Karen's Guidebook of the local area.
Sightseeing
Stonehaven harbour is very quaint. There are several good eateries, The Marine, The Ship, a coffee shop, and fabulous restaurant known as The Toll Booth which overlooks the harbour and is above the Toll Booth Museum. The Paddle Boarding lessons go from here. There is a Car Park at the end of the harbour and turn left, (it’s a narrow road). Fresh lobster, crabs etc can be found at The Seafood Shack on the harbour.
From the car park you can visit the harbour. Then you can walk along the boardwalk to the newer side of town. Along it there are several beautiful metal sculptures which were mysteriously added one at a time - at night . At this side of Stonehaven there is the open air sea water swimming pool which is an original 1930’s building. It has a night disco in the summer and is very popular. The amazing ‘Bay’ fish and chip shop and the fabulous ice cream shop are there too. Or there are two very good cafes and the beach and seating areas for your takeaway.
From the old harbour you can walk to Dunnottar Castle - just ask locals to set you off and in the summer season there is a little train that takes you from the market square in the middle of Stonehaven. I think it is hourly.
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40 íbúar mæla með
Stonehaven
Stonehaven harbour is very quaint. There are several good eateries, The Marine, The Ship, a coffee shop, and fabulous restaurant known as The Toll Booth which overlooks the harbour and is above the Toll Booth Museum. The Paddle Boarding lessons go from here. There is a Car Park at the end of the harbour and turn left, (it’s a narrow road). Fresh lobster, crabs etc can be found at The Seafood Shack on the harbour.
From the car park you can visit the harbour. Then you can walk along the boardwalk to the newer side of town. Along it there are several beautiful metal sculptures which were mysteriously added one at a time - at night . At this side of Stonehaven there is the open air sea water swimming pool which is an original 1930’s building. It has a night disco in the summer and is very popular. The amazing ‘Bay’ fish and chip shop and the fabulous ice cream shop are there too. Or there are two very good cafes and the beach and seating areas for your takeaway.
From the old harbour you can walk to Dunnottar Castle - just ask locals to set you off and in the summer season there is a little train that takes you from the market square in the middle of Stonehaven. I think it is hourly.
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An extremely popular venue, about 45 minutes’ drive from Gourdon if you go to Auchenblae and through the beautiful Drumtochty Glen. St Palladius Church and Drumtochty castle, a WEDDING VENUE are en route too.
Crathes Castle is an old and beautiful building. It has some very unique and enjoyable gardens. If you are a member of Scottish National Trust it is free. If you are interested in museums, castles, galleries etc it is worth considering joining.
Please note Glamis Castle and I think Balmoral Castle are not a part of the Scottish National Trust.
The house inside is very quaint and there are events on in the grounds throughout the year. You can wander down to the edge of the River Dee but be careful.
Over the road is a pleasant restaurant just 100 metres away - The Milton of Crathes . The attractive collection of old buildings also include an Art Gallery, general gift and Scottish clothes shop . This used to be the railway station where Queen Victoria boarded the train to go to Balmoral Castle. She influenced the Royal Deeside towns of Banchory, Ballater and Braemar.
If time is of the essence you can eat in the Crathes Castle cafe as another option.
77 íbúar mæla með
Crathes Castle
An extremely popular venue, about 45 minutes’ drive from Gourdon if you go to Auchenblae and through the beautiful Drumtochty Glen. St Palladius Church and Drumtochty castle, a WEDDING VENUE are en route too.
Crathes Castle is an old and beautiful building. It has some very unique and enjoyable gardens. If you are a member of Scottish National Trust it is free. If you are interested in museums, castles, galleries etc it is worth considering joining.
Please note Glamis Castle and I think Balmoral Castle are not a part of the Scottish National Trust.
The house inside is very quaint and there are events on in the grounds throughout the year. You can wander down to the edge of the River Dee but be careful.
Over the road is a pleasant restaurant just 100 metres away - The Milton of Crathes . The attractive collection of old buildings also include an Art Gallery, general gift and Scottish clothes shop . This used to be the railway station where Queen Victoria boarded the train to go to Balmoral Castle. She influenced the Royal Deeside towns of Banchory, Ballater and Braemar.
If time is of the essence you can eat in the Crathes Castle cafe as another option.
It is only minutes from Crathes Castle and there is a lovely brasserie on the site. There is also an Art Gallery and general gift shop.
Well with a visit… look up the restaurant.
Milton Brasserie
It is only minutes from Crathes Castle and there is a lovely brasserie on the site. There is also an Art Gallery and general gift shop.
Well with a visit… look up the restaurant.
In a most beautiful area which is one of the Glens inland. The museum is a good venue as are walks if you are inclined
Glenesk Folk Museum
In a most beautiful area which is one of the Glens inland. The museum is a good venue as are walks if you are inclined
Blue Door Walk
Food scene
The Creel in is in Catterline. Perched at the top of the village, it serves delicious food. It is also a cosy little pub. There are seats outside where you can sit and watch the sea below. PADDLEBOARDING lessons take place in the natural harbour.
It’s a beautiful view.
Good food, excellent location on the cliff top in Catterline. 15 minutes drive.
18 íbúar mæla með
The Creel Inn
Good food, excellent location on the cliff top in Catterline. 15 minutes drive.
Lovely way to relax indoors or outdoors on the harbour and in the village of Gourdon.
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Harbour Bar
William StreetLovely way to relax indoors or outdoors on the harbour and in the village of Gourdon.
Auchmithy is the original village where Arbroath Smokies were smoked in barrels on the beach. After a fabulous meal you can explore the village and go down the steps to the beach.
15 íbúar mæla með
The But 'n' Ben
Auchmithy is the original village where Arbroath Smokies were smoked in barrels on the beach. After a fabulous meal you can explore the village and go down the steps to the beach.
In Johnshaven. Very tasty food and specialises in fish dishes. A varied menu and can book the restaurant upstairs . Next to harbour.
7 íbúar mæla með
The Anchor Hotel
New Road In Johnshaven. Very tasty food and specialises in fish dishes. A varied menu and can book the restaurant upstairs . Next to harbour.
Yet again an extremely popular shop in Johnshaven. They have wonderful Aunt Ruth’s Lobster Salad, Lobster and crab salad rolls, hand dived scallops, whole Lobster, lobster toasties, fantastic lemon crab cakes…. Go see for yourself.
6 íbúar mæla með
The Lobster Shop
Fore StreetYet again an extremely popular shop in Johnshaven. They have wonderful Aunt Ruth’s Lobster Salad, Lobster and crab salad rolls, hand dived scallops, whole Lobster, lobster toasties, fantastic lemon crab cakes…. Go see for yourself.
The Falls of Feugh Restaurant
Local suggestions
Places within 10 to 20 minutes drive.
It is just south of Montrose, and a lovely place to picnic in the dunes or on the beach. The River Lunan can be followed into the sea and the Red Castle at the mouth seems to defy the law of gravity !
23 íbúar mæla með
Lunan Bay
It is just south of Montrose, and a lovely place to picnic in the dunes or on the beach. The River Lunan can be followed into the sea and the Red Castle at the mouth seems to defy the law of gravity !
Good food and especially the fish suppers that you can take away and eat whilst sitting at the harbour.
Sunday breakfast is good too .
12 íbúar mæla með
Quayside Restaurant & Fish Bar
Good food and especially the fish suppers that you can take away and eat whilst sitting at the harbour.
Sunday breakfast is good too .
Johnshaven Village
Our local watering hole! . Tasty food at the Anchor Hotel, the Lobster Shop and the Hidden Treasure Tearoom. The Heritage Museum at weekends 1 to 4 pm reopening mid July. Art Exhibitions in Museum from time to time.
Take a look at trip advisor- it is very popular for its dishes.
You get a lovely welcome and the staff are helpful.
Dogs are welcome. There is even a dog menu.
7 íbúar mæla með
The Anchor Hotel
New RoadTake a look at trip advisor- it is very popular for its dishes.
You get a lovely welcome and the staff are helpful.
Dogs are welcome. There is even a dog menu.
The Lobster Shop
Fore StreetThe Lobster shop has most delicious lobster rolls. We LOVE Aunt Ruth’s Lobster Salad too.
They sell lobster in different kinds of dishes. They sell crab also and it is so good in crab cakes or pate . I particularly enjoy their quiche and potatoes.
You may want to sit outside and just watch the waves lapping against the shop beautifully rustic seating.
6 íbúar mæla með
The Lobster Shop
Fore StreetThe Lobster shop has most delicious lobster rolls. We LOVE Aunt Ruth’s Lobster Salad too.
They sell lobster in different kinds of dishes. They sell crab also and it is so good in crab cakes or pate . I particularly enjoy their quiche and potatoes.
You may want to sit outside and just watch the waves lapping against the shop beautifully rustic seating.
Overlooking Johnshaven harbour, next to the Museum Lifeboat House. The Hidden Treasure Tea Room . It serves delicious snacks and homemade cakes. Bacon and Egg sandwich or soup are my favourites.
Hidden Treasure Tearoom
Fore StreetOverlooking Johnshaven harbour, next to the Museum Lifeboat House. The Hidden Treasure Tea Room . It serves delicious snacks and homemade cakes. Bacon and Egg sandwich or soup are my favourites.
Gourdon Village
Next door village to Johnshaven. To walk there are several ways but my favourite is to down our track, cross the main road and when you reach the sea track turn left
They sell delicious fish, hot smoked salmon, fresh salmon, smoked haddock.It is on the other side of the harbour next to the War Memorial in Gourdon
Stephen's
2 William StreetThey sell delicious fish, hot smoked salmon, fresh salmon, smoked haddock.It is on the other side of the harbour next to the War Memorial in Gourdon
The Harbour Bar is an awesome local and visitor pub. There is the friendliest Manager / Owner Johnny. There is such a good atmosphere . You can play pool too.
The Quayside Restaurant and Takeaway serves mainly fish and over looks the harbour. It offers takeaways and award winning fish and chips.
Gourdon
The Harbour Bar is an awesome local and visitor pub. There is the friendliest Manager / Owner Johnny. There is such a good atmosphere . You can play pool too.
The Quayside Restaurant and Takeaway serves mainly fish and over looks the harbour. It offers takeaways and award winning fish and chips.
Great atmosphere and enjoyable food. Darts, Pool, comfy sofas and chairs. A lovely authentic old pub with extra flair.
Sit outside on a sunny day . You get a lovely harbour view.
7 íbúar mæla með
Harbour Bar
William StreetGreat atmosphere and enjoyable food. Darts, Pool, comfy sofas and chairs. A lovely authentic old pub with extra flair.
Sit outside on a sunny day . You get a lovely harbour view.
Not only a good fish restaurant but on Sundays they serve a delicious choice of breakfasts. 10 0’clock onwards. A glorious way to start your day.
12 íbúar mæla með
Quayside Restaurant & Fish Bar
Not only a good fish restaurant but on Sundays they serve a delicious choice of breakfasts. 10 0’clock onwards. A glorious way to start your day.
St Cyrus Beach and Nature Reserve
Magnificent for an adventure: playing on the beach or in the sand dunes, lots of different walks, caves and Hen Rock, at the North end plus a waterfall.
Alternatively just enjoy the peaceful sound of the sea or have a snooze in the sand dunes.
There are beach wheelchairs and disabled facilities at the centre. The rangers are lovely.
St Cyrus Beach
Further afield Up to an hour
Arbroath is a lovely fishing town. It’s harbour is well equipped and the Tower Museum is worth a visit. You could book a boat trip to Bell Rock. That’s interesting.
The cliff walk is stunning, look it up. There are adventures amongst the caves to be had.
Lots of choice for food. Nearby is The But n Ben in Auchmithie as mentioned in Auchmithie.
Arbroath Abbey is an interesting visit as are the Vigean Stones-ancient Celtic carved stones. Book a private viewing at the Abbey. ( Free IArbroath Smokies sold. Go to Aucmithie and on to the beach where they were smoked in barrels.
The But n’ Ben serve a lovely meal.
17 íbúar mæla með
Arbroath
Arbroath is a lovely fishing town. It’s harbour is well equipped and the Tower Museum is worth a visit. You could book a boat trip to Bell Rock. That’s interesting.
The cliff walk is stunning, look it up. There are adventures amongst the caves to be had.
Lots of choice for food. Nearby is The But n Ben in Auchmithie as mentioned in Auchmithie.
Arbroath Abbey is an interesting visit as are the Vigean Stones-ancient Celtic carved stones. Book a private viewing at the Abbey. ( Free IArbroath Smokies sold. Go to Aucmithie and on to the beach where they were smoked in barrels.
The But n’ Ben serve a lovely meal.
The best way to visit Banchory and Crathes Castle. Head for Fordoun, Auchenblae and through the beautiful Drumtochty Glen. At The Clatterin’ Brig, turn right to ascend. Stop at the top to enjoy the view… and onwards to Banchory. Maybe catch sight of a leaping salmon from the Bridge at The Falls of Feugh…
Cairn o' Mount
Old Military RoadThe best way to visit Banchory and Crathes Castle. Head for Fordoun, Auchenblae and through the beautiful Drumtochty Glen. At The Clatterin’ Brig, turn right to ascend. Stop at the top to enjoy the view… and onwards to Banchory. Maybe catch sight of a leaping salmon from the Bridge at The Falls of Feugh…
The children will love Edzell. The castle is an adventure where Mary Queen of Scots stayed… or was it Queen Elizabeth 1st? Let me know … my memory is not what it used to be!
There’s dressing up clothes and a Renaissance Garden. It’s one for the girls because the story goes that an early owner encouraged his girls education . Quite a story in the end.
19 íbúar mæla með
Edzell Castle and Garden
The children will love Edzell. The castle is an adventure where Mary Queen of Scots stayed… or was it Queen Elizabeth 1st? Let me know … my memory is not what it used to be!
There’s dressing up clothes and a Renaissance Garden. It’s one for the girls because the story goes that an early owner encouraged his girls education . Quite a story in the end.