Discover A Stunning Campervan Road Trip Through Stonehaven
Read Time: About 16 minutes
Stonehaven. Fred Dimitrov
And we’re off! We begin our road trip in Stonehaven, a charming coastal town south of Aberdeen and a beautiful holiday destination in the Scottish Lowlands to visit in your campervan. The city enjoys an excellent location behind Stonehaven Bay and is easily accessible by road via the A90, which runs between Aberdeen and Dundee. Its fantastic coastal location make it excellent for adventure and sightseeing. Read on as we explore its famous attractions and festivals in this campervan road trip itinerary that our readers can stretch over a few days, or cram into a bank holiday campervan hire.
Located just 15 minutes from Aberdeen, Stonehaven is a beautiful Scottish town with plenty to explore. From exploring the Aberdeenshire coast to wandering into the beautiful countryside, restocking on camping essentials at many shops and exploring the wealth of attractions in the area, there’s plenty to ensure your campervan road trip in Stonehaven is memorable and eventful. Start in the city and work your way around the attractions you want to explore from our Stonehaven campervan road trip itinerary.
- Why is Stonehaven Famous?
- Stonehaven Road Trip Itinerary
- Camping in in and around Stonehaven
- Best Stonehaven Campsites
- Stonehaven Caravan Park
- Stonehaven Campervans Prices
- Campervan Hire in Aberdeenshire
- A Goodbye to Stonehaven
Why is Stonehaven Famous?
Stonehaven Harbour. Neil Williamson
Stonehaven, known initially as Stonehive, boasts a rich history dating back to the Iron Age when a fishing village was set up on Stonehaven Bay. Fishing soon became the main occupation of the town. However, overfishing, which peaked in 1894, led to the subsequent collapse of the industry. The town, however, continued to flourish, and it was even voted the best seaside town in Scotland. Take a peek here for more camping options in Stonehaven.
Besides its castle and coastal scenery, the town is perhaps most famous for its fireball ceremony on New Year's Eve. During this ceremony, a group of locals swings blazing balls of fire over their heads to ward off evil spirits. The process concludes at the harbour, where the balls are thrown into the water.
The historical focus on Stonehaven is also on its harbour, which was once the only safe haven along the entire coast during a north-easterly gale. Further harbour constructions took place over the following centuries; today, the harbour and the old town lying behind it are full of character. Stop at the Ship Inn, built in 1771, overlooking the harbour, or get an idea of the town's layout by starting on the coast road, approaching Dunnottar Castle. Soak in superb views over the harbour and the rest of the city. Hop on the main road, Allardyce Street, which winds close to the promenade and the beach of Stonehaven Bay. Leave your vehicle at the town's Market Square, which now functions as the town's central car park, and stroll through town, perhaps refuelling courtesy of the local larder, or admiring the views and architecture.
Tent, Motorhome, Caravan and Caravan from £18
Set out to uncover hidden secrets and inimitable atmosphere within the towns of Banff and Buchan from your cosy camping pitch at East Balthangie Caravan Park.
The locals are also very proud of their famous sons, Robert William Thomson and journalist James Murdoch. Robert was the pneumatic tyre and the fountain pen, while James was the first Director-General of the BBC.
Stonehaven Road Trip Itinerary
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle is a romantic and picturesque castle and one of Scotland's most iconic ruins. The castle was the setting for the Mel Gibson movie Hamlet and boasts a rich history, serving as a virtually impregnable fortress home to Earls Marischal. The castle has also been graced by Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and the Marquis of Montrose. The Crown Jewels were also hidden in the castle during the 17th century, and it is an excellent viewpoint for admiring expansive views or exploring beautiful walking paths. A car park near the castle and a short walk leading up to the site.
Stonehaven Beach, approximately 1.1 km in length, features a mix of sandy and pebbly stretches and is bound by the River Carron. It is ideal for family outings, picnics, and coastal walks. The beach is bordered by a wooden promenade with benches, small cafes, and interesting metal sculptures, making it a great spot for relaxing walks. Handily, ample parking at either end of the walk and Cowie.
Stonehaven Harbour is one of the prettiest in Britain and is often a hub of activity and views, with traditional fishing boats, vibrant buildings, and a serene waterfront. It became an important trading port through the Dark Ages and the mediaeval period, later becoming an infamous haunt for pirates. The harbour was reconstructed during the latter part of the 18th century and the early part of the 19th century, with Robert Stevenson, engineer and grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, building the South Pier. Today, the harbour is a lovely spot for gentle walks or sampling fresh seafood at one of the nearby restaurants. The harbour has a small beach area surrounded by charming buildings and parking nearby.
Motorhome and Caravan from £18.00
Gardeners Cottage Campsite is a lovely adults-only site in a splendid location, a few miles off the A90 and around halfway between the buzzing cities of Dundee and Aberdeen.
While we don't usually recommend indoor pools, the Stonehaven Open Air Pool is definitely worth visiting and is advertised as the only art deco swimming pool in the UK. This unique, Olympic-sized heated seawater pool is open during summer and was first constructed in 1934. Acting on the feedback of early swimmers, the sea water is now circulated, filtered and disinfected. The pool facility has a parking area for guests.
Stonehaven's War Memorial on Black Hill may look like it is in a state of disrepair. Yet, it was designed this way by Aberdeen architect John Ellis to reflect the unfinished or ruined lives of those commemorated here. The structure honours the local soldiers who fought in World War I and II. Our readers can access the memorial from the Coastal Tourist Route road or walk the coastal path starting at Stonehaven Harbour. Look forward to views over Stonehaven, the coast, and Dunnottar Castle. There is parking near the memorial, which is a short walk to the site.
Howe of Torbeg is a compact, friendly site located in the heart of Royal Deeside, providing guests with the delights of camping out in the stunning Cairngorms countryside.
The Tolbooth Museum, the oldest surviving structure in Stonehaven, can be found at the harbour. It was once a storehouse during the building of the iconic Dunnottar Castle. The building was renovated in the 1960s and now serves as a museum displaying the town's history. Sit in the gaol cells, learn about the process of imprisoning rebels like the Jacobites, and learn how the building went from storeroom, courthouse, and jail to museum.
There are plenty of places to grab a bite while exploring the stops on our Stonehaven road trip. Stop for fish and chips plus ice cream. The Bay was voted Scotland's Best Independent Takeaway at the National Fish and Chip Awards in 2012 and 2013. Aunty Bettys boasts a wide range of ice cream flavours available with free toppings. Stonehaven also has the distinction of being home to the deep-fried Mars bar. If you're hankering for a pint, leave the Mars bars for a later date and amble over to The Ship Inn or The Marine Hotel, two fab spots for enjoying a range of beers like real ales and twelve craft beers on tap whilst enjoying the views of the harbour.
Camping in and around Stonehaven
Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven. Pahol Chaloeykitti
Stonehaven campsites offer a delightful blend of coastal scenery, history and outdoor adventure. Set along the North Sea Coast, Stonehaven is an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like Dunnottar Castle, perfect for admiring stunning cliffside views and historical ruins. The picturesque Stonehaven Beach and harbour are suitable for gentle walks, sunsets, and plenty of lovely green spaces ideal for picnics nearby. We recommend finding campsites in Inverbervie, Strachan and Laurencekirk. Inverbervie is only 16 minutes from the town and enjoys a fab coastal location. Strachan is perfect for our readers who want to unwind in a lush area with easy access to the coast, while Laurencekirk boasts a rich history, charm, and an ideal base just 14 minutes from Stonehaven. Read on to see what attractions you can explore when you stay at a campsite at our recommended locations. You could also head further north and explore campsites in Inverness, especially if you're keen on Highland scenery and a slower pace.
campsites in Aberdeenshire is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, and the county is renowned for its stunning landscapes, extending from the rugged coastlines and sandy beaches to the rolling hills and expansive woodlands. Discover a wealth of exciting outdoor attractions, including the famous Cairngorms National Park, or head to cosy coastal towns like Stonehaven for sun, sea, sand and a rich history courtesy of crumbling castles like Dunnottar. Our campsites in Aberdeenshire cater to all tastes and needs, be it quiet tent-only sites near scenic walking trails, cosy glamping in fishing villages, or central parks in convenient locations.
The small coastal town of Inverbervie is scenic, quiet and often overlooked by larger cities, making it a fantastic base for kicking back after a long yet rewarding day of sightseeing or outdoor adventure. Located just 10 miles from Stonehaven, Inverbervie campsites provide quick access to various outdoorsy pursuits, making it an ideal base for relaxation and sightseeing. Enjoy peaceful walks along Bervie Beach, admiring the views out to the North Sea, or explore nearby coastal cliffs ideal for birdwatching. The area is also perfect for cycling and hiking, with many winding routes leading to stunning spots like the Catterline coastline and the famous Dunnottar Castle. Proximity to Stonehaven allows campers the freedom to explore historic sites while enjoying the tranquillity of Inverbervie’s coastal charm.Our campsite locations in Inverbervie include campsites in St Cyrus and campsites in Edzell.
Haughton House Holiday Park rests on a sizeable woodland site within the spectacular, forty-acre Haughton Country Park, by the glittering River Don.
The small village of Strachan, tucked in the Grampian Highlands of Scotland, is a quiet site and an ideal base for our campers who enjoy being the heart of the countryside, yet a short drive from the coastline. Book a campsite in Strachan and spend your days in the great outdoors, wandering from scenic trails of the nearby Cairn O’Mount, famed for its stunning vistas of the Dee Valley, or head out for angling and bird watching along the river Feugh. The area is also ideal for cycling and hiking, with quiet roads, woodland paths, and open countryside. For more adventures, head over to Stonehaven for coastal attractions like Stonehaven Beach, which is just 30 minutes away. With over 29 campsites within 30 miles of Strachan, you’re bound to find a campsite that works for you. Our Strachan campsite locations include campsites in Aboyne, campsites in Fraserburg and campsites in Alford.
Laurencekirk, or Lournie as the locals fondly call it, is a small town nestled south of Stonehaven and offers campers a peaceful retreat amid gently undulating hills and scenic landscapes. Find a campsite in Laurencekirk and spend a blissful holiday exploring the Denlethen Woods, an excellent area for walking and cycling trails. Cairn o' Mount, a stunning viewpoint with panoramic views of the Grampian Mountains, is a beautiful stop for admiring far-reaching vistas, while the town's rural location also makes it a hotspot for bird watching and stargazing. For coastal adventure, head to Stonehaven, 20 minutes away, and explore the seaside town's many noteworthy attractions. Our campsite locations in Laurencekirk include campsites in Montrose, campsites in Brechin and campsites in Banchory.
Best Stonehaven Campsites
If you’re unsure where to rest your head for the night, look at our three recommended campsites near Stonehaven. Silverbank Caravan Club Site in Banchory is just under 30 minutes from Stonehaven and a short stroll from local amenities. Deeside Holiday Park in Aberdeen is a fab site for a holiday with hot tubs. At the same time, Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Caravan Park in Stonehaven is a handy base for Caravan and Motorhome Club members. We’ll explore pitches, amenities and more below.
Silverbank Caravan Club Site in Banchory
Silverbank Caravan Club Site, Banchory
Silverbank Caravan Club Site in Banchory offers a charming escape for avid campers, nestled in the picturesque Aberdeenshire countryside. This well-maintained site provides a range of amenities that ensure a comfortable stay, including modern toilet and shower facilities, a laundry room, wheelchair access, Wi-Fi, and a laundry room. The site features spacious pitches on hardstanding, with electric hook-ups and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape for those looking to explore. There are plenty of excellent walking routes near the site, including the Bridge of Feugh and the Glen Muik walk around the loch. The surrounding area has much to offer too, with attractions like Stonehaven, Balmoral and the Cairngorms all within easy reach.
Deeside Holiday Park in Aberdeen
Deeside Holiday Park, Aberdeen
Deeside Holiday Park is a quiet site tucked amid the stunning Deeside landscape. Wake up to the lush settings and soothing birdsong calls from a peaceful location within the Southern valley of the River Dee, and enjoy that inimitable feel of being away from it all. Divide your time between local attractions, like Royal Deeside, the Cairngorms National Park, the lively city of Aberdeen, and the beautiful coastal town of Stonehaven, just a short drive away. The site offers a superb range of pitches, self-catering accommodations, and excellent amenities designed for comfort and convenience. There is a heated toilet and shower block, a laundry room, an indoor play area, a play park, and a communal outdoor barbecue area. Glampers can look into booking a holiday home with a bubbling hot tub and enjoy a sumptuous stay in a tastefully decorated abode.
Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Caravan Park in Stonehaven
Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Caravan Park, Stonehaven
Look forward to a camping experience in the heart of Stonehaven at Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Caravan Park, a beautifully -maintained park in an enviable seaside location at Stonehaven Bay. There is plenty to explore nearby, including the walks to the cliffs of Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven’s charming town centre, and the picturesque harbour. The park’s proximity to these attractions means you can enjoy the beauty and history of Stonehaven while staying in a comfortable and well-equipped environment. Convenient amenities include a modern toilet and shower, laundry room, and a small shop for essentials. The park also features spacious pitches, some with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Stonehaven Caravan Park
Caravan parks are the order of the day at Stonehaven, a fab coastal town with plenty to do, top-notch caravan friendly camping in Stonehaven, and effortless access to surrounding attractions. Banchory Lodge Caravan Park is an excellent spot for touring escapes and our readers searching for a more permanent home away from home. Tucked in the heart of Banchory, the site is quiet and manicured yet well-placed for getting about or strolling into town for a cold pint after a relaxing day on-site. Book a motorhome or campervan pitch and enjoy access to two clean wet rooms, showers, laundry and dishwashing facilities, and complimentary WiFi. Alternatively, look at the caravans for sale and perhaps make Banchory your new home for several months of the year.
Inverbervie Caravan Park is a centrally located base for exploring the sights and sounds in Royal Deeside, Tayside, Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh.
Feughside Caravan Park is another great site for camping and caravanning in Banchory. The award-winning, family-run site is perfect for all ages and budgets, offering tent and touring bases, spacious holiday home rentals and holiday homes for sale. Standard facilities include hot showers, wheelchair-friendly heated toilets, baby changing amenities, laundry services, chemical disposal, a kid’s play area, barbecues and more. Escape to the heart of Royal Deeside and leave the worries of the modern world behind.
Stonehaven Campervans Prices
Explore the stunning natural beauty and dramatic coastline of Stonehaven in a campervan and fall in love with a flexible, cost-effective and scenic way to adventure. With a campervan, you can easily explore outdoor attractions like Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven Beach, and panoramic coastal trails. The freedom to park near picturesque harbours, enjoy seaside picnics and explore the countryside at your pace makes this an entirely unique experience. Campervan hire prices in Stonehaven vary based on the season, duration of your booking, the model, and the campervan's features, so speak directly to our private campervan owners, who offer trips starting at £80 per night.
Campervan Hire in Aberdeenshire
Fortified Peninsula. Neil Williamson
When you book a campervan hire in Aberdeenshire, you'll have the freedom to uncover stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a diverse range of attractions whenever the mood strikes—rumble from rugged coastlines and pristine beaches to rolling countryside and historic castles like Balmoral and Dunnottar. Travelling by campervan provides the flexibility to explore remote villages, park near scenic hiking trails, and bunk in picturesque fishing ports. The region offers a range of campsites and parking facilities, making finding a comfortable spot to stay overnight easy.
Explore Scotland's breathtaking northeast coast with a campervan hire in Stonehaven Easy access to sites like Dunnottar Castle and picturesque shores makes it a fantastic base for scenic road trips. With its assorted coastal attractions, viewsome walking trails, plus proximity to countryside and seaside attractions, Stonehaven is perfect for a relaxing yet adventurous getaway. For more campervan hire options, we recommend hiring a campervan in nearby Aberdeen, Banchory, or St Cyrus, where you can find a more comprehensive range of vehicles to suit your travel requirements, all within easy reach of Stonehaven's attractions and activities. Once you've had your fill of Stonehaven’s coastline, consider campervan hire Inverness to keep the journey rolling through the Highlands.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
Located 10 minutes away from Glasgow airport, our Campervan is ideal for a relaxing holiday. Spence has a pop-up roof, which sleeps four people and has all the mod-cons you would expect from your bed on wheels.
Hop in your Aberdeen campervan and kick off a campervan road trip amid rich landscapes in Scotland's beautiful and often uncrowded northeast. Aberdeen provides quick access to captivating coastal routes, the Cairngorms National Park, and the scenic Aberdeenshire countryside. Book a campervan and visit attractions like Balmoral Castle, the Speyside Whisky Trail, and the picturesque fishing villages along the coast. A short drive away, Stonehaven offers highlights like Dunnottar Castle and beautiful beaches. Aberdeen's proximity to these diverse attractions makes it an ideal starting point for a campervan adventure, combining city conveniences with the freedom to explore Scotland's natural beauty. Browse our selection of 11 campervans and motorhomes within 50 miles of Aberdeen. Our campervan hire locations in Aberdeen include campervans for hire in Kintore, campervans for hire in Ellon, campervans for hire in Fraserburg, campervans for hire in Insch, campervans for hire in Turriff and campervans for hire in Mintlaw.
Hidden in the heart of Royal Deeside, Banchory campervans offer easy access to varied attractions like Crathes Castle, with its beautiful gardens and woodland walks, and the Cairngorms National Park, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. The scenic River Dee is certain to entice the angling enthusiasts with excellent fishing and kayaking. Banchory’s central location makes it a fantastic centre point for road trips, with Stonehaven's dramatic coastline just a 30-minute drive away. Find the perfect campervan hire in Banchory and savour the freedom to discover these diverse landscapes as and when you please. Our campervan hire locations in Banchory include campervans for hire in Strachan, campervans for hire in Aboyne, campervans for hire in Alford, campervans for hire in Laurencekirk and campervans for hire in Inverbervie.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
Angus is a luxury campervan unique in design and easy to drive. Based just outside Aberdeen, he is located conveniently on the North East 250 route and a couple of hours from the North Coast 500. Book our lovely.
There’s plenty to explore in a campervan hire in St Cyrus, so grab your maps and camping gear for an exciting road trip in Stonehaven. Start at the beautiful St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, with its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife, right at your doorstep. Nearby, you can visit the picturesque village of Johnshaven and the historic town of Montrose. Stonehaven, with its iconic Castle, charming harbour, and rich history, is just a 20-minute drive away, offering plenty of coastal adventures. St. Cyrus’s tranquil setting and proximity to an array of attractions make it a top-notch base for a relaxing, scenic and flexible campervan journey. Browse 10 campervans and motorhomes within 60 miles of St Cyrus, or find more campervans in Montrose, campervans in Edzell, campervans in Brechin and campervans in Arbroath.
A Goodbye to Stonehaven
And so we conclude our campervan road trip through Stonehaven. We've covered everything you need for a relaxing and memorable adventure. From campervan hire locations in and around Stonehaven to the best campsites in the area, we've ensured you have all the essential information for exploring this picturesque coastal town. Our Unmissable Road Trip Itinerary Through The Scottish Lowlands highlights must-see attractions, making it easy to tailor the trip to your interests. Stay tuned for our next Scottish Lowlands blog, where we'll take you on a scenic road trip through the charming coastal village of Anstruther, with even more tips and attractions to discover.
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