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Aberdeenshire Pretty Coastal Villages
Looking to book a cottage break along the Aberdeenshire coastline and discover which are the prettiest coastal villages? Discover which are Aberdeenshire’s prettiest coastal villages. The Aberdeenshire coast is one of the most tranquil and unspoilt in the whole of Scotland; it’s not unusual to find deserted beaches and to enjoy glimpses of nature and wildlife.
Aside from the stunning natural beauty, Aberdeenshire’s coast offers historical intrigue with its castles and associations with Bram Stoker, as well as ample seaside charm.
Aberdeenshire’s Prettiest Seaside Villages
Some of Aberdeenshire’s prettiest villages include:
Cruden Bay, home to Slains Castle and a Beautiful Stretch of Sandy Beach
Cruden Bay is an absolute gem of a coastal village. Found 25 miles north of Aberdeen, and 2 miles from the Bullers of Buchan, this small village is particularly pretty around the harbour area, and is home to a golf club (with sea views!), a long stretch of unspoilt sandy beach with sand dunes, and the ruins of Slains Castle.
Whether you want to relax by the beach, paddle in the sea, do a spot of fishing off the harbour wall or step back in time with a cliffside walk to Slains Castle, this is a fascinating place to visit.
At the end of Main Street in Cruden Bay, there is a car park, and Castle Woods. A trail leads up from Castle Woods past woodland and stunning cliffside scenery, up to Slains Castle. The castle ruins are perched dramatically on the cliffs with the waves of the North Sea crashing below. The castle is hauntingly beautiful and very atmospheric. The ruins are rumoured to have inspired Bram Stoker in his writing of Dracula and it’s well documented that the author himself stayed at the local hotel for a coastal retreat.
Crovie, for Fishermen’s Cottages and Glorious Coastal Scenery
The tiny coastal hamlet of Crovie, lies 45 miles north of Aberdeen, and just 1.5 miles from Gardenstown and 10 miles from Banff. Visit the tiny hamlet of Crovie, and you will feel as if you are stepping back in time. The village is made up of a single row of historic fishermen’s cottages, set by steep cliffs and the sea. There is no way to drive through the village, instead you have to walk along a small path at the front of the houses.
A coastal path connects Crovie with the larger nearby quaint coastal village of Gardenstown.
Some of the fishermen’s cottages at Crovie are now places to stay. If you want to wake up to superb sea views, enjoy coastal walks, listen to the waves, and enjoy spectacular sunsets, this is a great place for a coastal escape break.
Quaint Coastal Collieston
Collieston is a quaint Aberdeenshire fishing village, with a scattering of houses set on the hillside, around a quaint harbour and a small stretch of beach. Located around 18 miles north of Aberdeen, Collieston is along the Aberdeenshire coastal trail and is a good spot to stop off, on the way to Cruden Bay and the Bullers of Buchan.
Also close by to Collieston and a must-see spot for keen wildlife watchers, is the Forvie National Nature Reserve; an extensive area of sand dunes and dune heaths which is home to stunning coastal seascapes and a variety of birdlife.
Coastal Delights at Gardenstown
Located just a coastal walkway along from the tiny fishing hamlet of Crovie, Gardenstown, affectionately known as ‘Gamrie’ by locals, is a beautiful coastal village and an ideal getaway for a tranquil coastal break.
Set at the base of cliffs, the village extends up the hillside, and centres around the pretty harbour and a small stretch of beach. The coastal views and setting here are just magnificent. Walk your pet pooch or sit on the beach and watch the sea gulls soaring in the sky. There’s a good vibe at Gardenstown; there are a couple of cafes in the village, and the village has an art scene with galleries and workshops too.
Picturesque Pennan
Lying 4 miles east of Gardenstown is the pretty fishing village of Pennan. Reached by a steep road that winds all the way down to the village, the approach is dramatic with sea views right in front of you. There is limited parking in the village.
Pennan is an incredibly pretty little village, with quaint white washed fishing cottages, a red telephone box, a welcoming inn, a small harbour and good coastal walks. There is a pebble beach too, and some fascinating sea caves.
The village was made famous in the 1983 film Local Hero.
For a tranquil seaside escape, Pennan could be a perfect choice.
Discover some of the Best of the Aberdeenshire Coastline on a Cottage Break
There are some gorgeous coastal gems of fishing villages dotted along the Aberdeenshire coast. Depending on where you choose to book cottage accommodation, you may be able to visit all of these scenic places.
Wherever you choose to stay, we hope you manage to visit some of Aberdeenshire’s most picturesque seaside villages on holiday.
