Plan your visit
Plan your Visit
Get the facts on parking, weather rules, and steep terrain. Learn exactly what to expect when you arrive at the cliffs.
Getting there
Drive to the dedicated lot, take the X7 bus, or hike from town.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk: Hike the scenic cliff-top coastal path from Stonehaven harbour to the castle. | 30-40 mins | Free | A highly recommended, scenic route, though it includes some uphill sections and uneven dirt terrain. |
| Car: Drive via the A92 to the castle's dedicated car park just off the main road. | 5 mins from Stonehaven | Free parking | The car park is small and fills up quickly during the summer; it's best to arrive early in the day. |
| Bus: Take the X7 or 107 bus from Stonehaven or Aberdeen to the Dunnottar junction on the A92. | 10 mins from Stonehaven | £2-£4 | Requires a short walk from the main road bus stop down to the castle entrance. |
| Train: Travel by train to Stonehaven Station, then connect via bus, taxi, or a long walk. | 20 mins from Aberdeen | From £5 | Direct trains run regularly from Aberdeen and Edinburgh to Stonehaven Station. |
| Tour: Join a guided coach day-trip from Edinburgh or Aberdeen exploring the Aberdeenshire coast. | Full day | £50-£90 | Ideal for visitors without a car who want to combine the castle with sights like St Andrews or Balmoral. |
When to go
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- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The castle is open year-round, but summer (April to September) offers the longest hours from 09:00 to 18:00. Summer provides the most reliable coastal weather. Winter brings shorter daylight hours and a higher risk of sudden weather closures due to wind or ice.
What to bring
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The castle sits on an exposed headland.
Bring warm layers, as the North Sea wind is cold even in summer.
How the day runs
Structure your coastal excursion.
Hike the scenic cliff path before exploring the ruins.
- Start in town
Begin your walk at Stonehaven harbour.
- Hike the cliffs
Follow the dirt terrain along the coastal path.
- Cliff-top view
Arrive at the mainland viewpoint for photos.
- The Steps
Descend the 200 steep steps to the gatehouse.
- The Keep
Explore the 14th-century Tower House.
Drive directly to the site for a focused morning visit.
- Depart Aberdeen
Drive south via the A92.
- Park
Arrive early to claim a spot in the free car park.
- Walk to entrance
Walk the 300 metres from the lot to the cliffs.
- Explore the vault
Tour the Whigs' Vault and the restored Chapel.
- Head to Stonehaven
Drive 5 minutes into town for lunch.
Practical Advice
Pack a windproof jacket and wear flat, sturdy shoes. The steps are steep and the North Sea wind is cold even in summer. Only card payments are accepted at the site kiosk.
Recreational drones are strictly banned within a 1-kilometre radius. Dogs are allowed on a lead but cannot go inside any roofed buildings. Check Weather Closures before you travel.
Easiest way to do it
Robert Burns, the BBC and Mars Bars: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
1 h 20 min 5.0 (1)
- VoiceMap Application
- Lifetime access to Stonehaven: Robert Burns, the BBC and Mars Bars tour
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
From$8per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Is parking free?
Yes, free parking is available on-site at a small car park located about 300 metres from the castle entrance. It fills up quickly during the summer.
Are there toilets?
Facilities are very limited. There is a small kiosk in the car park, but no large facilities inside the medieval ruins themselves.
How accessible is the site?
Access requires descending and climbing approximately 200 steep and uneven steps. The site is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.