Stonehaven
Less than 20 minutes by train from the city of Aberdeen, Stonehaven is a pleasant coastal town known for its pretty harbour and its fantastic Fireballs Ceremony, which takes place each Hogmanay.
Dunotter Castle
It’s also famed as the seat of Dunnottar Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress perched upon a rugged cliff – pay a visit to admire its striking ruins and enjoy stunning views over the North Sea.
Activities
Stonehaven also boasts a heated, Olympic-size open air swimming pool, ideal for a dip in good weather, while the RSPB Fowlsheugh reserve is great for walking and birdwatching. Up to 130,000 birds including guillemots, puffins and fulmars create bustling seabird cities here during the summer months, and you might even catch a glimpse of minke whales, dolphins or grey seals from the clifftop trails.
Day Trips
Take a day trip up to Aberdeen for brilliant shopping, great restaurants and lively nightlife. Banchory, a charming country town less than 20 miles away, is also well worth a visit – explore the grounds and rooms of the impressive Crathes Castle, or scramble over rope courses at Go Ape! activity centre.
Passes coving Stonehaven: BritRail Pass and BritRail Freedom of Scotland Pass
