Stonehaven Beach
Aberdeenshire
Stonehaven Beach is the main beach of the charming harbour town of Stonehaven, south of Aberdeen. The beach is sandy and backed by a promenade, with views out to the distinctive prow of the harbour breakwater. Stonehaven has an excellent outdoor heated art-deco swimming pool open seasonally, and the ruins of Dunnottar Castle, one of Scotland's most dramatic fortresses, are visible on the clifftop to the south. The town has a lively local food scene with excellent fish and chip shops.
No dog restrictions apply at Stonehaven Beach. Year-round dog access. The coastal path south toward Dunnottar Castle provides outstanding additional walking.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Beach Type
- Sand
- Tide Notes
- North Sea beach south of Aberdeen. Views south to Dunnottar Castle cliffs.
- Facilities
- Stonehaven Outdoor Pool (seasonal), cafes, fish and chip shops, pubs. Full town amenities. Public toilets
- Parking
- Car parks near the harbour and beach in Stonehaven
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stonehaven Beach dog friendly?
Stonehaven Beach is a great choice for dogs, earning a 7/10 dog-friendly rating. There are no dog restrictions in place, so your dog is welcome on the beach, and the coastal path heading south toward Dunnottar Castle makes for a brilliant extension to any visit.
Are dogs allowed at Stonehaven Beach year round?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Stonehaven Beach throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions. This makes it a reliable option whatever time of year you're planning a visit to this part of Aberdeenshire.
What should I know before visiting Stonehaven Beach with my dog?
The beach is sandy with a promenade backdrop and car parks conveniently located near both the harbour and beach. Public toilets and a full range of town amenities are on hand, and after your walk it's well worth stopping at one of Stonehaven's well-regarded fish and chip shops. If you're feeling adventurous, the coastal path south offers stunning views of Dunnottar Castle perched dramatically on the clifftop.
What’s Nearby?
Beach4.6 mi awayCatterline Beach
Aberdeenshire
A dramatic cliff cove at the village that inspired Joan Eardley's famous paintings, with year-round dog access, a steep path to the beach and an intensely atmospheric character.
Beach13.5 mi awayAberdeen Beach
Aberdeen City
Aberdeen city's long sandy beach on the Firth of Forth with year-round dog access, a busy promenade and the full facilities of Scotland's third city immediately behind.
Beach15.2 mi awaySt Cyrus Beach
Aberdeenshire
An exceptional National Nature Reserve beach backed by dramatic red granite cliffs with year-round dog access, subject to keeping dogs under close control to protect the outstanding coastal wildlife.
Beach18.5 mi awayBlackdog Beach
Aberdeenshire
A quieter sandy beach south of Balmedie on the Aberdeenshire coast with year-round dog access and good off-lead space as part of the wider dune system north of Aberdeen.
Beach20 mi awayMontrose Beach
Angus
A wide, sandy beach backed by dunes and links golf at the historic Angus town of Montrose with year-round dog access and the internationally important Montrose Basin bird reserve nearby.
Beach20.4 mi awayBalmedie Beach
Aberdeenshire
A vast, 14-mile sandy beach and dune system north of Aberdeen with year-round unrestricted dog access, excellent country park facilities and one of the largest dune landscapes in the UK.
