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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 take-aways. Many are large enough for pre-booked group lunches etc. Tourist Information Centre (seasonal). There is also a range of small hotels, guest houses and B&Bs with accommodation for 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?
- Highland Boundary Fault – stunning geology and cliffs
- Dunnottar Castle – “filmstar” cliff-top ruin (nearby)
- Open air, Olympic-size swimming pool with heated, filtered sea water
- Events: Hogmanay/New Year Fireballs and Feein’ Market (1st Sat June)
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
- 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
Where to eat
A wide selection of pubs, cafés, small hotels, restaurants and quality take-aways cater for individuals and groups of all sizes, including:
On the waterfront/harbour
- Tolbooth Restaurant (award-winning, best seafood restaurant in Scotland), Old Pier (01569) 762287: max seating 44
- The Boathouse, Old Pier (01569) 764666: max seating 32
- Ship Inn, Shorehead (01569) 762617: max seating 26
- Marine, Shorehead (01569) 762155: max seating 90
- Molly Gunnings, The Promenade (01569) 762378: max seating 44
In town centre
- Carron Art Deco Restaurant, Cameron Street (01569) 760460 : max seating 74 + 20
- Mimi’s, Market Square (01569) 760333: max seating 36-40
- Villa Coffee House, Arbuthnott Place (01569) 767437: max seating 40
- Robertson’s Tea Room, Allardice Street (01569) 762734: max seating 40
- Belvedere Hotel, Evan Street (01569) 762672: max seating 45
- Royal Hotel, Allardice Street (01569) 763122: max seating 54
- Gino’s Restaurant, Ann Street (01569) 763028
- Queen’s Hotel, Barclay Street (01569) 764993: max seating 30
- Bervie Chipper (award-winning fish/chips), David St (01569) 762658: max seating 85
- Sandy’s Fish & Chips, Market Square (01569) 763234: max seating 24 + 50
Short walk from town centre
- St Leonard’s Hotel, Bath Street (01569) 762044: max seating 110
- Heugh Hotel, Westfield Road (01569) 762379: max seating 90
- Station Hotel, Arduthie Road (01569) 762277: max seating 40 +100
Outskirts
- Kirktown Garden Centre (01569) 766887: max seating 84
Where to stay
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. More info on website.
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 these toilets by RADAR key available form environmental health departments nationwide.
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