Dunnottar 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.

The rock the Castle sits upon was forced to the surface 440 million years ago during the Silurian period. A red rock conglomerate with boulders up to 1m across known as Pudding Stone is incredibly durable. The ancient Highland rock pebbles and cementing matter is so tough that faults or cracks pass through the pebbles themselves.

Tolbooth Museum

The Stonehaven Tolbooth is thought to have been founded by George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal (c. 1553–1623), with the original purpose of the rectangular building being to act as a storehouse during the construction of the nearby Dunnottar Castle. In 1600, an Act of Parliament provided that the building become a tolbooth.

After 1624, the town business functions were conducted on the upper level of the Stonehaven Tolbooth, with the ground floor being used as the prison.

It remained a courthouse (upper floor) and prison (ground floor) until 1767 when these activities were relocated. The building then reverted as a store until the 1950s by which time it had fallen into disrepair. In 1963 the building was renovated and officially re-opened by Her Majesty the Queen Mother. In 1975 the upper floor was converted into a museum reflecting Stonehaven’s long history. Currently the museum occupies the ground floor whilst a separate restaurant operates on the upper floor.

Stonehaven War Memorial

Stonehaven Heated Open Air Pool is unique

Stonehaven Heated Open Air Pool is unique:
Huge Olympic-sized, 50m long pool and lido
Clean sea water at 29oC - that's 84 oF
Sheltered sun terraces, often warmer than the Med!,
Fun sessions for kids, paddling pool for under-8s
Quiet swims and lane swimming sessions
Midnight swims - swim beneath the stars to disco music
On site cafe, lots of FREE parking
Make this the summer you swim in this amazing Pool - we say it's cool when it's hot ... and fun when it's not