English (UK)
English (US)
Français
Deutsch
Español
Italiano
Nederlands
简体中文
Un mini-guide de
Stonehaven and Dunnottar: tips and FAQs
Conseils d'initiés et questions fréquentes
Conseils d'initiés
Conseils pour votre visite
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.
À vérifier avant de partir
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
Questions fréquentes
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?
Une demi-journée à une journée. Prévoyez plus si vous comptez déjeuner sur place ou visiter plusieurs sites.
Quels sont les points forts ?
Highlights include Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum, Stonehaven Harbour. See the Things to do page for more.
Comment s'y rendre ?
Nearby: Stonehaven (ScotRail); Stonehaven town centre (Stagecoach Bluebird buses from Aberdeen). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Où manger et boire ?
We list 9 places to eat and drink in and around Stonehaven and Dunnottar, with filters to help you choose.
Où dormir ?
Nous recensons 6 hôtels et autres hébergements à proximité. Vérifiez disponibilités et tarifs auprès de chaque établissement.
Is Stonehaven and Dunnottar accessible?
L'accessibilité varie selon la rue, le bâtiment et le lieu. Consultez les informations d'accessibilité de chaque site ou opérateur avant de partir.
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
Crédits photos
- 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
Keep exploring Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire