My Favourite Places to Stay in Peterhead

I came to Peterhead the way I come to most places: old boots, an old friend and a flask of tea.

It's a working harbour town that wins you over slowly, and I've grown fond of it. Here are the beds I'd choose, and the days that go with each.

Start by walking, because Peterhead rewards it. The Peterhead Trail winds through tales of smugglers, ghosts and witchcraft, passing Broad Street, Albert Quay on Keith Inch and the Fisher Jessie statue.

Arbuthnot Museum - founded in 1863, with model ships and Arctic fossils, and I'd happily lose an hour there!

Buchanhaven Heritage Centre - fishing industry and WWI history, a small place with a big heart.

Walking costs nothing, which suits a careful ledger. That's why I'd base myself in the middle of town.

Peterhead Prison Museum - a close look at a prison that ran from 1888 until 2013, and the one ticket I'd always budget for.

It also sits top of Tripadvisor's list of things to do in Peterhead. It's my first choice for a grey, wet day, and a self-guided audio tour lets you go at your own pace.

After a day like that, I want a roomy bed and an easy dinner.

Bullers of Buchan - a clifftop area with a collapsed sea cave and seasonal seabird colonies, and my favourite stretch of this coast!

RSPB Loch of Strathbeg and Rattray Head are worth adding to the same day.

Wildlife is a pattern, never a promise. I'd aim for spring into summer, in the first hours after dawn. Ask the RSPB reserve team at Loch of Strathbeg what's about.

The question visitors always asked at my gate was "what time should we come?" My answer was always earlier than they wanted, and they never regretted it.

Buchan Ness Lighthouse - a short trip from the south harbour, in Boddam, with lovely views out to sea.

You can even stay in the cottages there.

Slains Castle is said to have inspired Dracula, and it makes a good moody detour.

For these coastal days, I'd sleep in Boddam itself.

Peterhead Lido Beach, Scotstown Beach and Ugie Beach are my gentle, low-cost answer to a free afternoon.

Aden Country Park - a lovely green space for stretching your legs after the coast.

If golf is your thing, Peterhead Golf Club and Cruden Bay Golf Club are both on the map. Simple pleasures like these keep the ledger honest!

Peterhead Scottish Week - the country's biggest and longest-running weeklong gala, with over 60 events across nine days in July. I'd book a bed early for it.

The Peterhead Bonfire - 5 November, 6:30 PM at Gadle Braes, and a lovely warm-up for the dark season.

Peterhead Producers Market - Saturday mornings into the afternoon in the town centre, so worth it for local treats.

Aden Music Festival - a September Saturday at Aden Country Park.

That's my little black book of Peterhead. Pick a base, walk out early and let the coast show you its character.

For more beds across the region, have a look at these Aberdeenshire hotels and apartments.

Wander, follow your feet and find your own favourites. Prices and availability can change, so confirm when booking.