Discover StoneHaven in a Motorhome: Complete Guide
Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive travel guide to Stonehaven, a charming town located on the northeast coast of Scotland. We will take you through the rich and fascinating history of this town, built around an Iron Age fishing village. We will give you all the tips for traveling at the best time, taking into account the weather, and we will give you budget ideas. We will also show you the best places to park your camper van, where to sleep, and of course, where and what to eat in Stonehaven. Get ready to discover Stonehaven like you’ve never seen it before!
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What is Stonehaven in Scotland?
History of Stonehaven
We will now tell you about Stonehaven, a charming town located on the northeast coast of Scotland. Stonehaven is nestled in the Aberdeenshire council area and in the lieutenancy region and former county of Kincardineshire. Formerly, from 1975 to 1996, it was the administrative capital of the Kincardine and Deeside district, within the Grampian region. Today, it has a population of about fourteen thousand inhabitants.
Stonehaven has a rich and fascinating history. It was built around an Iron Age fishing village, now known as Auld Toun (the old town), and has extended beyond the coast inland. Already in the 16th century, old maps indicate that the name of the town was Stonehyve or Stonehive.
The town has been the site of events dating back to prehistory, as evidenced by discoveries at Fetteresso Castle and Neolithic pottery excavated in the Spurryhillock area. Stonehaven is located south of what was once the Causey Mounth road, which was built on the heights to allow passage of the single medieval road that connected central points located on the coast to the city of Aberdeen. The town is also near the impressive Dunnotar Castle.
Geographical location
In terms of geography, Stonehaven is located at 56° 58′ north, 2° 13′ west. It is easily accessible by road, train, and plane, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents of Scotland.
How to get to Stonehaven ?
To get to Stonehaven by car or camper van from Edinburgh, the distance to be covered is about 170 kilometers. It takes about 1 hour 57 minutes to drive from Edinburgh to Stonehaven. The main road to take is the A90. We advise you to stop in our little favorite just above Dundee, namely the small town of Arbroath!
To get to Stonehaven by train from Edinburgh, you can take the First ScotRail Service train that departs from Edinburgh station and arrives at Stonehaven. Services depart every two hours and operate every day. The journey takes about 2 hours 14 minutes.
The nearest airport to Stonehaven is Aberdeen Airport, which is about 27 kilometers away. However, there are no direct flights between Edinburgh and Aberdeen. The best option would be to take a train or car to Stonehaven from Edinburgh.
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Climate: When to visit Stonehaven in a camper van ?
Stonehaven, Scotland, benefits from a temperate oceanic climate. Average maximum temperatures range from 6°C in January to 17°C in July, with an annual rainfall of 678mm. The climate is generally favorable for visiting Stonehaven from June to September, with particularly pleasant weather in July and August.
Here is an overview of the climate month by month:
| Month | Average temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Weather | Opinions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°/6° | 55mm | ☁️ | Very unfavorable |
| February | 4°/7° | 49mm | ☁️ | Very unfavorable |
| March | 5°/8° | 40mm | ☁️ | Very unfavorable |
| April | 6°/10° | 36mm | ☁️ | Unfavorable |
| May | 9°/12° | 52mm | ☁️ | Unfavorable |
| June | 12°/15° | 59mm | 🌤️ | Unfavorable |
| July | 13°/17° | 75mm | ☀️ | Favorable |
| August | 13°/17° | 75mm | ☀️ | Favorable |
| September | 11°/15° | 45mm | 🌤️ | Unfavorable |
| October | 9°/12° | 70mm | ☁️ | Unfavorable |
| November | 7°/9° | 69mm | ☁️ | Unfavorable |
| December | 5°/7° | 59mm | ☁️ | Very unfavorable |
In conclusion, if you are planning to visit Stonehaven, we recommend planning your trip between July and August. These months offer the most pleasant weather conditions to enjoy everything Stonehaven has to offer.
Sleeping spots and camper van service areas in Stonehaven
Here are the top 5 spots to sleep in a camper van in StoneHaven, Scotland, and also to visit Dunnotar Castle
- 📍🥇 Dunnotar Castle parking lot: This parking lot offers a magnificent view. There is a walking trail to the castle, but it is very steep, so if you have knee problems, I would not recommend it
- 📍🥈 The Links parking: This parking lot is located in front of the beach. There is no overnight ban and there are free public toilets nearby (although they are closed at night).
- 📍🥉 Stonehaven Beach parking: This parking lot is located right next to the beach, offering stunning views of the sea. It is also close to the city center, which is convenient for amenities
- 📍 Stonehaven Harbour parking: This parking lot is located near the harbor, offering picturesque views of the boats and the sea. However, it can be a little noisy during the day due to port activity.
- 📍 Cowie Village parking: This parking lot is located in a quiet village on the outskirts of Stonehaven. It offers a peaceful environment, but it is a bit far from the city center
These places all offer magnificent views and convenient locations for overnight stays in a camper van. However, it is always recommended to check local rules and parking restrictions before deciding where to spend the night.
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Where and what to eat in Stonehaven ?
Stonehaven, nestled on the northeast coast of Scotland, is a town that has preserved its picturesque charm with a multitude of independent cafes and shops lining its streets. Whether you are looking for a casual seaside meal or a more refined dining experience, Stonehaven has something to satisfy all taste buds.
Stonehaven restaurants
- 🍽️ The Tolbooth: This is where the beauty of the harbor meets the sublimation of food. Located in one of Stonehaven’s oldest buildings, The Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant is a place that will delight all food lovers.
- 🍽️ The Old Pier Coffee House: Overlooking the bustle of the Stonehaven harbor, The Old Pier Coffee House is a favorite spot for those looking for good coffee and good food. Their Croque toasts are a must-try and their baguettes are generously filled.
- 🍽️ E Giulinotti: Giulinotti’s vintage Italian ice cream and confectionery store has established itself in the heart of the Stonehaven community since it opened in 1899.
- 🍽️ The Carron Fish Bar: This is where Scotland’s famous deep-fried Mars bar was born.
- 🍽️ Replenish: With a special focus on planet preservation, Replenish is Stonehaven’s first eco-friendly refill and waste-free store.
Stonehaven specialties
In Scotland, and especially in Stonehaven, you can taste a variety of traditional dishes. Seafood is a must, with dishes like smoked haddock, mussels, and Scottish salmon. Meat lovers can indulge in haggis, a traditional Scottish dish made from minced sheep meat, onions, oatmeal, and spices. For vegetarians, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) is a comforting and tasty dish. And for dessert, don’t miss out on cranachan, a traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, honey, raspberries, and toasted oats.
Travel Budget for a Road Trip to Stonehaven
The currency used in Scotland is the pound sterling (GBP). The cost of living in Scotland is 7.5% lower than in France, and local purchasing power is 5.7% higher. When traveling, plan on a local budget of at least €108 per person per day.
– Meal in a mid-range restaurant: €29(+16% on 🇫🇷)
– Fast-food menu: €7(-23% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Local beer (50 cl draught): €4.5(-25% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Single public transport ticket: €2.9(+76% on 🇫🇷)
– Monthly public transport pass: €76(+51% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Unleaded petrol (1 liter): €1.65(+6% on 🇫🇷)
– Budget hotel (double room): €68(+18% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Mid-range hotel (double room): €104(+25% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Top-of-the-range hotel (double room): €173(-38% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or equivalent): €68(-16% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Summer dress in a major retailer (Zara, H&M…): €34(-3% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Pair of sports shoes: €73(-13% compared with 🇫🇷)
Video of our citytrip
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What activities to do in Stonehaven ?
Here is a list of activities we invite you to do in St Andrews according to your taste and preferences:
- Take a walk along the Stonehaven waterfront, adorned with beautiful metal sculptures related to the town’s maritime history.
- Taste the local products in Stonehaven’s excellent restaurants. The seafood is exceptional, often caught off the coast of the town.
Lastly, let’s talk about a regular event that takes place in Stonehaven. This is the celebration of Hogmanay. Every year, on the evening of December 31st, the people of Stonehaven and visitors gather for a unique procession. Participants swing impressive fireballs above their heads, parading through the town to the sea, where the fireballs are thrown amidst the cheers of the crowd. This event takes place every year on December 31st.
Conclusion: Why visit or come back to Stonehaven ?
We hope that this comprehensive travel guide has given you a good idea of what Stonehaven has to offer. Whether you are a history lover, a nature enthusiast, or a foodie, there is something for you in Stonehaven. Remember to plan your trip between July and August to enjoy the most pleasant weather conditions. And remember, the journey is as important as the destination. So, take your time, enjoy the scenery, and make this trip an unforgettable moment. See you soon in Stonehaven!
Frequently Asked Questions
You have several options to get to Stonehaven from Edinburgh. You can take a flight to Aberdeen Airport, which is about 27 kilometers away from Stonehaven, and then take a train or a car for the rest of the journey. Alternatively, you can take the train directly from Edinburgh, with services departing every two hours and lasting about 2 hours 14 minutes. If you prefer to drive, the distance between Edinburgh and Stonehaven is about 170 kilometers, and the journey takes about 1 hour 57 minutes.
The best time to visit Stonehaven is between June and September, with particularly pleasant weather in July and August. The climate in Stonehaven is generally temperate oceanic, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 6°C in January to 17°C in July.
There are several places where you can sleep in a camper van in Stonehaven. You can choose the Dunnotar Castle parking lot, which offers a magnificent view and is level. The Links parking lot is located in front of the beach and does not have an overnight ban. The Stonehaven Beach parking lot is right next to the beach, offering stunning views of the sea. The Stonehaven Harbour parking lot offers picturesque views of the boats and the sea, but it can be a bit noisy during the day. Finally, the Cowie Village parking lot is located in a quiet village on the outskirts of Stonehaven and offers a peaceful environment.
There are many activities you can do in Stonehaven. You can take a walk along the waterfront, taste local products in the town’s excellent restaurants, visit Dunnottar Castle, discover the Tolbooth Museum, go paddleboarding along the coast, walk along the trail that leads to Dunnottar, and participate in the Hogmanay celebration, which takes place every year on December 31st.
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