Things to do in Stonehaven
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Top 10 attractions in Stonehaven
Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle was built in the early 15th century and served as an important strategic fortress in Scotland at the time. Perched on an isolated island and surrounded by steep cliffs, the castle is a truly breathtaking sight.Stonehaven · 2.1 km from downtown
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle stands majestically on the volcanic cliffs above the Royal Mile, guarding Scotland for centuries—it once served as a royal residence, military fortress, and prison. Today, you can stand at the exact spot where the One O'Clock Gun fires, stroll through St. Margaret's Chapel, and explore the National War Museum on the west side, which showcases centuries of Scottish military history through uniforms, medals, and weapons, alongside the Crown Jewels displayed beside the Stone of Destiny. The castle esplanade echoes with the sound of bagpipes, the Crown's history predates the Act of Union, and the breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth stretch out before you. This historic British landmark still commands awe from people across the island.United Kingdom · Edinburgh
Edinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh Old Town refers to the old town area of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The district preserves many buildings from the European Middle Ages and the Scottish Reformation, including notable landmarks such as St. Giles' Cathedral, the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland, the Surgeons' Hall, the National Museum of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Parliament Building. Strolling through the streets of Edinburgh Old Town, exploring the unique architecture, pubs, restaurants, and shops on either side, with the occasional sound of beautiful Scottish bagpipe music in the air, is a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.United Kingdom · Edinburgh
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and serves as the official residence of His Majesty the King of Scotland, used for state ceremonies and official entertainment. This palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years and is deeply intertwined with Scotland's rich history. A visit to the palace includes the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, where many dramatic events occurred during her brief and tumultuous reign, including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary David Rizzio by her husband Lord Darnley. In the palace's State Apartments, visitors can admire the magnificent Great Gallery, where grand balls were held in September 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie established his Jacobite court at the palace. Today's State Apartments reflect the evolving tastes of successive monarchs, renowned for their exquisite plaster ceilings and an unparalleled collection of Brussels tapestries. They house a significant portion of the Royal Collection's artworks, many of which have long-standing connections to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scotland. A visit to the palace also includes the opportunity to explore the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the palace's unique gardens, set against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat. At the palace café, visitors can enjoy homemade dishes made from local produce, ranging from light snacks and lunches to afternoon tea.United Kingdom · Edinburgh
Crathes Castle
Banchory · 17.7 km from Stonehaven
Dunnottar Woods
Stonehaven · 1.8 km from downtown
Drum Castle, Garden & Estate (National Trust for Scotland)
Banchory · 16.6 km from Stonehaven
Windermere
Lake Windermere is the largest lake in England and is located in the southern end of the Lake District. Its 13 miles long glacial valley runs through the Khumbelian Mountains and offers picturesque scenery of mountains, lakes, and villages. The best season to visit is spring and summer, with activities such as boating, hiking, and cycling available. Windermere town serves as the distribution center, and visitors can pick up maps and brochures at the visitor information center. Boat tours and rentals are popular activities where visitors can also visit the Lake District Aquarium and see different aquatic life. Hiking routes are available for tourists who prefer outdoor activities. Lake Windermere is also home to many animals, including swans. The famous children's writer Beatrix Potter was inspired by the fairy tale world of Peter Rabbit, and visitors can go to Peter Rabbit World, a museum that showcases the story's interesting scenes, to meet Peter Rabbit and his friends. Downstairs is a tea room where visitors can enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea.United Kingdom · South Lakeland District
Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands encompass the majestic mountains and valleys of Great Britain. The region is sparsely populated, with vast stretches of wilderness maintaining a raw and desolate appearance. Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, stands in the heart of the Highlands. Its summit is shrouded in mist year-round, and the weather is changeable, attracting many hikers to climb it. The Great Glen divides the Highlands into two, with the Grampian Mountains and the Northwest Highlands on either side, and the area is dotted with numerous lakes and valleys. Glen Coe is famous for its jagged peaks and wild, desolate moors, making it one of the iconic landscapes of the Highlands. Driving along the A82 road, you can see The Three Sisters rising abruptly. Loch Ness is hidden deep in the Great Glen, with the ruins of Urquhart Castle standing quietly on the shore. The Highlands also preserve Scottish Gaelic cultural traditions and whisky distilling techniques, and many distilleries along the route offer tastings of single malt whisky. Driving along wild roads, strolling along mountain trails, visiting ancient castles and lakes, or touring whisky distilleries are all popular local experiences.United Kingdom · Fort Augustus
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a high vantage point overlooking the entire city of Edinburgh, dotted with several neoclassical memorial buildings. Take a walk along the summit trail, and from the top, looking west, you can take in the entire cityscape, with the magnificent Edinburgh Castle standing in the distance, the vast waters of the Firth of Forth visible to the north, and buildings such as the Scottish Parliament Building and the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the south. A prominent feature on the summit is the National Monument of Scotland, built to commemorate those who died in the Napoleonic Wars. It was left unfinished due to a lack of funds, and today only a row of massive columns supporting a beam remains. The nearby Nelson Monument was built in the early 19th century and features a time ball on top, which drops promptly every afternoon. It was originally a signaling device set up to calibrate time for ships in the Port of Leith. Not far away is the Dugald Stewart Monument, with several stone columns supporting a circular dome. Its elegant design makes it a classic foreground for photographing the Edinburgh skyline.United Kingdom · Edinburgh
Experiences you can't miss in Stonehaven
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More ways to travel from Stonehaven
Free things to do in Stonehaven
Dunnottar Castle
Stonehaven · 2.1 km from downtownEdinburgh Castle
United Kingdom · EdinburghEdinburgh Old Town
United Kingdom · EdinburghPalace of Holyroodhouse
United Kingdom · EdinburghCrathes Castle
Banchory · 17.7 km from StonehavenDunnottar Woods
Stonehaven · 1.8 km from downtownDrum Castle, Garden & Estate (National Trust for Scotland)
Banchory · 16.6 km from StonehavenWindermere
United Kingdom · South Lakeland DistrictScottish Highlands
United Kingdom · Fort AugustusCalton Hill
United Kingdom · Edinburgh
What travellers say about Stonehaven
Nirlesh JainSeptember 2, 2023
5.0
can take long walks from here. Ancient castle that holds significance in royal Scottish history and culture. It was a settlement few centuries back and some parts were eroded due to ocean.
Dunnottar Castle
M54***71October 8, 2026
5.0
The magnificent castle embodies the history, culture, and glory of Scotland. The visitor pathways and signage were well-organized, and there was even an audio guide in Mandarin, which allowed tourists like us who don't speak English to gain a deeper understanding of the castle. The staff at the visitor center were warm and attentive, and the police officers in the square outside the castle were friendly and responsible, helping me find my lost wife.
Edinburgh Castle
M AhemMay 3, 2025
5.0
Awesome place! Had an amazing experience—highly recommended for everyone to visit!
Edinburgh Old Town
Anonymous userSeptember 24, 2026
5.0
Visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse was easily one of the highlights of my time in Edinburgh. Located right at the end of the Royal Mile, it offers a fascinating contrast to the medieval drama of Edinburgh Castle, providing a much more intimate glimpse into British and Scottish royal history.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Dreamer2002September 17, 2026
5.0
Windermere is such a beautiful place to visit, surrounded by peaceful scenery and incredible views. Walking near the lake was especially relaxing, and there are plenty of lovely spots to stop and enjoy the landscape. I’d recommend taking a boat trip if you have time, as it gives you a completely different view of the area. A wonderful destination for a relaxing day in the Lake District. 🌿⛵🏞️
Windermere
jackyauJanuary 31, 2023
5.0
I traveled to the Scottish Highlands for the first time in early January. I saw that the souvenirs from the same tour had the appearance of this cow, so I searched where I could see the real thing!
This highland cow is really cute
The long hair covers both eyes, Taiwanese also call it "Jay Cow" 😂😂
Scottish Highlands
苏河家园July 14, 2025
5.0
卡尔顿山是爱丁堡标志性景点，其以新古典主义建筑群、360度城市全景和丰富的文化活动而闻名。设计灵感以雅典帕特农神庙为蓝本，山顶上希腊式立柱恢宏雄伟，像一座被时光凝固的神庙骨架，静静守护着爱丁堡。
Calton Hill
