Seaside cottages in Gardenstown, Aberdeenshire
Northeast Scotland

Holiday cottages by the sea

Gardenstown self-catering cottages idyllically positioned in the the historic village many being newly built with all modern conveniences are very warm and cosy whatever the weather. This corner of Scotland has so much to see and do - castles, distilleries, walking, golf, beaches - ideal for a Scottish holiday. Come and see for yourself and enjoy going to sleep with the sound of the waves lapping below your bedroom window!

Gardenstown is a fishing village, founded in 1720. The harbour is no longer used by commercial boats, but has more pleasure craft with some inshore fishing. The village has grown up the cliff face over the years with the conservation Seatown area much as it was when founded with the fishermen's cottages along the sea front. Truly you are stepping back in time when you take a stroll along the Seatown with only a narrow road separating the fishing cottages from the sea.

The village is the largest of three fishing village on this stretch of coastline, with the smaller neighbours of Pennan and Crovie being the other two. The nearest town is Macduff, approx eight miles away and also Banff. Going the opposite direction you come to Fraserbugh approx 12 miles away, which is still one of the main fishing ports of the UK, as is Peterhead further down the coast. Both of these towns have reached fame over the past few years as the home of the TV programme "The Trawlermen". Get up early in the morning and visit the fish markets as the day's catch is landed.

Within easy travelling distance there are numerous distilleries and castles to view, either on your own or follow the tourist Castle and Whisky trails. Tourist attractions nearby for a rainy day include the The Aquarium at Macduff, with a live link to the Gannet colony at Troup Head. Duff House in Banff is worth a visit, while in the other direction try the Lighthouse Museum at Fraserburgh. In good weather there are more beaches and natural coastal walks than you could wish for, it would take at least a month staying in the area to do them justice. Above all, the natural beauty of this unique corner of Scotland alone is well worth the visit. Clean, fresh air, straight off the sea, from the Moray Firth at Gardenstown to the west or the North Sea in the east.

For sporting enthusiasts, most towns up and down the coast have their own golf course, these are mostly links courses, some with stunning scenery. Fishing off the pier is an option, or take a fishing trip from the pleasure craft available at Banff and Macduff. Visit the Gannet Colony at Troup Head by sea and look up at the cliffs from sea level - a great day out. The beauty is not all on the sea front however, go inland and visit the rugged beauty of Scotland, from Royal Deeside to the Lecht and up to Inverness, all possible on a day trip.

Do bring binoculars to study the seabirds and to look for the dolphins which are resident in the Moray Firth - all from the sitting room window. The modern eco friendly insulation in this new build means it is cosy in winter as well as summer and looking out on a raging sea from your chair is a totally different experience and one not to be missed. On a calm night, go to sleep being serenaded by the waves lapping the sea wall directly below your bedroom.