A Scenic Coastal Train Journey from Aberdeen to Edinburgh
The train ride from Aberdeen to Edinburgh takes about 2.5 hours and runs along the coastline for much of the way. If you’re planning this route, definitely sit on the left side for the best sea views. I was surprised by how beautiful it was — I saw rolling countryside, Scottish houses, quiet beaches, and dramatic cliffs. Honestly, I kept wanting to get off at every stop! About 15 minutes after leaving Aberdeen, I arrived in Stonehaven.
What is Stonehaven? A Quiet Seaside Town with Castle Views
Stonehaven is a peaceful coastal town just south of Aberdeen, best known for its harbour and the incredible Dunnottar Castle, perched on the cliffs nearby.
At first, I thought “Stone + Heaven?” — but no, that’s not where the name comes from (haha). The original name was Stonehive, referring to a cluster of rocks in the harbour. Over time, the name evolved into Stonehaven, influenced by the old Norse word havn meaning harbour.
It’s a lovely place to visit, especially on a sunny day. From Stonehaven Station, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk to the beach. The town is compact and easy to explore on foot — even without a car.
Stonehaven beach is known for its quirky and whimsical metal sculptures, created by local artist Jim Malcolm, which are dotted along the boardwalk connecting the beach to the harbour. You’ll spot boats, dolphins, and all sorts of nautical-themed pieces. It was really fun to walk along and see all the different sculptures—such a cool and creative touch to the seaside!
I was travelling with a big backpack, and climbing up the cliffs with it was a bit tough, so I’d recommend carrying something lighter if you plan to walk the coastal paths!
First Stop: The Harbour Viewpoint
Stonehaven Harbour is charming and full of character, with bobbing sailboats and cosy pubs nestled by the water. It has such a chill, local vibe. I could’ve spent all afternoon sitting by the harbour with a pint, watching the yachts float gently in the bay.
At the Harbour Viewpoint, you get a stunning view of the ocean, the boats, and rows of traditional grey-roofed houses — I really felt like I was in Scotland!
Don’t Miss the Dunnottar Cliffs – The Highlight of Stonehaven
From the harbour, I followed a walking path up to the Dunnottar Cliffs, and honestly — this was the highlight of my visit.
The path takes you through green fields, past grazing cows, with sweeping views of the coast behind you. As I got closer to the cliffs, bright yellow wildflowers started to appear, and the sea stretched endlessly below. The cliffs were steep and dramatic, and the view from the top was just breathtaking.
From here, you can also spot the Dunnottar Castle, sitting right at the edge of the cliffs — it looked so epic against the ocean backdrop! I didn’t have time to go inside, but just seeing it from the cliffs was more than enough. It felt like a scene from a movie.
Stonehaven: The Perfect Day Trip Stop
I only spent a few hours in Stonehaven, but it was absolutely worth the stop. The peaceful harbour, the dramatic coastal cliffs, and the unexpected beauty of the views made it one of the most memorable parts of my trip my trip to a fairytale wedding at a Scottish castle.
If you’re travelling between Aberdeen and Edinburgh and have some extra time, I really recommend stopping here — especially if you love nature, walking, and beautiful ocean views.