Exploring and Relaxing Locally
There are a wide range of things to see and do locally without going very far from Auld Toon Apartment.
Walks around Stonehaven (courtesy of Stunning Stonehaven) - Walk 1, Walk 2, Walk 3, Walk 4, Walk 5
Dunottar Castle - This dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress was the home 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 the world over. Visit Dunnottar Castle for your own unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past.
Black Hill War Memorial - Stonehaven's war memorial stands overlooking the town from the south. A short walk to pay your respects.
Tolbooth Museum - Located on the harbour in Stonehavens oldest buiding, a great place to visit to learn some the fantastic heritabe of Stonehaven
Stonehaven Harbour - Almost on the doorstep of Auld Toon Apartment, this is a must visit for any visitor. Plenty of opportunity to relax with the pubs, cafe and restaurants. A lovely small clean beach for the children.
Stonehaven Boardwalk - Runs from the town centre along the shore to the harbour. Places to sit and enjoy the view of the North Sea. Dont miss the wonderful sculptues that are located along the way.
Dunnottar Woods - Ideal for a stroll or dog walk in a mix of trees, glades and winding paths. Be sure to visit the Shell House and Lady Kennedy's bath. On the southern side of the town. Easy walk to the woods or plenty of car parks if you wish to drive and park
Minerelwell Park - Large park with the Cowie River running through it. You can visit St Kieran's spring water well under the railway viaduct. There is a playpark for younger children.
Burns Memorial Garden - Can be found at Belmont Brae, to the north of the town centre. Robert Burns family were from just outside Stonehaven. Situated on the site of the old brewery who's chimney can still be seen.
Stonehaven Land Train - Come along and have a lovely trip to the Caravan Park/Open Air Swimming Pool, up to Dunnottar Castle, along the beautiful harbour then back to Market Square. A storyteller is on board throughout the journey too. You can get off at any stop to enjoy the amazing scenery.
Stonehaven Sea Safari - Dramatic boat tours taking in Dunnottar Castle and the chance to visit puffins, seals, gulliemots, razor bills along with other migrant birds. Dolphins are often spotted on our trips from 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Stonehaven Paddleboarding - Stand Up Paddleboarding Lessons, Coastal/Wildlife/River/ Sunrise/Sunset Tours, Social Paddles, Rental and Retail. What better way to see the wonderful coastline!
Husky Haven - The ultimate husky experience - your chance to drive your very own dog team on some of the best trails around. Based on the outskirts of the town.
Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool -This is a huge, Olympic-size swimming pool filled with clean seawater heated to 29°C/85°F and surrounded by sheltered sun terraces. Open each year, daily from late May to early September, it offers a great fun day out for families as well as quiet swims and entertainment and midnight swims in high season (local school holidays). Tickets are valid all day and there's an on-site cafe, picnics are welcome and parking is free.
Stonehaven Leisure Centre - Consists of a 25m pool, 3 court games hall, fitness room and general purpose room.
Stonehaven Recreation Grounds - Facilities are open to the public and members all year round.
Tennis, Bowling, Putting, Public Bar/Cafe/Function Room.
Stonehaven Tennis Club - 5 all weather tennis courts, all of which are floodlit. Vistors are made very welcome.
Stonehaven Indoor Bowling Club - Indoor bowls, outdoor bowling lawn, cafe and pub. Visitors welcome.
Stonehaven Golf Club - Overlooks the North Sea and the harbour town of Stonehaven. A challenging cliff top course. Visitors are made to feel very welcome.
Halymyres Stables - Set in a stunning location opposite Dunnottar Castle, the main feature of the stables is their new indoor school with pro wax surface which allows riding all year round.
For Children
Scallywags Soft Play - Soft play centre situated on the promenade. Full of the latest in soft play innovation, it will engage and enthral children of all ages. But it's not just for kids - parents, carers and extended families will love Scallywags too, with it's relaxing café area.
Queen Elizabeth Play & Skate Park - Just beside the Leisure Centre, Outdoor Swimming Pool and beach, great fun for kids of all ages. Includes a zip wire and a skate park.
Dunnottar Fairy Trail - Click on the link and go to the files section to dowload your map and visit 23 doors within Dunnottar Woods. Great fun for the youngsters - and adults too!
Mill o'Forest Park - A playpark with special needs and disabled apparatus.
Farrochie Play & Fitness Park - Fun park for children to play. Outdoor fitness area with apparatus.
Festivals
Stonehaven Fireballs - This is Stonehaven's unique way to welcome in the New Year and greet friends and neighbours. As the midnight chimes ring out on December 31st, approximately 40 men and women parade up and down the High Street swinging flaming balls around their heads. Auld Toon Apartment provides the perfect vantage point to view this magnificent spectacle!
Folk Festival - Established in 1989, held over four days each July and attracting over 2,500 people. Some of the best traditional and contemporary folk music. Concerts, ceilidhs, sessions, singarounds, workshops and the World Paper'N'Comb Championships.
Midsummer Beer Happening - Known as the Midsummer Beer Happening. Held in the towns Baird's Park, a barnstorming celebration of beer, music and food - but above all else beer! Traditionally held on the third weekend of June over three days. Each year, it attracts thousands of visitors to its purpose-built marquee. One of the biggest events in the north.
Harbour Festival - Stonehaven Round Table, The Rotary Club and Stonehaven Lions join forces to bring a fun day out for the family. Normally held on the last Sunday of August.
Feein' Market - Held on the first Saturday in June in Stonehavens's Market Square. A great family day out for locals and visitors alike. A packed programme of acts and events in both the Square and the nearby Town Hall and also takes in the Farmer's Market.
R.W. Thomson Annual Vintage Rally - The Thomson Rally is normally held at the end of June at Mineralwell Park in Stonehaven. There are a great selection of Classic & Vintage Vehicles, Stalls, Fire Engines, Bouncy Castle, Burger van, Ice-cream van etc. Robert William Thomson PRSSA FRSE (1822–1873), was from Stonehaven, and was the inventor of the fountain pen and original inventor of the pneumatic tyre.
Stonehaven Bonfire and Fireworks Display - Stonehaven Round Table host the annual fireworks display for plenty of fun and fundraising.
