Best attractions and places to see around Whitehills And District include a mix of coastal scenery, historical landmarks, and opportunities for outdoor activities. This region on the north Aberdeenshire coast features traditional fishing villages, significant historical sites, and natural features like sandy beaches and cliff-top paths. The area provides diverse experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to enjoying marine life.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Highlight • Historical Site
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The prominent tower is a useful landmark for seafarers returning to harbour. The names of those who died in the First World War were taken from the Roll of Honour compiled by George Forbes Dickson, a local man who kept a jewellery shop in Duff Street. Throughout the war Dickson kept lists on the wall inside his shop of all who had volunteered, been wounded, killed, imprisoned or awarded medals. His little shop played a hugely important role in the town during those years.
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From here you have the best view of the town
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The castle is fenced and considered dangerous, but is clearly visible from the road.
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This is one of my favorite beaches on the Moray coast. The path between the beach and the castle ruins near the car park is quite steep, narrow and muddy and slippery after rain, but once down it is well worth the walk. You can combine a visit to Sunnyside Beach with a visit to Charlie's Cave and the castle ruins, both of which you can reach within a 30-minute walk.
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Eden Castle was built in the second half of the 16th century with major additions in the late 1600's. The castle is now largely ruined but still shows the Z-Plan tower house and twin towers. It's visible from the road but in a poor state and you can't go in.
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Superb castle in ruins on the side of the cliff.
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Super nice sandy beach! Hardly anything going on here - just to enjoy 😎
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The region boasts several unique historical sites. You can visit Eden Castle Ruins, a largely ruined 16th-century castle visible from the road. Another fascinating spot is The Red Well, an ancient Roman structure protecting a spring, believed by some to have functioned as an ancient calendar. The Whitehills Parish Church is also notable, having been dismantled stone by stone in Banff and reassembled in Whitehills.
The Banffshire Coast offers stunning cliff-top paths and sprawling sandy beaches. Cullen Coastal Village and Beach is a popular spot for glorious coastal walks, and nearby Sunnyside Beach provides a quiet environment to enjoy the Moray coast. Don't miss Bow Fiddle Rock near Cullen, a unique rock formation that is an obvious highlight.
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Macduff Marine Aquarium, a short drive from Whitehills, features a 40,000-liter tank showcasing native Moray Firth marine life. Cullen Coastal Village and Beach is also considered family-friendly, offering walks and a charming village atmosphere. Additionally, the Macduff War Memorial offers great views that can be enjoyed by families.
Whitehills Marina, once a traditional fishing harbor, is now a modern leisure marina that still sees fishing boats and hosts a fish market. The Traditional Seatown in Whitehills features cottages turned gable-end-on to the sea, reflecting its fishing heritage, with interpretive boards detailing the industry's development. Further afield, The Salmon Bothy in Portsoy delves into the local fishing industry, boat building, and maritime trade.
The wider area provides opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities including golf, sea angling, river angling, sailing, walking, cycling, swimming, bird watching, and rock climbing. The Banffshire Coast is particularly noted for its stunning cliff-top paths and beaches. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Eden Castle Ruins – Banff Harbour loop from Whitehills', and easy hikes like 'The Red Well – Whitehills Marina loop from Whitehills'. For more details on routes, check out the Cycling around Whitehills And District guide or the Easy hikes around Whitehills And District guide.
Yes, the Banffshire Coast and the Moray Firth are excellent areas for spotting marine wildlife. The Moray Firth is known for its population of bottlenose dolphins, one of only two pods in the UK. Whales and dolphins are often seen from the cliffs or via boat trips, and you might even spot them from sandy beaches like Banff Links.
The region offers attractions year-round, but the warmer months, typically spring through early autumn, are ideal for enjoying coastal walks, outdoor activities, and wildlife spotting. During these times, the weather is generally more favorable for exploring the beaches, cliff paths, and villages. However, historical sites and museums are accessible throughout the year.
Absolutely. Findlater Castle is a ruined castle situated dramatically on a cliff edge, offering a great viewpoint. Eden Castle Ruins, a 16th-century castle, is also visible from the road. For ancient history, the Whitehills Stone Circle, a 4,000-year-old recumbent stone circle, can be found near the Menaway Hills.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning coastal scenery and the opportunities for glorious coastal walks, particularly around Cullen Coastal Village and Beach. The historical sites like Findlater Castle are appreciated for their dramatic locations and insights into the past. Many also enjoy the quiet, sandy beaches such as Sunnyside Beach, perfect for relaxation.
Yes, the Boyndie Airfield, a former RAF base located inland from Whitehills, played a pivotal role in WWII. A memorial alongside the A98 is dedicated to the 80 airmen killed in flying operations from this base. Additionally, the prominent Macduff War Memorial, a 70-foot-high octagonal tower, offers views over the town and commemorates the fallen.
Banff Links is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a haven for geologists, offering scenic walks and insights into the area's geological formations. The Red Well, with its red deposit, also presents an interesting natural phenomenon, possibly due to its iron content.
Yes, the classic Scottish fishing village of Pennan is famous as a filming location for the movie "Local Hero," where its iconic red telephone box became a recognizable landmark. It's a picturesque village worth visiting for its charm and cinematic history.


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