Gardenstown (Gamrie), Aberdeenshire
Location information for guests at Saoirse Holiday Cottage
Saoirse holiday cottage is on the East coast of Scotland in Aberdeenshire, facing northerly on the Moray Firth. As long as the weather is fine, this gives the chance of almost all day sun in the summer. You are uniquely able to watch the sunrise and the sunset. In winter there is star gazing and a possibility of seeing the northern lights. Wildlife trips on the sea, can be booked in nearby villages. Dolphins can be spotted from the coastline. There is also birdwatching at Troup Head Nature Reserve.
Gardenstown and Surrounding areas
Gardenstown is called Gamrie by the local people. The village is sleepy and we hope you'll spend time enjoying getting to know the welcoming locals. Saoirse is located on a private road and there is one allocated parking space directly outside the property.
People are very friendly and always happy to chat, give advice and lend a hand. This is somewhere that really has retained respectful human values and we hope you'll enjoy that and contribute to this ethos by being responsible tourists too. Especially by being good neighbours (considering noise, parking and rubbish) and by shopping locally too.
There are two local shops (the Wee Shoppie and the Spar) one village pub serving food (The Garden Arms Hotel), Eli's cafe serving homemade cakes and food, Denside Gallery (selling local made arts and crafts) and a second hand shop (the British Gnome Stores) within very easy walking distance. There is also a museum, Gardenstown Heritage Centre.
This is a terraced village, so there are many small lanes, nooks and crannies and steep steps to help you explore the village. You can drive onto the harbour and seafront if you prefer. Along the narrow lanes, the local rule is you must not set off, if another car has already begun to drive towards you. Extra parking is located at the end of our road, alongside the main road. Or you would need to park in the main car park.
If you're looking for alternative food options in season check the local face book group, which advertises when fresh fish is available and when the fish and chip van will visit. Nearby Macduff and Banff can organise takeaway deliveries too. There is a regular bus going into these towns.
There are many beautiful villages and coves to explore nearby. You can walk from Gardenstown to Crovie along the beach and return via the cliff path. You don't need to leave the beach, but if you're looking for an alternative place to swim there's Cullykhan bay and Mill Shore Beach at Nethermill, only a few minutes drive away. A visit to Troup Head Nature Reserve to see the Gannett Colony is also a must. You can also drive slightly further afield to see other nearby villages, beaches and harbours including Banff, Macduff, Pennan, and Portsoy.
