Are museums free to visit?

Many museums are free to enter, some larger or specialist museums may charge an entry fee, so it’s always worth checking ahead before you visit.

Are museums open all year round?

Many city-based attractions are open year-round, while smaller heritage centres and rural museums may operate on seasonal hours. It’s recommended to check individual listings before planning your visit.

Are museums suitable for children?

Yes, many museums are family-friendly and offer engaging displays for children.

Are dogs allowed in museums?

Dogs are generally not permitted inside most museums, with the exception of assistance dogs. However, some attractions with outdoor areas or grounds may be dog-friendly, so it’s best to check ahead if you’re planning to visit with a pet.

Are museums accessible?

You will find the majority, if not all, are accessible, we would recommend ahead of arrival.

How long should you spend at a museum?

Visit times vary depending on the size of the museum, but most attractions can be enjoyed in 1–2 hours. Larger museums may take longer to explore, while smaller heritage centres can be visited more quickly as part of a wider day out.

Do I need to book museums in advance?

Most museums do not require advance booking, but it can be useful during busy periods or for special exhibitions and events. Checking ahead will help you make the most of your visit.

Museums

Discover museums across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, from art and maritime heritage to local history and hands-on experiences.

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Step into history and culture

Explore the rich history, culture and creativity of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire through its wide range of museums.

From world-class collections and interactive exhibits to local heritage centres and hidden wonders, there’s a wide variety of interests to be explored. Whether you’re uncovering the region’s seafaring past, discovering stories from rural communities or enjoying art and innovation, museums offer fascinating days out.

Maritime and coastal heritage

Discover Aberdeenshire’s strong connection to the sea through museums that bring maritime history to life. From fishing communities to lighthouse keepers and coastal trade, these attractions highlight how the coastline has shaped the region.

Explore detailed exhibits and ship models at Aberdeen Maritime Museum, or step into smaller, characterful spaces like Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum and Maggie Law Maritime Museum. Further north, The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses offers a unique insight into lighthouse life and coastal safety, it also hosts the castle turned lighthouse, Kinnaird head castle.

Local history and heritage

Step into the stories of Aberdeenshire’s towns and villages through museums that celebrate local life, people and traditions. These attractions offer a more personal look at the region’s past, from rural communities to market towns.

Discover community history at Garioch Heritage Centre and Banchory Museum, or explore coastal pasts at Banff Museum. Literary fans can also visit Grassic Gibbon Centre to learn more about one of the region’s most celebrated writers and the landscape that inspired his work.

Historic buildings and museums

Experience history in its original setting by visiting museums housed in historic buildings. These spaces bring the past to life, offering a glimpse into how people lived, worked and governed in earlier centuries.

Step inside the beautifully restored Provost Skene's House in the city centre or explore the rich military heritage of Gordon Highlanders Museum. These attractions combine architecture, storytelling and immersive displays to create a memorable visitor experience.

Specialist and unique collections

For something a little different, the region is home to a range of specialist museums with unique collections and themes. These attractions offer fascinating insights into specific industries, subjects and ways of life.

Discover the natural world at the Aberdeen Zoology Museum, explore rural traditions at Aberdeenshire Farming Museum in Mintlaw, or delve into transport history at Grampian Transport Museum in Alford. Each offers a distinctive perspective and a chance to explore a niche interest in more depth.

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History & Heritage

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city's long relationship with the Sea. This award-winning museum is located on the historic Shiprow and incorporates Provost Ross's House, which was built in 1593.

Grampian Transport Museum

Located in the vibrant village of Alford, just 45 minutes from Aberdeen, the museum boasts an impressive range of transport exhibits, from travelling chariots of the 1800s, to some of the fastest cars ever made.

Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum

The museum has a number of artefacts associated with Stonehaven's heritage, many with an association with the days when the building served as a prison.

The Gordon Highlanders Museum

The Gordon Highlanders Museum is multi-award winning 5-star Visit Scotland museum and visitor attraction in the west end of Aberdeen, voted The Best Visitor Attraction in Aberdeen and the North East at The Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards 2024.

Museum of Scottish Lighthouses

Ever heard of a full-size lighthouse built right through the middle of a 16th-century castle? Well, seeing is believing! Come and marvel at this truly unique structure, discover the lifestyle and courage of the lighthouse keepers, and appreciate the sophisticated engineering that saved countless lives.

Businesses

Family Friendly | History & Heritage

Kinnaird Head Castle and Lighthouse

Explore a fine castle turned lighthouse. Built for the Fraser family in the 1500s, Kinnaird Head was altered in 1787 to contain the first lighthouse built by the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Businesses

Arts & Culture | History & Heritage | Family Friendly