Guide to Cruden Bay for Holidays

Why Visit Cruden Bay on the Aberdeenshire Coast?

Cruden Bay on the north east Aberdeenshire coast is a quaint former fishing village and a very scenic place for a cottage holiday. Rows of fishermen's cottages line the narrow lanes near the harbour. The village has an excellent sandy beach set into the bay, backed by sand dunes which lead to the golf course. There are several pubs for meals out at lunchtime or evenings. Whether you opt to book a holiday cottage in Aberdeenshire or a harbour cottage in Cruden Bay, you can relax some evenings and eat out.

View holiday cottages in Cruden Bay

What Does Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire Offer for Coastal Holidays?

Cruden Bay has plenty to offer for tranquil coastal breaks, including a stunning long stretch of sandy beach, the fascinating historic ruins of Slains Castle, an 18 hole golf course, and superb wildlife watching opportunities.

Cruden Bay Beach 

It has a lovely beach of golden sand set in a sheltered bay, a picturesque fishing harbour with quaint fishermen's houses, , several attractive and interesting walks plus a selection of pubs and  hotels for meals and refreshments.  High tea at 5 pm is highly recommended.

Historical Connections and Slains Castle 

There is an attractive an interesting walk that can be begun from the car park just off Main Street, in the village.  It goes through a small section of woodland where the trees are bent against the winter gales and then proceeds along the bank of a stream to the right and takes you along the cliffs to the ruins of Slains Castle of Dracula fame.  Apparently Bram Stoker, author of Dracula was inspired to write the story following a visit to Cruden Bay and Slains castle in eerie, misty weather.  People familiar with the area will know that the haar or mist can arise even on a hot summer's day, and especially after very hot weather.

The fairly extensive ruins are dramatically perched on the edge of a sheer cliff.  Children should be supervised at all times when exploring the ruins.  Dogs have been known to run into the cliffside 'rooms' and disappear over the side of the cliff.

The cliffs at the back of Slains Castle have been weathered into strange shapes.  the 'two eyes' or 'twa een' is one such rock formation and is a popular spot with locals fishing for mackerel.

Behind the castle, the walk goes past Smuggler's cove where contraband was brought ashore under cover of darkness in the past. The south facing side of these cliffs is covered with yellow primroses in late spring. Sea pinks, broom and many other wild flowers are a delight to behold in late spring and early summer.

A Golf Course with Sea Views

Cruden Bay is home to a superb 18 hole golf course with stunning sea views.

Unspoilt Nature and Wildlife Watching

If you enjoy wild flowers then you should make a point of visiting Cruden Bay in late May.  Instead of just taking the cliff walk, take a short detour following the stream down the ravine.  The banks of the stream are edged with yellow iris and blue  forget-me-nots -  there are primroses in abundance.

Bird watchers will adore the coastal area.  Small rocky islands just off the coast and the cliffs are breeding grounds for numerous sea birds.  Puffins and seals can be spotted in season.

More Places to Visit near Cruden Bay

Other nearby coastal spots worth a visit are Bullers of Buchan for their majestic cliffs which are about 2 miles away from Slains Castle going towards Peterhead, and  Whinnyfold, which is a couple of bays away from the end of Cruden Bay beach.  A steep path takes visitors down the side of the cliff into a pebbly bay. 

A sandy bay lies a short walk along the cliff top towards Cruden Bay.  These quiet and remote beaches are ideal for barbecues on the beach using driftwood .  Children will love to discover the sea anemones, crabs and myriads of other small creatures that live in the rock pools.

Click here for a list of Scottish self-catering holiday cottages and apartments.

 

We hope we’ve inspired you with our guide to Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire.  Whether you want to book an activity break where you play golf on holiday, enjoy some sea fishing, enjoy walks along the beautiful beach, or want to immerse yourself in tranquillity and nature on holiday, this part of North Eastern Scotland has lots to offer for remote coastal breaks.