|
Population c. 11,000
Family links: Keith, Barclay, Arbuthnott
  
On the North Sea coast and bypassed by A90 approx 15 miles/24km south of Aberdeen and on the A92 Coastal Route to Dundee. Stonehaven is also on the main London-Aberdeen railway line.
The county town of Kincardine since 1600, Stonehaven has a long tradition of being a good commercial and shopping centre. Today, it has a reputation as a friendly place to visit with interesting shopping.
In the town centre, by the picturesque harbour, the beach and on the outskirts there are some lively cafés and pubs, as well as restaurants, hotels and excellent takeaways and interesting shopping. Many are large enough for pre-booked group lunches etc, and there is a range of small hotels, guest houses and B&Bs with accommodation small groups and individuals.
Practical info: Best coach access from A90 (north and south exits). A90 Spurryhillock junction leads to low rail bridge (12ft/3.69m); also low rail bridge (13ft6in/4.15m) on direct route from Deeside (A957). Drop off at service bus stop in Barclay Street, close to shops, Market Square and Margaret Street public toilets (charge; 20p coin needed). If bus stop busy, turn immediate left to another stop (Cameron Street). Parking on north side of town, either on Beach esplanade by Open Air Pool or on road at vacant land by main road north to Aberdeen. Additional public toilets (currently free) at harbour and beach. Allow 1 – 1½ hr for shopping/coffee, etc, longer if lunch or attraction visit included. Some shops close for lunch 13.00-14.00 (1-2pm) and on Wednesday afternoons.
What’s unique?
What’s fun?
- Explore the vast ruins of Dunnottar Castle
- Hunt for fossils where the fossil of the world’s oldest air breathing creature was found. More Info
- Swim in the outdoor pool at around 28˚C/82˚F (June – Sept only)
- Watch the Fireballs, then join the New Year party “Open Air in the Square”
- Try Scottish Dancing in the Pool at the Aqua Ceilidh! (July, Folk Festival event)
- Other events: RW Thomson Rally (vintage vehicles); Highland Games – more info on website
What else to do?
- Wildlife watch – dolphins, porpoises, seals, seabirds including puffins
- Coastal walk – along the bay or the cliffs and visit Fowlsheugh Bird Sanctuary (nearby, best from Spring to end July)
- Visit a distillery and taste the malt whisky at Fettercairn (nearby)
- Take a boat tour - see the cliffs and wildlife; hear the lore of the castle and the sea
- Enjoy the picturesque harbour or take a fishing trip
- Visit the Grassic Gibbon centre (at Arbuthnott nearby) and learn how the writer was inspired by the area
- Golf on Stonehaven’s clifftop course
Practicalities – loos & parking:
Coach drop off/pick up
Dunnottar Castle
Barclay Street/Cameron Street. If the service bus stop is busy, turn left into Cameron Street. Although the bus stop has been removed, the road markings remain. Discussions are underway for a designated coach drop off/pick up point in town.
Coach parking
Dunnottar Castle (limited; free for visiting groups only)
Town Centre: none, unless street parking available.
Baird Park (west side of main road going north out of town) and Beach Esplanade near swimming pool.
Car parking
Market Square (pay and display); Backies by harbour (free); Beach Road/esplanade (free)
Also good range of free short and longer-stay street parking
Toilets
Margaret Street; near coach drop off. 20p coin required, no change available. Attendant.
Harbour; by car park (not accessible to large coaches) free no attendant
Beach: open daily summer only
Disabled access at all by RADAR key available form environmental health departments nationwide.
Business
Where to eat
A wide selection of pubs, cafés, small hotels, restaurants and quality take-aways cater for individuals and groups of all sizes: More Info
Where to Stay
For Accommodation there is a range of small hotels, Guest Houses, town B&B, farmhouse B&B and self catering in and around town for individuals, families and small groups.
Visitor Attractions and Events
There are many visitor attractions in and around Stonehaven and key events throughout the year.
Shopping
There are interesting and unique shops in Stonehaven as well as quality butchers, fishmongers supermarkets etc. More Info
Services
For a range of professional services Go here
Manufacturing/Engineering
For details of manufucturing and engineering companies Go here
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
VISIT www.stonehavenbusiness.co.uk
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON STONEHAVEN
VISIT www.stonehavenguide.net
FOR ACCESS TO ATT BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Click Here
|
