7 places to watch the sunset in the North East
It's beautiful
Last updated 24th Apr 2019
With a mountain of top spots to visit, we all know that the North East of Scotland is an amazing place for a day out. Whether you want to amble in woodland, climb a hill or paddle in the beach, we have it all.
What is lesser-known however, is the beauty of these same spots at night. Watching the sun set in parts of the North East can be even more stunning than in daylight. The sunrise in these areas is pretty spectacular too. Here are seven of our top picks for a sunset in the North East.
Balmedie Beach
Balmedie Beach is a leading hit with local residents as well as visitors to the area.
The sandy beach is flat, long and wide so is perfect for anyone and any activity, plus it is convenient to get to, being only five miles from Aberdeen and has a car park nearby.
One of its greatest attractions is the collection of sand dunes on the beach. The dunes stretch to an amazing 14 miles along the coast, making it the fifth largest sand dune system in Britain and an area of scientific interest.
The well-maintained beach area is a great place for walks, and there are good amenities.
Its location renders it a prime spot for appreciating the sunset, the wide beach next to the coastline means that the landscape is incredible and as the sun casts its final rays over the dunes you'll be mesmerised by the breathtaking colours.
Sit on one of the dunes and you will find you have a prime seat to watch the show.
Torry Battery
Torry Battery attracts huge numbers of tourists every year, and this is no surprise, as it is a monument with historical importance. The port was of immense trade importance rendering it a target for enemies. For this reason, the tower was built in 1860 for the city's defence and designed to fire at enemy vessels out at sea. An important weapon, it was operational during both world wars.
The tower is now an ancient monument, and these ruins serve as an excellent viewpoint of the coastal area.
The commanding view of the city is magnificent, so to watch the sun set from this location is an absolute delight.
Slains Castle
Towering imposingly over Cruden Bay, the ruins of Slains Castle are an eerie yet magnificent sight perched high on the cliffs.
Below it, the beach itself is a lovely gentle stretch of golden sand, just under two miles, dotted with sand dunes. It is a particular attraction for those who enjoy water sports and can get particularly busy in warm weather during the day.
At sunset, the silhouette of the sharp rugged ruins on the cliffs awash with varying orange tones is simply stunning. The views over the land as the sun sets out to sea are a real treat.
It is easy to see why this place was such an inspiration for Bram Stoker!
Stonehaven Harbour
Stonehaven's coastal area is conveniently situated approximately 30 minutes from Aberdeen, but feels like it is in the middle of nowhere. This is in part due to the impressive cliffs, which are some of the biggest in the country. These cliffs host some incredible wildlife and their residents include a variety of seabirds, so the area is controlled by the RSPB.
As night begins to fall, the view from this harbour area is magnificent. The spectrum of pinks, orange and yellow in the sky is terrific and the colours bouncing off the water are mesmerising. Such a relaxing way to end the day.
Bennachie Hill
Bennachie is a real jewel in the Aberdeen crown and is an unquestionable favourite amongst residents and visitors. An iconic and distinctive hill, Bennachie has several peaks, creating a rich variety of walks and climbs. The views from the top are breath taking.
Sunset at Bennachie Hill is just perfect. Simply stand at sea level and look at the magnificent silhouette of Bennachie against the setting sun. Its many peaks cutting through the dimming sunlight create cascading shadows amongst the orange and yellow light.
If you are feeling brave, you could also climb part of the hill and look across at the panoramic views from above. The sky looks like a canvas of watercolours and it is worth the climb. But make sure you only climb at dusk if you are experienced with night climbing and have packed the necessary equipment.
Newburgh Beach
Commonly named Newburgh Seals Beach, this area has the massive attraction of beautiful grey seals. The colony is made up of 400 seals and people flock to this area from all around to catch a glimpse of them.
The beach is only 20 minutes from Aberdeen, however, it feels like you are in the wild. The area is largely untouched and boasts the largest population of eider ducks in the UK.
The beach itself is sandy, wide and long and there are amazing dunes throughout.
As the sun starts to set, the views above are just incredible. Watch as the sun sets over the top of the dunes while the sea gently rolls across the sand behind you, a lovely place to end the day.
Brimmond Hill
Brimmond Hill is super popular during the day. This is partly due to the fact that it is a nice gentle walk, so anyone can enjoy its pleasures. The paths are clearly marked and from the top of the hill at 130 metres there is an excellent view of the city and the North Sea. In wet weather the paths can become muddy so prepare well and dress appropriately.
As the sun starts to set, the hill towers majestically against the pinky orange sky. The persistent sunlight cuts around the hill creating simply beautiful and warm views.
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