Attractions and Places To See around Slains And Collieston - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Slains And Collieston are found along the Aberdeenshire coast, featuring dramatic natural beauty and historical ruins. The region offers a blend of rugged sea cliffs, sandy bays, and intriguing historical sites. Visitors can explore coastal paths and discover landmarks that define this part of Scotland.
Best attractions and places to see around Slains And Collieston
- The most popular attractions is New Slains Castle, a castle that offers great views over the water. This site is widely believed to have inspired Bram Stoker's *Dracula*.
- Another must-see spot is Bullers of Buchan — Sea Cliffs and Rock Arch, a viewpoint featuring dramatic sea cliffs and a remarkable rock arch. This geological feature is known for its impressive coastal formations and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Visitors also love Hackley Bay, a beach accessible via the coastal path. This beautiful sandy bay is a sheltered spot on the North Sea.
- Slains And Collieston is known for its historical castles, dramatic natural features, and diverse wildlife. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from coastal walks to seal colonies.
- The attractions around Slains And Collieston are appreciated by the komoot community. More than 50 upvotes and 60 photos have been shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
New Slains Castle
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Hackley Bay
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Newburgh Seal Colony
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Specifically, don't walk towards the end of the spit at the north side of the river so as not to disturb the seals and ground nesting birds. There are plenty of signs on the trails from the Forvie Car Park alluding to this.
If you want to have a good look at the seals, park at the car park near the Newburgh Golf Club on the south side of the river just as you come into Newburgh from the south, signposted "Seals" Or park in the village and walk along the track as the car park if often busy. Then walk along the beach. Take binoculars and lots of photographs. You won't disturb the main body of seals 100 yards across the river and you will easily see them even without binoculars. And there are always a few curious seals in the water keeping and eye on folks on the beach.
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Forvie National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre
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Bullers of Buchan — Sea Cliffs and Rock Arch
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Tips from the Community
Bram Stoker spent a lot of his time around Cruden Bay and New Slain's Castle. He found it an inspiration for his famous book Dracula. 🧛♂️ I recommend accessing it from Cruden Bay, as it's a stunning walk along the cliff tops.
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The visitor centre is open daily 10am - 4pm. The impressive dune system is always open. 😉
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The first building on the site of New Slains Castle was constructed for Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll, following the destruction of the original Slains Castle. Named Bowness, it was located on a sea cliff close to what is now the village of Cruden Bay. Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll, a convert to Roman Catholicism, had conspired with other Catholic nobles, including the Earl of Huntly, with whom he joined in a brief rebellion in 1589. Erroll was also a signatory of the "Spanish Blanks", documents signed by members of the Catholic nobility of Scotland, and otherwise left to be filled in with the terms of Spanish aid. Erroll was declared a traitor in 1594, and Old Slains Castle was destroyed on the orders of King James VI. After a period abroad Erroll returned to Scotland, and abjured Roman Catholicism in 1597, subsequently returning to royal favour. He abandoned Old Slains and built a courtyard and square tower on the present site, around 1600.
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Surprised at how open to the public this is given its proximity to the cliff edge and how perilously perched one of the rooms is over the water below. I'm usually one to scoff/rail at over-eager H&S regs but in this case, I reckon closing off at least part of the castle might be in order. A fence at/around the headland wouldn't go amiss either. Approach at your own risk!
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A beautiful little sandy bay. The coastal path goes above it or you can descend into the bay.
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Forvie National Nature Reserve is a treasure located north of Newburgh in Aberdeenshire, in the northeast of Scotland. Owned and managed by NatureScot, the reserve is one of Scotland’s most dramatic stretches of coast3. It covers almost 1,000 hectares of sand dunes and dune heath between the North Sea and the estuary of the River Ythan1. The Sands of Forvie, which are the fifth largest sand dune system in Britain, dominate the southern end of the reserve. These sands are the least disturbed by human activity in the country.
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The Bullers of Buchan are a geological coastal feature. It is possible to spot puffins here in early summer. You can combine this with a walk along the dramatic sea cliffs to the north towards Boddam and Peterhead. Or head south towards Slain's Castle and Cruden Bay.
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Don't walk there. Specifically, don't walk towards the end of the spit at the north side of the river so as not to disturb the seals and ground nesting birds. There are plenty of signs on the trails from the Forvie Car Park alluding to this. If you want to have a good look at the seals, park at the car park near the Newburgh Golf Club on the south side of the river just as you come into Newburgh from the south, signposted "Seals" Or park in the village and walk along the track as the car park if often busy. Then walk along the beach. Take binoculars and lots of photographs. You won't disturb the main body of seals 100 yards across the river and you will easily see them even without binoculars. And there are always a few curious seals in the water keeping and eye on folks on the beach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Slains And Collieston?
The region is rich in history, featuring the atmospheric ruins of New Slains Castle, believed to have inspired Bram Stoker's *Dracula*. You can also find the scant remains of Old Slains Castle near Collieston, a 13th-century fortress destroyed in 1594, offering dramatic views over Broad Haven. The charming Collieston Village itself, with its pretty harbour, also holds historical appeal.
Where can I experience the dramatic coastal scenery and unique geological features?
For dramatic coastal scenery, visit the Bullers of Buchan — Sea Cliffs and Rock Arch, a remarkable natural attraction with sea cliffs and a distinctive rock arch. The Collieston Coastline also offers stunning views with its low grassy cliffs and rocky shore, including features like the stack of Hummel Craig. Don't miss the panoramic views of Collieston village from St. Catherine's Dub Viewpoint.
Are there opportunities for wildlife viewing in the area?
Yes, the area is excellent for wildlife. The Bullers of Buchan is a great spot for birdwatching, with puffins often seen in the spring and early summer. A short distance away, the Newburgh Seal Colony at the Ythan Estuary is home to a massive seal colony. Visitors are advised to view the seals from designated areas, such as the south side of the river near the Newburgh Golf Club, to avoid disturbance.
What natural bays or beaches are worth visiting?
Hackley Bay is a beautiful sandy bay accessible via the coastal path, offering a sheltered spot on the North Sea. The Collieston Village also features a pretty beach set within a natural amphitheater.
Are there good walking trails or coastal paths in the area?
Yes, the region is ideal for hiking and walking. Numerous coastal paths provide breathtaking views and opportunities to explore the rugged beauty of the Aberdeenshire coast. A popular circuit connects Collieston to the ruins of Old Slains Castle. For specific running routes, you can explore options like the 'Forvie Nature Reserve loop from the Visitor Centre' or 'Hackley Bay – Sand Loch loop from Collieston' found in the Running Trails around Slains And Collieston guide.
What outdoor activities are available near these attractions?
Beyond walking, the area offers excellent opportunities for cycling and running. You can find various routes for different sports, such as road cycling routes like 'Forest Path to the Cliff Path – Slains Castle Ruins loop from Hatton' in the Road Cycling Routes around Slains And Collieston guide, or touring bicycle routes like 'Newburgh & Forvie Nature Reserve loop from Ellon' in the Cycling around Slains And Collieston guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities?
The Forvie National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre is a great starting point for families, offering information about the local habitat and wildlife. The reserve itself, with its sand dunes and beaches, provides a natural playground. Viewing the seals at the Newburgh Seal Colony is also a popular family activity, ensuring you follow guidelines to not disturb the animals.
What is the best time of year to visit Slains And Collieston?
The spring and summer months (April to August) are generally considered the best time to visit. During this period, you have the best chance to spot puffins at the Bullers of Buchan and enjoy milder weather for coastal walks and exploring the ruins. However, the dramatic scenery can be appreciated year-round.
Is there parking available at the main attractions?
Yes, parking is generally available. For New Slains Castle, parking is best in Cruden Bay, with a short walk to the castle, or there's a free parking lot right on the street. The Bullers of Buchan has a good-sized car park providing easy access. For the Newburgh Seal Colony, park near the Newburgh Golf Club on the south side of the river.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the Slains And Collieston area?
Visitors frequently highlight the stunning coastal views and the dramatic natural beauty. The atmospheric ruins of New Slains Castle are a major draw, offering a sense of history and impressive vistas. The geological formations at the Bullers of Buchan are also highly praised for their magnificence. Many appreciate the opportunities for birdwatching and seal spotting, as well as the peaceful sandy shores of places like Hackley Bay.
Are there accessible trails or viewpoints in the area?
While many coastal paths involve uneven terrain, the Forvie National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre provides facilities and information that can help identify more accessible routes within the reserve. For viewing the Newburgh Seal Colony, the designated viewing areas on the south side of the river offer relatively easy access.
Most popular routes around Slains And Collieston
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