Cruden Bay is a village with a certain magic about it, well I would say that as I grew up there, but having said that, there is something special about this place. A quick glance on Google Maps will show you that it’s a pretty place where much of the main road that passes through the village has views over the golf course. What makes this village really special though is its river, woods, pretty harbour, wonderful sandy beach and castle. Oh and it is rich in stories and myths too!

It’s a very pretty village which is rich in mystery and legend. Slains Castle which is perched by the cliff edge at Cruden Bay, is rumoured to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula when he visited and stayed in the village and Viking remains have been found in this little village. Local rumour has it that there is a big Viking ship under the golf course but it won’t ever be disturbed as it would ruin the fantastic course. Whether you believe this or not it’s up to you but I can tell you that at times archaeologists have been seen digging in the village close to the golf course when new houses have been being built as remains have been discovered. It is also said that the Battle of Cruden was held by the sand dunes of Cruden Bay beach between the Scots and the Vikings when a Viking ship landed in 1012 and the dunes are very close to the golf course indeed. Such is the fascination for the Viking history in this area that Viking re-enactment days are sometimes held. See some inspirational Viking battle re-enactment photos on the Cruden Country blog.

For children Cruden Bay can be a paradise. Walks through the woods to Slains Castle can be enjoyed (children must be supervised at all times near Slains Castle though as there are steep cliffs which are unfenced and this is potentially a very dangerous place for children and dogs). Cruden Bay beach is just wonderful for children where they can enjoy building sand castles, paddling, and jumping from the sand dunes. There are also sometimes interesting sea creatures washed up from the North Sea such as large unusual jelly fish, mermaid’s purses and stranded whales have even sadly been washed up in 1996.