Things To Do
in Peterhead
Peterhead is Scotland's easternmost town, situated on the North Sea coast of Aberdeenshire. It has a long maritime heritage as a busy fishing port and a gateway to Buchan's rugged coastline. The town offers dramatic sea views, a working harbour, and access to nearby nature reserves such as Loch Strathbeg.
Visitors will find a friendly, laid-back atmosphere with easy access to coastal walks and fresh seafood.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start with a gentle stroll along the harbour, letting the morning light sharpen your senses. A warm coffee from a local cafe pairs with quiet boat chatter as the town wakes up.
Explore the historic town center, tracing lanes to old fishermen's cottages and maritime plaques. Take a short coastal walk toward the Buchan Ness lighthouse for sea spray and panoramic views.
Return to the waterfront for a fresh catch and stories shared by friendly staff. End with a leisurely promenade under lantern light as the boats settle into the evening.
Rise with the tide and follow a seaside path along the shore. Let the cool air and soft sounds of gulls set a calm pace for the day.
Visit a local heritage site to learn about the town's fishing roots and maritime past. Wander Market Street to browse independent shops and sample small-town treats.
Enjoy a seafood supper at a family-run restaurant and swap stories with locals. Finish with a twilight stroll along the harbour, listening to the gentle clink of cups and mugs.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥗Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $3-6 |
| 🚌Public transport day pass | $15-25 |
| 🏨One-night hotel stay | $80-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning coastal scenery and nearby nature reserves
- Fresh seafood and authenticAberdeenshire hospitality
- Compact town with easy access to Aberdeen and other coastal attractions
- Strong sense of maritime history and local character
- Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale entertainment options
- Public transport can be infrequent outside peak hours
- Weather can be unpredictable and coastal winds can be strong
- Some attractions require a short drive to reach
Places to Visit in Peterhead
Visit one of these nice places.
A commanding coastal lighthouse perched on cliff tops with sweeping sea views; dramatic at dawn and dusk.
Working harbour with colorful nets, boats, and industrial silhouettes against the seascape; interesting compositions at all tides.
Ruined castle perched above the sea on a rocky promontory; iconic for moody seascapes and dramatic skies.
Expansive reed beds and water bodies that attract a variety of birds; great for wide-angle landscape and wildlife photography.
Long sandy beach with dunes and sea stacks; ideal for sunset seascapes and tranquil coastal scenes.
Food in Peterhead
Peterhead Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh seafood platters and shellfish prepared simply to showcase the catch; best found at harbourfront eateries.
Must-Try!
A creamy smoked haddock soup often listed on menus across Aberdeenshire; order a bowl with crusty bread for a warming starter.
Creamy chowder loaded with local shellfish and potatoes; a comforting option on cooler days.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
On weekends, stalls offer fresh catches, smoked fish, and shellfish straight from local boats—great for a fresh bite or to take home.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite 'hello' or 'aye there' is common. Queuing is respected; be patient and friendly in busy spots.
Respect private property near the coast and industrial sites; stay on public paths and follow safety signs near cliffs.
In residential areas, keep noise reasonable, especially late at night. Litter should be disposed of responsibly or taken home.
Safety
Tipping in Peterhead
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service, typically 10–15% in restaurants if a service charge isn’t included. In pubs and casual venues, tips are discretionary and often left in cash.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Carry a small amount of cash for markets, street stalls, or smaller venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days with mild temperatures (roughly 15–20°C). Still bring a light jacket and sunscreen; coastal breezes can be strong, and sea fog can roll in at times.
Cooler days with wind and showers; good for birding around Strathbeg and dramatic coastal photography as skies clear after rain.
Cold and often windy with short daylight hours; pack warm layers and waterproofs. Coastal storms can affect visibility and accessibility on some days.
Milder weather and increasing daylight; wildlife returns to Strathbeg and the coast begins to bloom with coastal plants.
Peterhead at Night
Hiking in Peterhead
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trails with sea views and cliff vistas, suitable for a moderate day hike.
A long-distance route connecting Ellon to Peterhead, suitable for walkers and cyclists.
Accessible trails around the reserve with boardwalks and birding hides.
Airports
How to reach Peterhead by plane.
The nearest major airport, about an hour by road from Peterhead, offering domestic and international flights and good onward connections.
A larger international hub about a few hours away by car or rail, useful for long-haul connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly local Scottish residents with a strong fishing-town identity.
Some seasonal workers in fisheries and hospitality, contributing to a diverse, transient presence during peak seasons.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local clubs and matches, with opportunities to watch regional teams.
Coastal links courses in the Aberdeenshire area offer scenic rounds.
Sea fishing and shoreline activities are popular given Peterhead’s maritime setting.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Peterhead.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in cafés and pubs, including soups, salads, veggie burgers, and pasta dishes. Most places can accommodate requests and substitutions with a bit of advance notice.