What to do and see in Stonehaven, Scotland: The Best Free Things to do

September 3, 2021 Renato Branum

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. E Giulianotti

12 Evan Street, Stonehaven AB39 2EQ Scotland +44 1569 762444 [email protected]
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 122 reviews

E Giulianotti

Reviewed By Rosannesmith1

The best homemade ice cream and sorbets ever and made on the premises, fabulous flavours including delicious vegan versions. Totally worth a visit. Very hardworking and friendly staff always happy to help.

2. RSPB Fowlsheugh

A92 Follow signpost to Crawton, Stonehaven AB39 2TN Scotland +44 1346 532017 [email protected] http://www.rspb.org.uk/fowlsheugh
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 108 reviews

RSPB Fowlsheugh

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.

3. Tolbooth Museum

Old Quay, The Harbour, Stonehaven Scotland +44 7814 774139 [email protected] http://www.stonehaventolbooth.co.uk/
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 182 reviews

Tolbooth Museum

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.

4. The Fireballs

High Street, Stonehaven Scotland http://stonehavenfireballs.co.uk
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

The Fireballs

Reviewed By TravelWithEarlyTeens

I couldn't believe it I didn't know about this attraction after having lived in Scotland for 10 years hahaha -------------------------------------------------------------- Note: -Bring a bottle of bubbly with you on New Year Eve you wouldn't regret it. -If you get there for 22:00 you would have no problem getting a spot to see this attraction -We found a parking space near the harbour at 22:00, and that's a good place to park. -After watching the fireball, which would be New Year Day, you could still get your fish supper at that time, just prepare to Q for it ;-) -You could see all activities no matter where you stand. The reason being the parade or fireball goes up and down on the High Street. But, if you are short in height then you might to go early to get a spot on the front row -If in any doubts, always grab one of the guards on duty ;they know all the answers to your questions concerning this attraction on that day. -This attraction is free but there would be people there asking for a donation for charity as you enter. -Public toilet was locked during that hour.

5. My Beautiful Caravan

17 Market Square, Stonehaven AB39 2BE Scotland +44 1569 765276 [email protected] http://www.mybeautifulcaravan.co.uk
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

My Beautiful Caravan

6. Stonehaven War Memorial

Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire AB39 2TJ, Stonehaven Scotland +44 1569 760185 http://www.stonehavenguide.net/prods/stonehaven-war-memorial.html
Excellent
51%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

Stonehaven War Memorial

7. Dunnottar Woods

Dunnottar Avenue Dunnottar Church road car park off A957, Stonehaven Scotland http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/dunnottar-woods
Excellent
43%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Dunnottar Woods

8. Stonehaven Harbour

Old Pier, Stonehaven AB39 2JU Scotland +44 1569 762741
Excellent
51%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 116 reviews

Stonehaven Harbour

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

Stonehaven Scotland
Excellent
42%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 366 reviews

Stonehaven Beach

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. The Burns Memorial garden

Belmont Brae, Stonehaven Scotland http://www.burnsfatherland.co.uk
Excellent
41%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 17 reviews

The Burns Memorial garden

Reviewed By fisherking332 - Stonehaven, United Kingdom

Even though it is beside a fairly busy road,it is a place you c go if you want get away from the world for reflection a picnic. Or even just to enjoy the beauty of the great work that the secret elves create in this over neglected (must) visiting spot of Stonehenge en. Well done the Horizon group

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