Season: spring
Stonehaven beach is a popular crescent of sand and shingle, which is accessed via a path and boardwalk. It’s a long beach that faces the North Sea, with large cliffs at either end, sheltering rock pools and inlets. The town of Stonehaven stands immediately behind, offering independent shops and eateries. There’s a beach pavilion on the promenade, which hosts the annual Stonehaven Folk Festival. New Year’s Eve at Stonehaven means the fireballs ceremony, with burning balls of fire, as the name suggests, a great choice for Hogmanay. As well as Stonehaven’s reputation for festivals, the wider area offers both history and nature, ranging from Dunnottar Castle and the Tolbooth Museum to the excellent Fowlsheugh Reserve, among other things the preserve of puffins.
Extra spring season photo gallery
The joy of the beach for Jane and Hazel.
Family times at the beach.
Across the sea to the beach.
The beach means healing, a fresh perspective and soulful solitude that guides me to new reason.
Taking a walk along the beach and getting sand in my toes. Listening to the sound of the waves and watching them energetically crash against the cliffs. The noisy seagulls overhead and taking in the smell of the seaweed. The beach casts up so many childhood memories of building sand castles and spending time with my family. I can spend time in the secluded coves or leisurely walking along the boardwalk towards the harbour. There really is a perfect spot for everyone visiting the area to relax, enjoy and admire the beauty.