Stonehaven

Travel Guide
Dunnottar Castle featuring farmland, a castle and general coastal views
This bustling seaside resort is best-known for its spectacular New Year’s fire ceremony.

Stonehaven is a lovely harbor town, where pretty, family-friendly beaches draw many summer visitors. The town is also an ideal base for excursions to nearby Dunnottar Castle, an infamous medieval castle set in a striking cliff-top location. Relax on the beach and visit one of Britain’s largest seabird colonies. Arrange your visit for New Year’s to witness one of the country’s most thrilling Hogmanay celebrations.

Stroll along the coastal path leading from Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle. Perched in a moody location and surrounded by the thrashing sea on three sides, this medieval castle has been visited by Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace and numerous other legendary historic figures over the centuries.

Learn about the town’s history at the Tolbooth Museum, a modest museum set in a 17th-century former tolbooth. Browse the exhibits, which tell the story of how the tolbooth once functioned as a town jail and court in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Sign up for a boat trip to the nearby Fowlsheugh RSPB Reserve. One of mainland Britain’s largest seabird colonies, the reserve is home to around 130,000 birds.

Take the kids to the Stonehaven Open-Air Swimming Pool, a seawater pool dating back to 1934. Designed in art deco style, the pool is one of the country’s few remaining heated outdoor pools. Consider taking an after-dark dip during one of the pool’s midnight swims, which take place on Wednesday nights during the summer.

Head to Stonehaven Beach for more salt-water fun. Stretching for 0.6 miles (1.1 kilometers), this beach is a popular base for watersports. The southern end of the bay is sandier, making it a better spot for those looking to swim.

Plan your visit during New Year’s to see the town’s famous Stonehaven Fireballs event. At midnight, a group of men dressed in kilts swing balls of flame on chains, symbolically warding off evil spirits. Watch the men make their way through the center of town to the harbor, where they throw the fireballs into the sea.

Stonehaven is located 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Aberdeen. It’s well-connected to Aberdeen and Dundee by both bus and train service. Enjoy historic attractions and seaside fun in this quaint town.

Rooms at 31
Rooms at 31
3.5 out of 5
Stonehaven, Stonehaven, Scotland
The price is ₩131,865 per night from May 29 to May 30
₩131,865
per night
May 29 - May 30
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly B&B in Stonehaven. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (68 reviews)
Good for a short stay
"Good location. Room was basic but fine. Breakfast options were excellent."

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2023

Rooms at 31
Number 44 Hotel & Bar
Number 44 Hotel & Bar
3 out of 5
44 Allardice St, Stonehaven, Scotland
The price is ₩152,622 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
₩152,622
per night
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Stonehaven. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Stonehaven Tolbooth and Stonehaven Outdoor ...
8/10 Very Good! (120 reviews)
"Loved the location and the friendly staff! Lovely breakfast included."

Reviewed on May 15, 2024

Number 44 Hotel & Bar
The Ship Inn
The Ship Inn
3 out of 5
5 Shore Head, Stonehaven, Scotland
The price is ₩171,705 per night from May 29 to May 30
₩171,705
per night
May 29 - May 30
Stay at this 3-star beach inn in Stonehaven. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (224 reviews)
"It was exactly what we pictured Scotland in the country to be. Really friendly people."

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

The Ship Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aberdeen by Charles Hope
Aberdeen by Charles Hope
5 out of 5
Schoolhill, Aberdeen, Scotland
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Union Square ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (12 reviews)
"Good location, walkable distance from bus and train stations. The room was clean and had facilities for cooking etc."

Reviewed on May 23, 2024

Aberdeen by Charles Hope
Royal Athenaeum Suites
Royal Athenaeum Suites
3.5 out of 5
15 Union Street, Aberdeen, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Union Square Shopping Centre ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (224 reviews)
"The hotel is located in heart of the city. The property also very near and clean"

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024

Royal Athenaeum Suites
Apartrooms
Apartrooms
4 out of 5
Marywell, Old Stonehaven Road, Aberdeen, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"Loved having our own space. Feels like you're in your own unique home. Very quiet, no noise from next door apartroom. Fantastic sleep in a very comfortable superking bed. Very powerful shower. All mod cons, so you can cook yourselves or order in a takeaway. There is a laundry room on the premises, ..."

Reviewed on May 19, 2024

Apartrooms
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Stonehaven

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 66.66666666666667%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 8.333333333333334%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 26, 2019

Stonehaven is a friendly town with lots of charm. We have always enjoyed our stays here.

4/5 - Good

J
Aug 16, 2019

Castle Donnottar was AMAZING!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 29, 2019

Great location to see Dunnotar Castle. Great meal at the Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant.

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