Fowlsheugh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 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 poya005 - Westhill, United Kingdom
Great views walking along the cliffs with great views. The falls at the start are just amazing and peaceful. So mesmorising just sitting at the top of the cliffs. The amount of sea birds are immense. Unfortunately never ever seen any puffins but many other species. The noise and smell is amazing early summer time. The only problem is there is not many parking spaces.
7. Stonehaven Habour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Geezersl - West Molesey, United Kingdom
Lovely, the decking floor is a bit dodgy when it is cold and slippery, but walk slow and enjoy the views, great pieces of sculpture on the way as well, very original
8. Dunnottar Woods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By jazzer2014 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
A great place to walk. Home to many dog walkers and popular with local residents.
Make sure to meander off the trails to see the walls of Lady Kennedy's House, Lady Kennedy's Bath, The Shell Hoosie (Shell House) and the Gallows Hill and Ice House.
Nice to see the pathways are still waymarked. Lovely this time of year (Summer) when the trees are full of leaves and it is a mixed woodland of both deciduous and evergreen trees.
However: please replace the light bulbs in the Shell Hoosie as they have been non-functioning for years now and that's a real shame as the Shell Hoosie is unique and so beautiful inside but you need flash photography to see inside!.
Nice sheltered walks on a rainy day!
9. Stonehaven Land Train
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 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
Reviewed By dorisronie - Stonehaven, United Kingdom
A very expensive trip on the land train lasts 45 minutes not worth the money .Not told much about the castle or anything else.
10. The Burns Memorial garden
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By yandinazetland - north east scotland
Lots to see if you are interested in Robert Burns. It is also a spot to sit and watch the world go by. The Gardens are at their best in spring and summer.
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