Stonehaven brings together maritime history and distinctive experiences around its harbour, coastline and New Year celebrations. Two questions can help with planning: Are you mainly interested in historic Stonehaven, or would you also like to include seasonal offerings and the surrounding area? The sights and activities each have a different focus.
Harbour and Tolbooth: history on the spot
Stonehaven Harbour’s particular appeal lies in its fine masonry, as well as its structure and layout. In the 18th century, the harbour was very important for the import and export of goods to and from Stonehaven. In the early 21st century, it was used mainly for recreation. These different uses give the harbour a clear historical perspective: its former importance for trade sits alongside its later recreational use.
Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum is located along the harbourfront. It is considered Stonehaven’s oldest building and displays artefacts relating to the town’s heritage, including objects from the time when the building served as a prison. At the harbour, both its architecture and evidence of the town’s history are therefore in focus. The picturesque harbour is also lined with cafés, fish restaurants and ice cream parlours; individual businesses may change.
Stonehaven at New Year
The annual Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony takes place in Stonehaven on Hogmanay, welcoming the New Year on 31 December. About 40 men and women walk up and down the High Street, swinging flaming balls around their heads. The event starts at midnight and lasts approximately 20 minutes. Watching is free; no admission fee or tickets are required. As crowd-management arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the latest event information before visiting.
Coastal scenery and trails
Dunnottar Castle is located near Stonehaven, on the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail. It stands on a rocky headland surrounded on three sides by the North Sea. RSPB Fowlsheugh is also nearby. From April to July, its cliffs are home to around 130,000 breeding seabirds; numbers and dates may vary. The two places offer different experiences: Dunnottar is defined by its position on the headland, while Fowlsheugh is known for its seasonal birdlife.
It is also worth looking closely at the description of each route. The local section of NCN 1 through Stonehaven is part of the Coast & Castles North Cycle Route. The Stonehaven Boardwalk, by contrast, is part of Walk 1 and offers views over Stonehaven Bay. This makes it easier to choose based on your interests: one description places Stonehaven on a cycling route, while the other describes a path overlooking the bay.
Seasonal offerings and other activities
Stonehaven Heated Open Air Pool opened on 4 June 1934. It is the only open-air seawater pool in the United Kingdom with Olympic dimensions and Art Deco design. The water is heated, and the seasonal opening period runs from late May to early September. If the pool is important to your travel plans, check the latest opening information in advance, as seasonal details may change.
Another leisure activity is offered by Stonehaven Paddleboarding at Harbour Beach, where paddleboard lessons, tours and rentals are available. Booking requirements and availability may change, so check them before making firm plans. There is also a circular path along Cowie Water in Mineralwell Park. Members of one of the United Kingdom’s oldest radio-controlled car clubs race electric model cars on the Stonehaven Model Car Track. Together, these offerings show different sides of Stonehaven—from its maritime heritage and seasonal experiences to its trails and leisure activities.
Discover more destinations: Inverurie, Huntly, Aboyne, Bridge Of Don, Alford, Chapel Of Garioch, Strichen, Braemar
For the overview of the wider area: Aberdeenshire.
