A guide to having fun by the sea, all year round
Spending time by wonderful coastlines has come back in vogue helped by staycations and the emergence of research that shows the benefits of spending time by water.
So-called blue space time when you are near water, and especially the sea, is associated with many positive measures of physical and mental wellbeing, from higher levels of vitamin D to better social relations.
It’s not just in the warmer times that the seaside is special. Every month has a bliss all of its own. Just dress appropriately for the weather and you’re all set.
Here’s our pick of year-round activities to enjoy by the sea at Portsoy in Aberdeenshire.
Dolphin watching
The waters of the Moray Firth are home to the most northerly colony of bottlenose dolphins in the world. This is one of only two resident populations in the UK, and some of the largest too. As well as dolphins, harbour porpoises and whales, especially the Minke whale, can be seen along the Moray coast.
So, forget hunting for a monster on Loch Ness, the Moray Firth dolphins are a lot less elusive!
uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/how-we-help/bottlenose-dolphins-moray-firth-scotland
Selfie time
If you don’t catch a glimpse of our dolphins, there’s one sure way to see one. Portsoy’s Dolphin Sculpture overlooking the harbour is the perfect spot for a family snap or selfie. Designed by local artist Carn Standing, it was formed from anodised wire in tribute to the famed residents of the Moray Firth. It offers a great vantage point of the Banffshire coast and Portsoy’s harbours and is one of Portsoy’s most Instagrammable locations.
Coastal walking
Did you know that Aberdeenshire’s coast was rated as one of the most scenic in the world by National Geographic magazine? We’re not suggesting you explore the full length of the 165-mile signposted Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail in one go, but even tackling a small segment, as you can from Portsoy which is on the western edges of the route, will enable you to discover the delights of the area. Expect to find dramatic cliffs, captivating coves, beautiful nature reserves with an abundance of wildlife and expansive beaches en route. A downloadable guide is available here:
Picnic in Portsoy
Whether it’s a flask and a few sandwiches, or a veritable spread of savoury and sweet treats with fine crockery to match, there’s no shortage of great places to pause and refuel in Portsoy. Grab a bench or a picnic table and enjoy al fresco eating the Portsoy way. The views are completely free!
Stone stacking
Stone stacking is bang on trend and Portsoy Links is a great place to have a go for yourself.
Produce a natural sculpture with nothing other than pebbles, gravity and your own building skills. You’ll find no shortage of interesting stones to aid your construction and design.
Sandcastle Competition
There are few things more fun than building a sandcastle on the beach, so let imaginations run wild in creating your family’s masterpiece. This activity will give your little ones freedom to make their own expression in sand. It’s a great way for kids to become creative, independent, and imaginative during a beach trip. Don’t forget to bring your bucket and spade!
Listen to the locals
Doric is widely spoken in these parts and its rich, expressive tones are unique to North-east Scotland. With its roots are firmly set in traditional farming and fishing heartlands of Aberdeenshire and Banffshire, Doric is enjoying a real revival in the 21st Century, having been given official language status.
There’s nothing to beat a friendly ‘Fitlike’ welcome fae the locals when you visit Portsoy!
Playtime at Portsoy
Loch Soy has acres of open space for the whole family to let off steam. The man-made boating pond opened in 1973 and is surrounded by acres of green space that provides an oasis of calm just off the town’s main throughfare. Feed the ducks, and kids will love the play park where they can swing, climb and balance on the play equipment to their hearts’ content.
The sky’s the limit
With its open views across the sea, Portsoy is the perfect place for star gazing. The most stunning night sky to see is without a doubt the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights. The heavenly dancers can be best seen in night skies between September and March, when it is easiest to distinguish the colours of the aurora against the darkness. Be prepared for a light scene that’s heavenly in every sense of the word.
Remember to breathe!
The views around Portsoy are so incredible that they might take your breath away! We doubt that you’ll tire of watching the ever-changing seascape, and no two days look the same on this incredible stretch of the Banffshire coast.
Research shows that the sound of waves can be very soothing to the brain. Being relaxed helps clear the mind, lower stress levels and strengthen your immune system.
Make Portsoy your destination of choice to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Chilled, and by the sea.
