Pretty little seaside village has very few tourists despite being one of UK's three best

1 week ago 24

Portsoy Harbour, Moray Firth, Aberdeenshire, Highland Region, Scotland

Portsoy has been named among the best seaside village in the UK (Image: Getty)

A pretty seaside village known for its picturesque harbour, historic architecture, and maritime heritage is named among the best in the country. Portsoy, a charming coastal village located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland is often called a “Cornwall without the crowds”.

The seaside village has earned the third spot in the list of the UK’s 20 best seaside villages compiled by The Telegraph.

Situated along the Moray Firth coast, Portsoy offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside.

One of the highlights of Portsoy is its historic harbour, which dates back to the 17th century.

The harbour is still used by fishing boats and pleasure craft today, giving visitors a glimpse into the village's seafaring past.

Portsoy, Scotland

The village is located in Aberdeenshire (Image: Getty)

The annual Portsoy Boat Festival celebrates this maritime heritage with boat races, demonstrations, and live music.

The village is also famous for its historic architecture, with well-preserved buildings lining its narrow streets.

Visitors can explore landmarks such as the 17th-century Old Kirk and the Salmon Bothy, a museum dedicated to the area's fishing heritage.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Portsoy offers outdoor activities such as coastal walks, birdwatching, and fishing.

Portsoy Harbour, Moray Firth, Aberdeenshire, Highland Region, Scotland

One of the highlights of Portsoy is its historic harbour, which dates back to the 17th century (Image: Getty)

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The nearby Portsoy Beach is a popular spot for families and sunbathers during the warmer months. Portsoy hosts various events throughout the year, including the Portsoy Traditional Boat Festival, which attracts visitors from around the world.

With its scenic location, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere, Portsoy is a delightful destination for travellers exploring the Scottish coast.

One user, who has been to the idyllic village wrote on TripAdvisor: "The atmospheric and photogenic Old Harbour dates mainly from 1692, and its construction uniquely uses large stones set vertically, as it was believed they were less likely to be washed away by fierce seas.

"Further round the bay is the New Harbour which was built in 1825 to cope with the demands of the booming herring trade. Clustered around the historic harbour are some impressive buildings dating from the late 16th/early 17th century, and this area has been used as a backdrop for the film 'Whisky Galore' and the series 'Peaky Blinders' amongst others.

"When the tides out it exposes a sheltered sandy beach. Don’t forget to visit the Portsoy Marble Shop at the quayside, and the nearby Salmon Bothy."

A second user said: "Interesting historical harbour. Good cafe and pub on the quay and seafood restaurant nearby. Worth a wander around if you’re passing."