Stunning Stonehaven
Beautiful, Breathtaking, Unforgettable
An ideal spot for families, couples or friends, Stonehaven really does have something for everyone. Independent shops, award winning eateries, fish and chips, ice cream, golf course, harbour, family friendly beach, watersports, fantastic walks, historic sites and much more.
Bayview Apartments are located right in the town centre at the midpoint of the beach boardwalk close to cafes, shops, bars and restaurants. An eight minute walk in each direction will take you to the heated outdoor swimming pool or the picturesque harbour. Dunnottar Castle is a 40 minute scenic walk away and at Hogmanay the Bayview Apartments are a fantastic location for those wishing to experience the world famous Fireballs.
DUNNOTTAR CASTLE
Once seen, never forgotten… perched atop a 160 foot rock and surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, these dramatic and evocative cliff-top ruins were once an impregnable fortress of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Steeped in history, this romantic and haunting ruin is a photographer’s paradise, a history lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors from across the world.
BEACH BOARDWALK SCULPTURES
The beach boardwalk is adorned with over a dozen stunning intricate metalwork sculptures, each offering a whimsical twist on traditional seaside themes. Created by local artist Jim Malcolm, these artworks depict fish and crustaceans in human roles, and vice versa, adding a playful, thought provoking and much photographed touch to the coastal landscape. For years, the identity of the sculptor remained a mystery, earning him the nickname ‘The Stonehaven Banksy.’
HARBOUR
Stonehaven’s harbour is a picturesque gem, boasting historic architecture, bustling waterfront activities, and breathtaking coastal views. Unwind at its cosy pubs, cafes, and restaurants. Discover the town’s rich history at the Tolbooth Museum or head upstairs to the Michelin-recommended Restaurant. Families can enjoy the small, clean beach, while adventurous spirits can try stand-up paddleboarding or wild swimming, followed by a wood-fired sauna.
OPEN AIR POOL
Since 1934 Stonehaven Open air Pool has stood as the UK’s only art deco olympic sized sea water lido, offering a one-of-a-kind swimming experience throughout the summer. Featuring a 50m heated salt water pool, kids’ sessions, live entertainment and moonlight swims, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Unwind on the sheltered sun terraces or indulge at the onsite Splash Cafe. This cherished Stonehaven landmark promises timeless elegance and aquatic enjoyment for the whole family.
WAR MEMORIAL
Stonehaven’s imposing octagonal war memorial stands on the top of Black Hill, commanding a solemn presence over the town. In tribute to fallen heroes, the people of Stonehaven commissioned a memorial that takes the form of an unfinished temple, a poignant reflection of the shattered lives of those commemorated upon it. In 2023 a rededication ceremony took place to commemorate its 100th anniversary reaffirming its significance to the community and generations to come.
FIREBALLS
Stonehaven’s Fireball Ceremony is a globally renowned annual tradition, drawing spectators from across the world. As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, approximately 50 male and female participants take to the high street, warding off evil spirits by swinging blazing fireballs above their heads in a mesmerising display before casting them into the sea. This ancient ritual is followed by a spectacular cliff-top firework display to welcome in the new year.
GETTING AROUND
Free onsite parking is provided at the rear of our apartments, with one designated space per unit. Additional free parking is available nearby. For EV drivers there is a public charging point just 100m from the apartment in the Market Square.
Stagecoach busses operate to, from and within Stonehaven. The main bus stop for the town is on Barclay Street.
Stonehaven Railway Station is a 20 minute walk/5 minute drive (free parking) from the Apartments. It’s a calling point for a large number of services going both north to Aberdeen and south to Dundee, St Andrews, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) is just a 30-minute car journey from Stonehaven, with taxis and car hire options readily available.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
Entry to the Tolbooth Museum is free, offering a captivating glimpse into Stonehaven’s history. After exploring the museum, wander through the ‘Auld Toon’ and visit the Clock Tower. The Robert Burns Memorial garden occupies the site of an old brewery and celebrates Burns’ family origins near Stonehaven. Don’t overlook The Chapel of St Mary and St Nathalan which sits as a ruin on the cliff above the town. Tick off a bucket list item with a deep fried Mars bar from its birthplace, The Carron Fish Bar.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
A network of paths cross through Dunnottar Woods where you can quickly lose yourself in nature with intriguing features such as the Shell Housie, Lady Kennedy’s Bath and Gallow’s Hill. With its 30m sea cliffs, RSPB Fowlsheugh is a fantastic spot for birdwatching (home to over 115,000 breeding seabirds) and nature walks. Skatie Shore sits on the coast where the Highland Boundary Fault meets the sea making it an interesting site for both geology enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore.
SOMETHING FISHY?
Seafood Bothy serves up posh tucker by the sea, sourcing catch directly from their own boat, whilst The Bay presents award winning fish and chips. For a more refined dining experience, Michelin recommended Tolbooth Restaurant awaits, alongside harbour side gems, The Ship and The Marine, catering to all tastes with an emphasis on seafood. Adventure seekers can join Stonehaven Boat Trips and Shellfish for an authentic experience of fishing for mackerel or hauling creels.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
In addition to the world famous New Year Fireballs, Stonehaven has an active calendar of events all year round. Most notably the Midsummer Beer Happening, Stonehaven Folk Festival, Stonehaven Highland Games and the R.W. Thomson Memorial Rally. A popular Farmer’s Market is held in the town square on the first Saturday of every month with June also being the Feein’ Market. August heralds the Harbour Festival and November brings the spectacular annual Bonfire and Fireworks display.
SPORTS & LEISURE
You’ll find plenty of options to get active from wild swimming in Botany Bay to 18 holes at Stonehaven Golf Club. Visitors are always welcome at Stonehaven parkrun and the more ambitious runner may wish to partake in the annual Stonehaven Half Marathon. Down at the harbour, Stonehaven Paddleboarding offers lessons, tours and rentals of SUP and Kayaks – plus a sauna! Tennis, putting, indoor and outdoor bowling are all available within Stonehaven Recreation Grounds.
BEYOND STONEHAVEN
Stonehaven is the ideal hub for exploring everything that Aberdeenshire has to offer. It’s the gateway to Royal Deeside, the much loved holiday destination for the Royal Family, and home to Balmoral Castle. Scotland’s third and fourth cities, Aberdeen and Dundee are easily accessed via car or public transport as is historic St Andrews, the home of golf. You are also well placed for venturing into the Cairngorms National Park or along the Scottish whisky trail.
KIDS & FAMILIES
You’ll find plenty to keep the whole family happy whatever their age. Softplay at Scallywags, unleash creativity at Mearns Art House, a game of Bayview Bingo, exploring the Dunnottar Fairy Trail, rock pooling at the beach or feeding the ducks at Cowie Water. Don’t miss the well equipped play areas at Mineralwell Park and Queen Elizabeth Play and Skate Park. And of course, no seaside trip is complete without indulging in some ice cream from local favorites Aunty Betty’s or Giulianottis.
FOOD & DRINK
If something fishy isn’t your thing you’ll still be spoiled for choice when it comes to food (and drink!) There’s a great selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and takeaways to choose from, many of which are dog friendly. Our personal favourites include Molly’s for great food & cocktails, Spanish treats from Picos Deli and fab coffee from The Old Pier. You’ll find the best scones at Cool Gourmet, great pub food at The Station Hotel and a short trip up the coast to Muchalls to The Stack shouldn’t be missed.
