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Aberdeen’s Top 12 Sunset Spots to Visit for That Scroll-Stopping IG Update (No Filter Needed!)
Last summer, I tried to impress a date with my knowledge of romantic sunset spots in Aberdeen. I was convinced that my perfect little secret spot on the beach would be the ultimate “wow” factor.
Long story short, we got there and were immediately swarmed by about 10 gulls fighting over someone’s leftover chips. Not exactly the peaceful, Instagram-worthy moment I had in mind.
But that was a lesson learned, and because I don’t want you to repeat my mistakes, I’ve put together a list of the top sunset spots in Aberdeen. You gotta follow along, ’cause I promise, these are the best ones!
Balmedie Beach
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Balmedie Beach is like the poster child for what you picture when someone says “Scottish coast.” You’ve got miles of soft golden sands, dramatic dunes, and the North Sea stretching out endlessly before you.
Getting there is a breeze since it’s only about a 15-minute drive from Aberdeen city centre. You definitely want to get there early to scout the perfect spot because, trust me, this place is no secret.
Beyond sunset chasing, Balmedie offers a ton of activities to keep you entertained. The dunes are great for a bit of hiking, or if you’re feeling adventurous, run down them—it’s way more fun than you’d think.
Pro tip:
The sunsets are undoubtedly stunning, but the wind can pick up pretty quickly as the temperature drops. So, it’s better to bring a warm jacket or a cosy blanket so you can enjoy the view without turning into an icicle.
Torry Battery
Media credit: danoaberdeen
Contact details: +44 122 462 4824
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Directions
Torry Battery is a historic artillery battery with some serious character and breathtaking views of the Aberdeen coastline. Located to the south of the River Dee, it’s like a hidden vantage point for sunsets and even dolphin-spotting.
Yeah, you read that right—on a good day, you can catch sight of dolphins frolicking in the water, which is a pretty awesome bonus to your sunset experience. It’s super accessible, just a short drive or even a decent walk from the city centre.
Moreover, the old ruins of the battery itself make for a fascinating backdrop. The area is popular with locals for dog walking and bird watching, so you’ll likely bump into some friendly faces.
Pro tip:
Try to bring binoculars for the dolphins and a good camera if you’re into snapping some epic photos. Oh, and the area can be quite windy, so a windbreaker is not a bad idea.
Stonehaven Harbour
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Website: https://www.aberdeenshireharbours.co.uk/stonehaven/
Contact details: +44 156 976 2741
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Directions
Stonehaven Harbour is a bit of a drive from Aberdeen—around 30 minutes—but hey, is it worth it? The sunsets here have an almost magical quality, casting a warm glow over the tranquil waters (you imagine that, eh?).
Besides the jaw-dropping sunsets, there’s plenty to do here. Either you take a walk along the harbour, grab some fish and chips from one of the local shops, or even explore the nearby Dunnottar Castle if you have some time.
The harbour area has a really chill vibe, perfect for just unwinding and watching the world go by. You may also look out for the fishermen too; it’s fascinating watching them bring in their catch.
Pro tip:
Make sure to check the tide times. At high tide, the views are even more beautiful, and the reflections in the water make for some superb photos.
Old Slains Castle (Not Dracula castle)
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Website: https://canmore.org.uk/site/20953/old-slains-castle
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Directions
Old Slains Castle is a location dripping with history and Gothic vibes. Now, don’t mix it up with the Dracula castle, even though it’s got that eerie, dramatic aura.
It’s an easy drive from Aberdeen, perched right on the cliffs overlooking the North Sea. The ruins are open to roam around, and they make a staggeringly beautiful scene set against the colours of the setting sun.
The sunsets are obviously the big draw here, but the ruins themselves are insanely cool to explore. Just be cautious—the cliffs are right there, and it can get a bit slippery.
Pro tip:
Remember to wear sturdy shoes; the terrain can be uneven and tricky, especially as the light starts to fade. Also, pack some snacks and drinks because there aren’t any facilities nearby, and once you’re there, you won’t want to leave in a hurry.
Bennachie Hill
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Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Directions
Bennachie Hill is a bit of a hike to get to the top, but it’s totally worth it once you’re up there. The views are simply breathtaking, and you’ll get to see an amazing panorama of the surrounding countryside.
The hill itself isn’t just one peak but a series of them, so it’s perfect for exploring a bit before settling down for that golden hour. People often take their dogs for a walk or enjoy a good run here, so it’s quite a lively spot.
There are several routes to choose from, so whether you’re up for a challenging climb or a stroll, Bennachie accommodates all levels of hikers. At the top, there are historical ruins scattered around, like the Iron Age fort at Mither Tap that you can check out too.
Pro tip:
Try to visit on a weekday if you can. Weekends can get pretty crowded, and getting that perfect sunset shot is much easier when you’ve got a bit more space.
Newburgh Seal Beach
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Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Directions
Newburgh Seal Beach is absolutely killer for sunsets and a bit of wildlife spotting, too. You can literally spend the whole day here because there’s so much to do.
You can start with a long walk along the North Sea coastline, maybe even bring a picnic, and then wait for that spectacular sunset. It’s an easy spot to access, just a short drive from Aberdeen, and really gives you that escape-into-nature feel.
Besides the main event of the sunset, the estuary is home to a massive colony of seals, and you can see them lounging about on the sandbanks. If you’re visiting during the summer, the dunes are a great place for a little bit of adventure and exploration.
Pro tip:
Expect it to be a bit breezy, and it can get pretty chilly as the sun goes down, so bring a warm jacket.
The tides are worth noting too, as they can come in quite fast, so keep an eye on the water levels if you’re close to the shoreline.
Union Terrace Gardens
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Website: http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/community_life_leisure/parks_open_spaces/pos_UnionTerrGarden.asp
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Directions
Union Terrace Gardens is like a perfect sunset spot right in the middle of the city. This park is a real oasis amidst the urban landscape, offering a little tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle.
As the afternoon turns into evening, you’ll find lots of people gathering here to relax and take in the view. The gardens are well-kept with beautiful flower arrangements, so it’s a lovely place for a leisurely walk or a bit of lounging on the grass.
There are also plenty of sculptures and statues to check out, adding a bit of culture to your sunset outing. It’s a pretty family-friendly spot too, with plenty of space for kids to run around, so it’s a great choice if you’re with the whole gang.
Pro tip:
Be ready for the chill in the air as the sun goes down, even in summer.
If you want a quieter spot, head to the top of the garden near the library. It’s usually less crowded and offers a great angle for sunset photos.
Brimmond Hill
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Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Directions
Brimmond Hill is the highest point in the city, so you get an unrivalled 360-degree view, making it worth the climb. Whether you’re into walking, running, or simply want to sit somewhere peaceful and read a book, Brimmond Hill caters to everyone.
A big plus is that it’s not as well-known as some other spots, so you might just have it all to yourself. Beyond the sunset, the trails here are great for a bit of hiking, and there are plenty of spots where you can sit and take in the view.
The area is rich in wildlife, from birds to deer, so it’s a cool spot for nature lovers. There are also visible remnants of old quarries scattered around, which can be pretty interesting to explore if you’re into a bit of history.
Pro tip:
Expect it to be a bit windy up there, so bring something to keep you warm.
The best route up the hill is from Kingswells, as its path is well-marked and offers the easiest ascent.
Girdleness Lighthouse
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Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Directions
Girdleness Lighthouse is where you get a sweeping view of the North Sea, and the old lighthouse standing tall and proud gives it a bit of a dramatic flair. It’s an awesome spot if you’re into photography or just want to sit back and take it all in.
Aside from the sunsets, there’s plenty to do and see. You can take a leisurely stroll along the coastline and keep an eye out for dolphins—yep, they’re often spotted there!
It’s also a perfect place to let your dog run wild or have a little picnic. Another thing to note is that the lighthouse itself is steeped in history, so brushing up on its backstory can add to your experience.
Pro tip:
Timing is everything! So it’s wise to get there at least half an hour before sunset to snag the best spot and settle in.
Catterline Bay
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Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Directions
Catterline Bay offers a cosy yet stunning setting to catch the sunset, and it’s tucked away enough that you won’t be fighting crowds. With cliffs wrapping around the bay and little fishing boats dotting the water, it’s postcard-perfect.
One of the key highlights has to be the way the setting sun reflects off the water and casts a golden hue over everything. If you’re the adventurous type, you can check out the coastal trails that give you even better vantage points for viewing the sunset.
You can also look for seabirds along the cliffs or explore some of the rock pools. Perfect for a bit of scrambling if you’re into that!
Pro tip:
Do take note of the tide schedules, as the bay can become quite isolated during high tide, making some areas inaccessible. Also, the rocks can be jagged and slippery, so wearing proper footwear is advisable.
Duthie Park
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Website: https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/environment/parks/duthie-park
Contact details: +44 122 434 6421
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 5 PM
Directions
Duthie Park isn’t the first place you think of when considering sunset spots, but trust me, it’s worth it. This beautifully maintained park offers a lush green space right in the city and has some amazing vantage points for catching the sunset.
With its expansive lawns, glistening ponds, and curated gardens, it’s an unexpectedly idyllic setting for an evening rendezvous.
Beyond the beautiful sunsets, the David Welch Winter Gardens here are a must-see—home to various exotic plants, including cacti and ferns.
Pro tip:
Just a heads up: the park can get quite busy, especially on weekends and public holidays, so finding a secluded spot might take a bit longer.
Make sure you stop by the park’s café for some snacks and a hot drink before you settle in to watch the sunset. It’s a cosy way to enhance your park experience.
Dunnottar Castle
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Website: https://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk/
Contact details: +44 156 976 6320
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Directions
Dunnottar Castle is an absolute showstopper when it comes to sunset spots. The ruins of the castle, perched high on a rugged cliff, make for an almost fairy-tale setting during sunset.
The surrounding cliffs have some excellent walking trails, and again, for those dolphin enthusiasts, this is another prime spot. The whole area is just bursting with photo opportunities, so keep your phone or camera charged.
Pro tip:
Plan to get there early, as the best vantage points can get a bit busy, especially during peak season. Also, it can get windy, so a light jacket wouldn’t hurt.
