Stonehaven

By train

From Aberdeen, Stonehaven station is the first stop south after Portlethen, and costs less than £5 round trip. The scenery from the railway line between Aberdeen and Stonehaven is spectacular, and more scenic than going by car. There is a walk of about from the station to the town centre.

By bus

45-60 minute trip from Aberdeen even less expensive than the train. Get the 107,x7 or 117 from the Aberdeen bus station, next to the train station.

By car

From Aberdeen, take A90 south of Aberdeen.

• Stonehaven is a very small town, so walking is your best bet
• There are taxis in the area

• Dunnottar Castle

  phone: +44 1569 762173
  address: Stonehaven, AB39 2TL
  This is one of Scotland's most evocative castles. The ruins of this cliff-top fortress are perched on a rocky promontory with cliffs soaring down to the North Sea, with fantastic views. You can wander round the extensive remains, which once hosted many famous figures of Scottish history, and during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, a small garrison held out against dictator Oliver Cromwell's army to protect the Scottish crown jewels (Cromwell had already destroyed the English crown jewels).

• Stonehaven HarbourThe harbour forms the town centre. There is a collection of local pubs and restaurants, though as it is a small town, there are 4 or 5 places. However, having a pint at a table overlooking the harbour and hanging with locals is a great experience. This town is very small, and in the town there are very few travellers, so it is a great chance to meet and talk to locals.

• Fetteresso Castle14th-century towerhouse, rebuilt in 1761 as a Scottish Gothic-style Palladian manor, The castle has been converted into several private houses and is not usually open to visitors.

• Stonehaven Tolbooth16th-century old red sandstone building built as a courthouse and a prison.

• Stonehaven Golf Course

  phone: +44 1569 762124
  address: Cowie, AB39 3RH
  Probably one of the most tremendous golf courses you will play in your lifetime. Absolutely stunning.

• Splash'n'DashRun and swim.

• Stonehaven Folk Festival is held in mid July. The next is Fri 10 - Sun 12 July 2020.
• Stonehaven Highland Games are in late July. The next are on Sun 19 July 2020.

• Purdies

  address: Market Square
  Sells an eclectic mix of gifts, cards, jewellery and shoes.

• Charles Michie

  address: Market Square
  A pharmacy, also selling trinkets, gifts and ornaments.

• The Shell HoosieSells sea/marine-based gifts, ice creams and coffee to take away.

• The Farmers Market is held here first Saturday of the month 09:00-13:00.

• Carron Fish Bar

  phone: +44 1569 765377
  address: 1 Allardice St, AB39 2BN
  Fish and chip shop famous for inventing the deep fried Mars bar.

• Gino's

  phone: +44 1569 763028
  address: 21A Ann St, AB39 2EN
  A wee Italian run cafe, it sells good quality food at reasonable prices.

• Molly's Cafe Bar

  address: The Promenade, AB39 2RD
  Open all day and sells good Scottish breakfasts, the usual homebakes, paninis, etc.

• The Tollbooth

  address: Old Pier, AB39 2JU
  For world class seafood.
• If you want to buy produce then Charles McHardy in the Market Square is good, also Lembas Organic eggs are sold there .

• Be sure to have a pint around the harbour and a summer evening.

Stonehaven should be more of a side excursion from Aberdeen than an overnight thing, but does have a number of hotels.

• A camp site is available in season beside the open-air pool with reasonable rates.

• Marine Hotel

  phone: +44 1569 762155
  address: 9-10 Shorehead

• North to Aberdeen
• West to Banchory
• South to Arbroath