Being a part of the Aberdeenshire charm is no triviality. Just 15 miles south of Aberdeen and a 20minute train ride from Granite City, Stonehaven is your idyllic coastal town with a rich fishing heritage, complete with a dramatic castle. When we say it is postcard-pretty, it is by no means an exaggeration. Its walled harbour, beaches, coves, and whitewashed houses are made for tranquil family life. Kids and dogs will love the coastal walks and the Hogmanay here is the only one worth staying up for. So, let’s learn more about life in Stonehaven and why you should consider it a potential neighbourhood.
Life in Stonehaven
Properties here range from grand stone houses with mature gardens to charming cottages by the harbour to newly built family homes in the town centre.
Children benefit from a wide selection of good schools for primary, secondary, and special education in the area. The well-regarded Croft Nurseries and the Simpson Playhouse cater well to preschoolers. Local primary schools, including Dunnottar Primary, Arduthie Primary School, and Mill O’Forest Primary School, have performed well in recent inspections.
Secondary schools such as Mackie Academy, Mearns Academy, and Ellon Academy are popular choices. When it comes to Special Education Needs, Carronhill School provides education for pupils aged 5-18. The Bachlaw Centre accepts referrals for students with difficult experiences aged 5-18. They will find inclusivity, the support they need, and happiness that encourage learning in these schools. Students 16 and older can find placements for higher education, Scottish Higher, and apprenticeship courses at Aberdeen College and Dundee and Angus College. The University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University are easily accessible for university students.
Stonehaven has excellent transport links and has its own railway station conveniently located at the town centre. The land train is such a fun way to travel within the town, especially with kids. It reaches the harbour, swimming pool, and castle. Aberdeen is just 20mins away and a direct train takes you to Edinburgh in 2hrs and 15mins. The Aberdeen Airport is only a 30min drive away, and the local bus service is highly reliable. The panoramic seaside route of the X7 Coastrider makes a refreshing journey.
A local policing plan and several neighbourhood watch schemes keep the community safe.
Main Attractions in Stonehaven
Things to do
Stonehaven has a busy social calendar packed with events and festivals. The town comes into its own at Hogmanay. Locals flood the streets with swinging balls of fire over their heads in a local tradition known as ‘purifying the soul’. Fireworks and revelry last well into the night.
The stunning cliffs at Fowlsheugh have more than 130,000 breeding seabirds during spring and summer.
Priests and Pipes is a permanent exhibition at the St James Episcopal Church that presents the history of local churches and religion in the area.
Stonehaven has numerous first-rate cafes, pubs, and restaurants. The award-winning Bay Fish & Chips on the seafront serves delicious, freshly-caught fish supper. Aunty Betty’s Ice Cream Parlour and The Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant are highly recommended. The Ship Inn on the harbour has many Scottish craft gins on offer.
Places to See
The Dunnottar Castle presiding over the North Sea on a rocky headland is Stonehaven’s most prominent attraction. The views alone are worth the trip. This imposing fortress traces its origins to the 3rd Century. Although accessible by car, the 40min walk from Stonehaven Beach along the winding clifftop path is captivating.
The Stonehaven War Memorial built in 1921 resembles a Greek temple ruin. It commemorates the lost lives from World War I and II.
Entertainment and Activities
Sports
Sea angling facilities and the yacht club offer seaside leisure activities. The area is also popular for standup paddle-boarding. Stonehaven Heated Open Air Pool is a 50m long Olympic size pool and lido. Highland Games centred around Celtic traditions features competitions in piping, drumming, dancing, and Scottish heavy athletics.
June sees the RW Thomson Annual Memorial Rally take place to celebrate the inventor of the pneumatic tyre. Thousands of vintage cars and automobiles are displayed. Stonehaven Recreation Grounds, located near the beach, has tennis courts and a bowling green.
Outdoor Activities
There are numerous coastal walks and paths for evening walks with children, and the Dunnottar Woods has woodland trails for forest hikes.
Festivals
Summer brings several traditional events including, the Feein’ Market that sees music, dance, and entertainment arriving at the Market Square and setting up alongside the regular Farmer’s Market. Folk Festival is a local favourite that celebrates the history and heritage of the area. The yearly Midsummer Beer Happening showcases over 140 beers from Europe, America, and the UK.
Stonehaven is exemplary in Scottish beauty and a perfect town for a family home. Buy a luxury home by GS Brown Construction in Stonehaven to enjoy a serene life free from distractions.
