Make a day of it in Stonehaven
1 April 2022
Are you looking for an unforgettable day out this summer? Located south of the city, Stonehaven resides on the Aberdeenshire coast and makes for the perfect trip for the whole family.
What to do
If you’re visiting this beautiful part of the region, then adding Dunnottar Castle to your itinerary has got to be one of the first things on your list! This evocative clifftop fortress was once home to one of the most powerful families in Scotland, the Earls Marischal.
This striking landscape is one of the most photographed spots in the entire region – if you’re sharing your captures of this iconic ruin, then make sure you tag @visitabdn for a chance to be reposted on our channels! In October 2020, Dunnottar was ranked as the second-best castle in the UK by Cottages and Castles based on TripAdvisor reviews.
After visiting this picture-perfect castle, we recommend a visit to Stonehaven Harbour. The harbour has had a fierce rivalry with the cruel North Sea, having been destroyed on multiple occasions over the past 400 plus years. Today, this is the largest of the recreational harbours in the North-east and is a lovely place to walk through in the summer weather.
Where to eat
Alongside spectacular landmarks, Stonehaven is home to some outstanding eateries including the Seafood Bothy which is found in the town’s harbour on the pier. The Seafood Bothy is an old rice horsebox which has been converted into a street food truck. You’ll find the freshest seafood which has been caught from the owner’s very own boat that morning!
The seafood theme continues, as Stonehaven is also where the renowned, award-winning Bay Fish & Chips resides. All fish used is caught daily in the North Sea from stocks that are fully sustainable; Calum Richardson, its founder, dedicates a lot of time to ensure that The Bay runs in the most sustainable and environmental way.
If you’re a lover of halibut, sole, plaice, squid, lobster, or crab, then make sure you pay a visit to the Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant after your explorations to Stonehaven’s landmarks and sandy shores. The Tolbooth is one of the most historic buildings in town and offers stunning views across the picturesque harbour.
For more inspiration for your day trip to Aberdeenshire, please click here.