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A mini guide to
Stonehaven and Dunnottar: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Walk to Dunnottar
The coastal path from the harbour passes the war memorial and Dunnicaer on the way to the castle, about 1.6 miles away.
Check before you go
Dunnottar Castle says it may close at short notice in bad weather, and its hours change with the season.
Steps at the castle
The castle publishes an access guide on its website; read it before visiting if you have limited mobility.
Seabirds at Fowlsheugh
The RSPB says the seabird season is May to early August. The car park has only 12 spaces and no toilets on site.
Hogmanay crowds
For the Fireballs, people gather on the High Street from 10pm and access can close once the street is full.
Events in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
Dates to plan around
Dates confirmed on the organisers' own websites.
Braemar Gathering
Saturday 4 September 2027 (first Saturday of September each year)
Highland games held in Braemar since 1832, in the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park. The organisers say tickets go on sale on 1 February 2027.
Stonehaven Fireballs
31 December, at midnight
About 40 people swing fireballs along the High Street for around 20 minutes, followed by fireworks. Crowds gather from 10pm and the street can close once full.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Stonehaven and Dunnottar?
Stonehaven and Dunnottar is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Harbour town, open-air seawater pool and the cliff-top ruin of Dunnottar. Nearby stops and stations include Stonehaven, Stonehaven town centre.
How long do I need in Stonehaven and Dunnottar?
Half a day to a day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum, Stonehaven Harbour. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Stonehaven (ScotRail); Stonehaven town centre (Stagecoach Bluebird buses from Aberdeen). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 9 places to eat and drink in and around Stonehaven and Dunnottar, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 6 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Stonehaven and Dunnottar accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Stonehaven and Dunnottar
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Dunnottar Castle
Ruined fortress of the Earls Marischal on a rock surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, 1.6 miles south of Stonehaven.
Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum
Late 16th-century courthouse and prison on the harbour, the oldest building in Stonehaven, now a local museum.
Stonehaven Harbour
Two-basin harbour improved by Robert Stevenson in the 1820s, once a centre of the herring trade.
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
More areas to explore
Photo credits
- RSPB Fowlsheugh: Photographer: C Michael Hogan Original uploader was Covalent at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.5, source
- Dunnottar Castle: Anne Burgess, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum: Panama1958, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Stonehaven Harbour: Onderwijsgek, CC BY-SA 2.5 nl, source
- Aberdeen city: Carl Farnell, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Royal Deeside: Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
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