Stonehaven War Memorial Black Hill
A poignant octagonal memorial on Black Hill offering breathtaking coastal views and a peaceful space for remembrance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light & fewer people
Stonehaven War Memorial Black Hill
Best Time
Golden light & fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant octagonal memorial on Black Hill offering breathtaking coastal views and a peaceful space for remembrance.
"A moving tribute with breathtaking views and a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere."
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
The walk up Black Hill is a bit steep but rewarding. Comfortable footwear is a must for the path!
Bring binoculars :binoculars:
Great for spotting wildlife and enjoying the expansive coastal views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Coastal Views
Black Hill Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the North Sea, Stonehaven Bay, and the rugged Scottish coastline.
The Octagonal Memorial
Summit of Black Hill
A striking, temple-like concrete structure symbolizing remembrance and peace, with inscribed names of fallen soldiers.
Reflective Atmosphere
Memorial Site
A peaceful and spiritual spot perfect for quiet contemplation and gratitude for those who served.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
The Walk to Remembrance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
The walk up Black Hill is a bit steep but rewarding. Comfortable footwear is a must for the path!
Bring binoculars :binoculars:
Great for spotting wildlife and enjoying the expansive coastal views.
Visit at sunset/sunrise
Adds an even more powerful and atmospheric experience to your visit.
Combine with Dunnottar Castle
It's a popular stop on the coastal path between Stonehaven and the castle.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
The walk up Black Hill is a bit steep but rewarding. Comfortable footwear is a must for the path!
Bring binoculars :binoculars:
Great for spotting wildlife and enjoying the expansive coastal views.
Visit at sunset/sunrise
Adds an even more powerful and atmospheric experience to your visit.
Combine with Dunnottar Castle
It's a popular stop on the coastal path between Stonehaven and the castle.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Stonehaven War Memorial for its breathtaking panoramic views and peaceful, spiritual atmosphere, making it a moving tribute. While the memorial's concrete structure is noted as not being conventionally beautiful, its historical significance and the stunning natural setting are widely appreciated. The walk up Black Hill is considered a rewarding part of the experience.
"We visited the Stonehaven War Memorial on our way to Dunotter castle. Nicely located on the top of a hill offering nice views of it's surroundings. The monument itself is gray concrete. Not much of a beauty but maybe that's not a must to commemorate fallen war heroes."
Bram Slijpen
"A peaceful & spiritual place with stunning sea views! The memorial's quiet strength & countryside setting invites reflection & gratitude. Notice the inscribing inside - "One by one death challenged them, they smiled in his grim visage and refused to be dismayed" - Sankey"
Carra Straut
"A moving tribute with breathtaking views
The Stonehaven War Memorial is a truly special place that combines historical significance with natural beauty. Located on top of Black Hill, just above the town, the memorial was built in 1923 to honour the local men who lost their lives in World War I and later World War II. Its open, circular, temple-like structure is simple but incredibly powerful in design—symbolising loss, remembrance, and peace.
Getting to the memorial is part of the experience. It’s a short but slightly steep walk (around 10–15 minutes) from the town centre or the nearby Dunnottar Castle car park. The path is well-trodden, and along the way, you get gorgeous views of the North Sea and Stonehaven Bay. Once you reach the top, the 360-degree views are absolutely stunning—on a clear day, you can see far along the coastline and out to sea.
The site itself is peaceful and well-maintained, perfect for quiet reflection. Plaques list the names of the fallen, and there’s often a poppy wreath or two placed in remembrance. Visiting at sunset or early morning adds an even more powerful atmosphere.
Whether you’re a history lover, a photographer, or just someone looking to enjoy a scenic walk with meaning, the Stonehaven War Memorial is a must-visit while in the area. It left a lasting impression on me, and I highly recommend it to anyone passing through Aberdeenshire."
Dinesh Jayanayake (DJ)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Stonehaven War Memorial is located on Black Hill, overlooking Stonehaven. From Aberdeen, you can drive south on the A90 for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train to Stonehaven station and then enjoy a scenic walk up to the memorial, or take a local bus.
Yes, there is parking available near Dunnottar Castle, which is a short walk from the memorial. You can also find parking in Stonehaven town center and walk up.
Absolutely! It's a pleasant, though slightly steep, walk of about 10-15 minutes from the town center. The path offers lovely views along the way.
The path is well-trodden but can be uneven and is a moderate incline. It's generally manageable with sturdy footwear, but may be challenging for those with significant mobility issues.
The most common approach is a walk from Stonehaven town or the Dunnottar Castle car park. The coastal path offers a beautiful route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Stonehaven War Memorial is completely free. It's an open-air monument accessible to everyone.
The memorial is accessible at all times, as it is an outdoor public space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to enjoy the views.
There is no admission fee. The memorial is a place of remembrance and is freely accessible to all visitors.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the unlit path and potential safety concerns. Daylight hours offer the best experience.
As an outdoor public monument, there are no official opening or closing times. However, it's best to visit during daylight for safety and to appreciate the surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during golden hour, offer the most dramatic light for capturing the memorial and the stunning coastal views.
You can capture sweeping panoramic landscapes of the North Sea and coastline, detailed shots of the memorial's architecture, and reflective portraits with the scenic backdrop.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check current local drone laws and guidelines before flying near the memorial or coastal areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a standard zoom can be useful for details. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography during sunrise or sunset.
The summit offers the best 360-degree views. Experiment with different angles looking towards the sea and back towards the town for varied compositions.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Built in 1923, the memorial honors local men who died in World War I, with additions for World War II. Its octagonal design resembles a ruined temple, symbolizing loss and remembrance.
You'll find a striking octagonal structure with granite stones inscribed with the names of fallen soldiers. The site offers incredible 360-degree views of the sea and surrounding landscape.
The primary activity is quiet reflection and appreciating the historical significance and natural beauty. It's a place for contemplation and remembrance.
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour, allowing time for the walk up, exploration, and enjoying the views.
Restrooms and cafes are available in Stonehaven town center. There are no facilities directly at the memorial site itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining this visit with a trip to Dunnottar Castle, which often captivates younger imaginations. The open space at the memorial allows kids to move around safely (under supervision), and the panoramic views are a great reward for their efforts. Ensure everyone has sturdy shoes :athletic_shoe: for the walk.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
Bring your camera :camerawithflash: to capture the dramatic coastal scenery, especially during sunrise or sunset. The walk can be extended by exploring more of the coastal path, making it a rewarding experience for those who enjoy nature and a sense of accomplishment. Don't forget to bring binoculars :binoculars: to enhance your appreciation of the expansive views.
📸 Photographers
Utilize a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the landscape and the memorial's setting. Consider a tripod for stable shots in lower light conditions. The journey up the hill also provides excellent vantage points for capturing the town of Stonehaven and the nearby Dunnottar Castle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Stonehaven War Memorial
The memorial's location on Black Hill is deliberate, offering a commanding and expansive view of the North Sea and the coastline. This elevated position provides a sense of perspective, allowing visitors to contemplate the vastness of the world and the sacrifices made. The peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, amplified by the natural beauty of the surroundings, invites quiet reflection and gratitude. Visitors often note the powerful inscription found within: "One by one death challenged them, they smiled in his grim visage and refused to be dismayed."
This combination of historical significance, architectural distinctiveness, and breathtaking natural scenery makes the Stonehaven War Memorial a deeply moving and memorable destination. It serves as a place for personal reflection, a historical landmark, and a testament to the enduring spirit of a community.
Experiencing the Coastal Walk
As you ascend, the panorama unfolds, revealing the sparkling North Sea, the picturesque Stonehaven Bay, and the rugged contours of the Aberdeenshire coastline. The sea air and the sound of the waves below contribute to a sense of tranquility and connection with nature. Many visitors recommend bringing binoculars :binoculars: to further appreciate the distant views and potential wildlife sightings. The path itself, while a moderate incline, is manageable for most with comfortable footwear :athletic_shoe:, making it an accessible adventure.
This walk is often combined with a visit to the iconic Dunnottar Castle, as the memorial sits on the coastal path connecting these two significant landmarks. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the area's natural beauty and historical sites, creating a fulfilling day out. The effort of the walk is consistently rewarded with the stunning vistas and the profound sense of peace found at the memorial.
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