Aberdeenshire's Stunning Coast: 5 Top Things To See and Do

Stretching from the Banffshire coast and zig-zagging all the way down Scotland’s north-east shores to St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, Aberdeenshire is home to 105 kilometres of ever-changing coastline pockmarked with towering cliffs, oft-deserted beaches and hidden coves. Quaint villages cluster along the seafront, while the “granite city” of Aberdeen, once centre of the UK’s oil industry, has morphed into a booming gastro-hub blessed with verdant botanic gardens, innovative museums and easy access to the untamed splendour of Cairngorms National Park. Here’s what you need to know when embarking on an adventurous weekend or road trip (whether by car or public transport) in this underrated but fabulously scenic corner of Scotland.

This narrow slither of protected Aberdeenshire coast is home to miles of pristine sand dunes and grassland laced with walking routes, all backed by red-granite cliffs. The reserve is home to thousands of birds – peregrine falcons, waders and skylarks among them – and in spring butterflies flit among the wild flowers carpeting the shoreline. Whales, dolphins and grey seals are often spotted offshore. 


• Montrose, DD10 0AQ
• Open daily Apr–Oct 10am–5pm; Nov–Mar 10am–4pm
• Admission free
• 55 kilometres south of Aberdeen off the A92 road

So says Burt Lancaster in the hit cult movie Local Hero, which was filmed along the Aberdeenshire coast. And he’s right. In summer, days on this coastline are near endless, with sunsets glittering over the waves as late as 10pm. Thanks to the lack of light pollution, winter skies dance with stars, and you may be lucky enough to catch the shimmering magic of the Aurora Borealis shape-shifting across the North Sea.

Balmedie Beach is a vast sandy stretch punctuated by wetlands and undulating dunes tethered by marram grass. It’s also a wonderful spot for family picnics, dog walking or kite flying while admiring the eco-friendly turbines of Aberdeen Bay Wind Farm standing on the horizon.

• Aberdeen AB23 8WU
• 8 kilometres north of Aberdeen on the A90 road
• Stagecoach buses X54 or X61 to the beach take half an hour

Cruden Bay was one of Bram Stoker’s favourite holiday spots, and it’s thought that the bay inspired some of the landscapes in his famous novel Dracula. There’s nothing sinister about this beach today, however; it’s a family-friendly paradise of golden sand with room to run around and paddle in North Sea waves.

• Peterhead AB42 0NN
• 38 kilometres north of Aberdeen on the A975 road
• Stagecoach bus X3 to Cruden Bay takes 55 minutes

Sitting on a rugged clifftop promontory 50 metres above crashing North Sea waves, this mighty castle has its origins in the 14th century. A once-impregnable fortress, it has played its part in Scottish history down the centuries, morphing from barracks to jail, royal accommodation for Mary, Queen of Scots, to star location in the Game of Thrones franchise. Wandering the dramatic ruins will take you to the keep, kitchens – where you can still make out the fireplaces – the austere prison and chapel.

• Stonehaven, AB39 2TL
• Open daily. Times vary seasonally but roughly 10am–4pm
• Admission starts at £11.50 (€13.75)
• 32 kilometres south of Aberdeen off the A92 road
• The X7 Coastrider bus to Dunnottar Junction takes 45 minutes

Possibly the inspiration for Dracula’s castle in Stoker’s iconic Gothic fantasy, the stark, sprawling remains of Slains huddle on bluff cliffs far above Cruden Bay. Once the Aberdeenshire residence of an aristocratic Scottish family, it has stood abandoned since the 1920s and is slowly being overtaken by nature. The aura of crumbling beauty only adds to the eerie ambiance of the castle, which you are free to explore at will.

• Cruden Bay, Peterhead AB42 0NE
• Open 24/7
• Admission free
• 38 kilometres north of Abderdeen on the A975 road
• Stagecoach X3 to Cruden Bay takes 55 minutes

A picturesque, remote hamlet tucked into sandstone cliffs and overlooking the Moray Firth on the northern Aberdeenshire coast, Crovie comprises a single straggle of charming 18th-century fishermen's cottages, unusually with gables pointing towards the waves. It’s accessed on foot down a steep hill, and residents still transport their wares in by wheelbarrow. Visit to stroll along the pier and admire the sea views, all the while keeping an eye open for dolphins in the firth.

• 72 kilometres north of Aberdeen off the A92 road. It's best to drive as public transport is limited

Not surprisingly considering its culinary reputation, the city is the proud home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Aberdeenshire. The standout name is The Silver Darling (open daily), renowned for its sublime oyster and scallop dishes, and almost as well known for its superb setting on Pocra Quay. A leisurely wander through Aberdeen streets reveals brasseries serving up the catch of the day or fish and chip shops doing a roaring trade in line-caught cod in crispy batter.

Scotland’s largest fishing port is not the most photogenic of towns, but if you’re looking for fresh fish with zero food miles, several Peterhead companies sell prawns or filleted haddock and sole directly to the public. You can also buy cod, mackerel and shellfish at the dockside fish market, which opens at 7am every weekday, and find takeaways at a sprinkling of pubs, food trucks or cafés around the fishing harbour.

• 50 kilometres north of Aberdeen on the A975 and A90 roads
• The X60 bus service takes around 75 minutes

Clustered on two sweeping bays – one with a sandy beach and the second with a working harbour fronted by several bistros showcasing the abundant local marine harvest, Stonehaven is a charming seaside town that grew rich on fishing. Sitting on the historic pier is the Seafood Bothy (open daily), a shack serving delicious seasonal specialties including ready-to-eat platters piled with langoustines and lobsters, crab tortilla wraps and Aberdeenshire’s best cullen skink pie, a clever twist on the classic chowder of creamy smoked haddock.

• 24 kilometres south of Aberdeen off the A92 road
• The X7 bus and an occasional train service will also get you there

If you have time to spare, you can stitch together all these amazing landscapes and beguiling towns by following the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail, a 266-kilometre road trip that leads you around the unparalleled beauty of the coastline. Ready for your stay on the glorious Aberdeenshire coast?