Stonehaven: Harbour, Culture and Coastal Paths

When planning your trip to Stonehaven, you can focus on different things: the history and present-day life of the harbour, the Tolbooth Museum, paths with views over the bay, or seasonal experiences by the water. The annual Fireball Ceremony and places in the surrounding area are also possible points of interest.

Stonehaven Harbour and History

Stonehaven Harbour is of particular interest for its fine masonry, as well as the harbour’s structure and layout. In the 18th century, it was of great importance for the import and export of goods to and from Stonehaven. In the early 21st century, it is used predominantly for leisure. The harbour’s trading history and its present-day recreational use therefore relate to different periods.

The picturesque harbour is lined with cafés, fish restaurants and ice cream shops. The Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum stands along the harbourfront and is considered the oldest building in Stonehaven. It displays artefacts relating to the town’s heritage, including items from the time when the building served as a prison. The building and its exhibits add a specific connection to Stonehaven’s history to the harbour views.

Fireball Ceremony at Hogmanay

The Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony takes place every year at Hogmanay, on 31 December. It begins at midnight and lasts about 20 minutes. Around 40 men and women walk up and down the High Street, swinging flaming balls around their heads. Watching is free for visitors; no tickets are required. As visitor arrangements may change, check the event details before the date.

Cycling Route, Walks and Leisure

The local section of NCN 1 through Stonehaven forms part of the Coast & Castles North Cycle Route. Stonehaven Boardwalk offers a different perspective on the bay: it is part of Walk 1 and runs with views over Stonehaven Bay. When planning, you can distinguish between a designated cycling route and a path with views over the bay, without assuming a specific walking or cycling time.

A circular path runs alongside Cowie Water in Mineralwell Park. There, members of one of the oldest radio-controlled car clubs in the United Kingdom race electric model cars on the Stonehaven Model Car Track. This is a different kind of leisure activity from the harbour and coastal paths: here, the park, the waterway and model racing come together.

Heated Outdoor Pool and Paddleboarding

Stonehaven Heated Open Air Pool opened on 4 June 1934. It is the only Olympic-sized Art Deco seawater lido in the United Kingdom. The water is heated, and the seasonal operating period runs from late May to early September. Check operating details before your trip.

Stonehaven Paddleboarding is based at Harbour Beach and offers paddleboard lessons, tours and hire. Booking and availability may change, so check what is available for your visit before making plans.

Places and Scenery in the Surrounding Area

Both Dunnottar Castle and RSPB Fowlsheugh are located near Stonehaven. Dunnottar Castle is on the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail, on a rocky headland surrounded on three sides by the North Sea. This description connects the site with a striking coastal landscape. RSPB Fowlsheugh offers a different seasonal point of interest: from April to July, around 130,000 breeding seabirds nest on the cliffs there. The number and period may vary.

Discover more destinations: Pitmedden, Monymusk, Tarves, Rosehearty, Lumphanan, Banff, Dinnet, Newmachar

For the overview of the wider area: Aberdeenshire.