Stonehaven – A favourite day out destination
2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of ASPC. Over five decades, we have been at the forefront of property marketing in the North East and to mark this important milestone, our 2019 calendar takes us on a journey around the area to showcase the stunning location in which we work and live.
The calendar features a selection of specially commissioned photographs by the acclaimed Aberdeen-born photographer Ray Smith, who captures the area in a unique and engaging way.
Stonehaven is a jewel in the North East coastline and enjoys rich heritage. An idyllic place to live and a favourite day-out destination for city-dwellers. We take a look at five ways to keep yourself entertained in the coastal town over the year.
Join the ranks of William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots in visiting Dunnottar Castle (although we’re sure you’ll have a happier ending).
The ruined castle on a cliff top has played a significant role in Scotland’s history: it was here a small garrison held out against Cromwell’s army for eight months and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels from destruction.
It’s well worth taking a visit to the Castle and soaking up the history.
Yes – there are open air pools in Aberdeenshire!
The Stonehaven open air pool uses clean sea water, and at 29°C it can sometimes even be hotter than the Med.
With a paddling pool, inflatables, quiet swims and even midnight swims with disco music, there’s something for everyone.
If you love nature, there’s no better place to visit around Stonehaven than the RSPB Fowlsheugh reserve.
Home to up to 130,000 breeding seabirds in the spring and summer, including guillemots, razorbills and puffins, the reserve is free to enter, and allows amateur ornithologists a perfect opportunity to discover the birds in their natural setting.
Make sure you also keep your eyes peeled for grey seals, dolphins and minke whales in the area.
Founded by George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal, in the late 1500s, the building was originally meant to be used as a storehouse.
In 1600, an Act of Parliament provided that the building become a tollbooth, with town business functions being conducted on the upper level of the Stonehaven Tolbooth, and the ground floor being used as a prison.
The ground floor has since been converted into a museum, featuring history of the region and the Tolbooth itself – including the Inverbervie stocks (one of the few seven hole stocks in the UK) and the Crank - a punishment device which was weighted down and had to be turned by prisoners a certain number of times in order to receive food.
Approximately 1.1km in length, Stonehaven Beach is bound by the outflow of the River Carron. To the north are rocky outcrops, however the south of the crescent-shaped bay is sandier and a great spot for sunbathing in the summer.
The beach is particularly popular with those who enjoy watersports – the real-time water quality prediction can be found on the electronic sign at the beach during the summer months.
Interested in moving to the area? Take a look at the properties currently available in Stonehaven.